Structural Landscaping

The growth of the building and construction industry in Australia dictates an increasing demand for structural landscaping. Structural landscapers are responsible for external ornamental landscape features, such as decks, driveways, retaining walls and water features.

Thanks to the growth of this trade, the industry provides excellent employment opportunities. However, since structural landscaping involves building work, most states require that structural landscapers are licenced and registered building practitioners.

About the Structural Landscaping Licence

A building practitioner with a structural landscaping licence may, by law, trade in the particular state in which he is registered.

From a customer perspective, the licence provides assurance that the structural landscaper's services will meet Australian standards.

The state's building authority would typically be responsible for issuing licensing and registration.

Do I Really Need a Structural Landscaping Licence?

In most states, a structural landscaper licence or registration are required before the individual undertakes any work.

Being licenced brings many benefits to both the customer and the practitioner. As a practitioner, it allows you to legally practice your profession. However, it also makes you accountable for work provided to customers.

Being a licensed structural landscaper can open up many employment opportunities.

Applying for a Structural Landscaping Licence

Each state has specific requirements regarding the qualifications you need to practice your trade.

In most states, a nationally recognised qualification from a registered training organisation (RTO) or an equivalent qualification will be sufficient. Common qualifications for the structural landscaping licence include:

• Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying CPC30111
• Certificate III in Landscape Construction AHC30916
• Certificate III in Carpentry CPC30211

Highly experienced individuals who do not have the above qualifications from TAFE, RTOs, or schools, may consider a structural landscaping apprenticeship under a licensed building contractor, or obtain the qualification through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

RPL takes into account your existing skills and experience to help save time, effort and money, while fast tracking your qualification process. It is ideal for individuals who are already working in the industries.

Structural Landscaping Licence in Tasmania (TAS)

Tasmania requires that building contractors are accredited to carry out any building work which may or may not include landscaping valued at $5,000 or more.