Whether you’re thinking of kick starting your floristry career, or wish to develop your skills further, there are many routes you can take to build knowledge, experience and expertise through floristry qualifications.
Types of study:
College courses
College based training is often the first route that a student will take to becoming a professional florist.
Many UK colleges offer floristry courses, these vary from specialist ‘land-based’ horticultural colleges with purpose-built training facilities, to general further education colleges without special facilities.
Due to the complex range of courses and whether you should study full time or part time it is advisable in the first instance to contact the College in your area and discuss with them the appropriate course.
Details of our member colleges are listed here
Full time study
Ideal for school leavers who wish to improve their employment prospects and gain a wide range of floristry skills. Full-time routes are also ideal for mature students seeking a change of career as they can gain a wide range of skills in a short period and are then well placed to enter the industry at intermediate level. Full-time courses also exist for students wishing to undertake a more academic study route, e.g. Higher Education, although some prior industry experience is normally an essential entry requirement. No matter what course you do always ensure its an accredited course. You will also be expected to complete a required number of hours working in the industry which in most cases fits in well, as the full time courses are often 3-4 days a week in college. A number of land-based colleges also offer hostel accommodation for students studying away from home.
Full time courses offer training in a wide range of skills, but it is recommended that you gain as much work experience as possible to build commercial knowledge and put your skills into practise.
Part-time study
It is often possible to find the same course offered both full and part-time by different colleges. Where this is the case it’s best to consider which option best meets your needs: does the part-time course cover the training in as much depth? Does the full-time course offer enough flexibility?
Bear in mind, if you choose a part-time course it may take longer to develop the same range of floristry skills, so you should try to gain part-time employment to compliment your studies and practice within a commercial environment.
Apprenticeships / Work Based Training
Learning on the job is a practical way to develop your skills. However, if you’re hoping to go for a career in floristry it’s crucial you underpin practical knowledge with official accreditations. These not only help with the more technical elements of the job, but also with the business side – which is crucial if you want to succeed.
A current apprenticeship combines work-based training together with formal assessments and building a portfolio of work. Your training is moderated by a college or approved training provider who will visit the workplace on a regular basis. Some colleges / training providers also provide apprentices with ‘off the job’ training to supplement the skills developed in the workplace.
These are available in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Trailblazer Apprenticeship Scheme
The Floristry Trailblazer Apprenticeship is available throughout England.
This apprenticeship is created by Employers and florists for florists, to ensure your training and knowledge is up-to-date with industry standards and expectations. It’s a great way to learn and work at the same time.
Trailblazer Apprenticeships are Government funded to an extent. The employer may have to contribute a small percentage towards the qualification if the apprentice is over 19.
CLICK HERE to read more about this style of learning
Floristry Qualifications
When looking for the right kind of course that suits your needs, whether its for a new career or updating your skills, it can be a bit of a minefield knowing which is the right one for you.
You should be learning hands on as well as theory……..
CLICK HERE to read all the qualifications titles you should look out for in order to train professionally. It’s important to get this right and make sure you are on a course for professionals and not a hobby course which will not give you all the information you need. Always check with the College or Training provider before embarking on new venture.
