The 13th and 14th November was a fully packed weekend for the Finalists of the World Skills UK competition. The event was hosted this year at Moreton Morrell College and a huge thank you to tutor Jane Benefield and her team of students who looked after us all, decorated the hall and volunteered over the weekend to help us run an amazing and professional competition. (Jo, Lou, Kim, Claire and Zoe, pictured below)
The BFA is the floristry competition organiser for World Skills UK every year, and we work closely with the UK Floristry Judges Guild to create a set of schedules which test and stretch the competitors skills as florists. Tracy Tomlinson from the UKFJG was the technical advisor, making sure the rules and regulations are fair and adhered to. The competition opens up so many opportunities for these individuals at a crucial early stage in their careers. Each of the competitors has under 5 years industry experience.
We also work with our appointed World Skills UK High performance coach, Laura Leong, to make sure they get fantastic focused training which we are sure they will agree really gives them a great creative boost for the event and gives them an advantage at work too.
The Finalists
These competitors battled it out in the heats to gain their place at the final and have shown dedication. They were a delight to work with over the weekend and should all be really proud to have got this far.
Joshua Groody studying at The Sheffield Floristry School (Sheffield College)
Jessica Boyd studying at CAFRE College
Jane Sked-Connop studying at Moreton Morrell College
Emma Howells studying at Coleg Cambria
Emily Wykes studying at Moreton Morrell College
Charlotte Coates studying at Moreton Morrell College
Stacey Spence studying at Doncaster College
Catey Burn studying at BCA College and working at Old Oak Florist
The Competition
The Theme of the Finals was a Rock Festival and the schedules had been written to reflect that. The competitors were aware of the first three tasks and had time to research and think about different designs they could make. The last 2 tasks were a surprise which means the competitors do not see their flowers, sundries or the schedule before the time starts. This give competitors the opportunity to think on their feet and create with speed.
All flowers and sundries are supplied to the competitors and they can only bring with them their tool box containing the basics need to work and construct floral designs.
On the first day the competitors receive their flower and sundries for the first three designs. They are then allocated a set amount of time to condition, split their materials and prepare their work stations for the tasks ahead.
On Saturday the competitors had two tasks to complete
A Table Arrangement using the six glasses and coffee table provided. (2 hours)
A Multi pot-et-fleur incorporating the 2 bowls provided and the ladder set (2 hours)
On Sunday the competitors had three Tasks to complete
A Wired Bridal Bouquet for a hand fastening ceremony (2 hours)
A Hand Tied design to be presented to a singer at the rock festival (75 mins)
A Decoration for Wellies to be worn at the rock festival (75 mins)
The Winner Announcement
Follow this link to register for the virtual medal ceremony hosted by Steph McGovern on 26th November at 4pm. Over the next week or so other skills sectors will be holding their finals as well. Usually all the finals are held in the NEC Birmingham on the same day and the winners ceremon held at the same weekend too. That was not possible this year for safety reasons due to Covid, each final is being held as a separate event. All the Sectors winners and medalists will be celebrated at the virtual ceremony so register above and celebrate the hard work of everyone.
GOOD LUCK FINALISTS !!!!!!!
Thank you to FleuraMetz UK, Oasis Products UK and Country Baskets who all generously gave some of the product and materials needed.
