Interview with NextGen STEPHANIE SPENCE

Plantmark

Where do you work and what is your role?

I work at Plantmark Wantirna as Assistant Manager in the Market. I help with making sure the Market runs smoothly, the customers find what they need and that our stock is looking nice and full!

How long have you worked there and how has your role progressed in that time?

I have worked at Plantmark for 3 years, starting as a General Nursery Hand and diving into the world of horticulture. I have learnt lots about the plants and the industry, and now have progressed to Assistant Manager in the past 4 months.

What/or who inspired you to choose horticulture?

I grew up in a family that was very involved in the garden and this passed along to me. I remember my childhood being outside in the garden digging up potatoes or picking veggies. I also love working outside and this began after living in my van whilst working/travelling in Canada through all types of weather and terrain. When I came home, I knew I would need to work outdoors.

What do you enjoy most about working in horticulture?

I love working in such an amazing community of people with such a passion about what they do! Horticulture is always so interesting and there is always something more to learn. But the people that come through the Market and who I work with, make working in horticulture really interesting and fun.

What are your achievements and ambitions within the industry?

Some achievements are completing my Certificate III in Horticulture and being awarded the Encouraging Women in Horticulture (EWHA) Apprenticeship Grant! I just want to gain as much knowledge as I can and get more involved with events around horticulture.

Who has inspired you on your journey?

I get inspired by the people around me every day when talking about plants, design, landscaping, and production.

What is a typical day like for you?

A typical day is never the same, but my role mostly involves putting stock down, ordering stock, helping customers and suppliers, checking irrigation systems, weed and pest management, and training staff.

Why should more young people choose horticulture as a career?

There are so many possibilities within horticulture and so many employment pathways to choose from. Anyone could find their own career path for what they need and enjoy. There’s never a dull day, the people are happy and friendly, and there’s never ending work to do.

What is the best piece of career advice you’ve received on your journey?

Not exactly career advice but, just the saying: “Find the job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

Are you/have you studied a horticultural course?

Yes, I studied at Swinburne University at Wantirna. Great course and teachers!

Tell us a bit about you; what you enjoy doing outside of work?

I can’t sit still, so I need to always be doing something. It could be anything from walking the dog to playing my guitar. But I change my hobbies a lot depending on what I feel at the time. I like travelling, so going to new places is always great and I love going to gigs and concerts.

Stephanie was the recipient of the EncouragingWomen in Horticulture Australia (EWHA) Apprenticeship Grant for 2022. Applications are now open for EWHA’s grants and scholarships and will close on 30 June 2023. For more information, visit www.ewha.com.au.

Established in 1987, Plantmark has proudly supplied quality plants and trees to the landscape, development, government and retail nursery industries for over 35 years.

In addition to Plantmark’s two large scale production nurseries, they are also backed by a national network of reputable growers. From tube stock to super advanced trees, they offer a large range whilst maintaining the highest quality standards and competitive prices.