By Geraldine Peters
Carrying an ever-present smile and a cheerful demeanour can only mean that Horticulture Executive Lisut Ahzahari Bin Noordin, 52, loves his job.
Sowing The Seeds
Having worked in the mechanical field all his life, Mr Lisut felt he needed a change as his work was physically demanding and operated on a shift schedule. Realising that he could do gardening as a profession was a turning point for not just himself but his family.
“I thought it would be a good switch in my career as I already knew the basics from tending to my own mini garden at home, plus it would give me time to spend with my family as the timing was standardised,” he said.
Upon getting the post of Gardener at the Jurong Bird Park 13 years ago in 2002, Mr Lisut realised that passion alone for the occupation was not enough in supporting his family of five. He visited his Member of Parliament Dr Amy Khor who offered him some life changing advice.
“She said that my salary will increase naturally if I upgrade myself and not focus too much on the figure, so I took her advice,” he said.
Reaping The Harvest
Inspired by Dr Khor’s words, Mr Lisut joined the Attractions, Resorts & Entertainment Union (AREU) in 2004 after hearing of how unions help facilitate such upskilling. "All you need is the drive then the union and your management will help you through,” he said.
And help they did, sending him to courses that helped him develop not just his basic gardening skills but also in areas of professional communication.
Over the years, Mr Lisut devoted his time to gaining certifications to add to his initial Vocational and Industrial Training Board Certification (VITB). He has since learned skills such as trimming and pruning to hedge manicuring and flower design – all of which helped him achieve an Executive role last year with a salary that he is happy with.
“To be an Executive you must be an all-rounder, as my five-man team, inclusive of me, always interchange our roles to keep the greenery top-notch overall,” he added.
Sharing Labour's Fruits
Mr Lisut’s dedication to upgrading himself has rubbed off on his colleagues as his team has since taken an interest in courses as well. The ripple effect did not go unnoticed with his management, as he is now nominated for a May Day Model Partnership Award (MDMPA) 2015.
His three children, aged 22 to 29, are very happy with the validation of their father’s efforts and are now encouraged with the belief that education does not have to end at school.
So what’s next for Mr Lisut?
“I just want grandchildren!” he quipped, “so that I can pass down to them the value of hard work.”
Source: NTUC This Week
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