Andrew Radford, a beaming young man in a striped shirt, sits next to a garden bed holding veggies and flowers.

A Batehaven man who starred in ABC’s hit TV show The Assembly credits TAFE NSW with giving him the skills – and learning support – to earn two qualifications.

Andrew Radford, 41 – who lives with autism and a mild intellectual disability – has gained national attention in recent weeks as one of a diverse group of autistic students in the ABC documentary, which chronicles the students’ journey as they interview celebrities and learn the craft of journalism.

In the three years before the show aired Radford earned both a Certificate III in Horticulture and a Certificate II in Animal Care at TAFE NSW Moruya, and said he could not have completed the courses without the “amazing” learning support he received.

“My disability learning support people would be next to me taking down notes in class and would stay back for two hours after class each week to help me work through assessments,” he said. “It made all the difference to me getting through the courses.”

TAFE NSW Moruya Disability Teacher Consultant Gay Radburn, who worked with Radford said TAFE NSW prided itself on supporting the learning challenges of students.

“We understand that every learner has individual needs that may impact on their ability to study and we are committed to supporting our learners who have a disability,” Radburn said.

“We are there with the student from enrolment through to graduation and it’s so gratifying to see them thrive, just as Andrew has.”

Heading into horticulture

Radford found work as a gardener following his TAFE NSW course and plans to use his qualifications to rejoin the booming horticulture industry in future. He is currently a library assistant at the Eurobodalla Shire Council, a position he has held for the past 23 years.

According to the Australian Government’s Job Outlook, the nation’s gardening services industry is in a strong growth phase, expected to generate annual revenue of nearly $3 billion by the end of 2024.

“It’s been an absolutely amazing experience being on The Assembly and it’s something I will remember for the rest of my life. But I love plants and would love to go into the horticulture industry later in life. It’s so great to be working outside in nature … it’s good for the soul.”

For now, he is focused on a six-week internship with ABC Canberra, where he will find positive news stories about people living with disability.

Among the household names he interviewed in The Assembly were Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, comedian Hamish Blake, actor Sam Neill and pop star Delta Goodrem.