The BFA are really proud to be the organising partner for WorldSkillsUK as it promotes the amazing practical skills needed within our industry. The people who take part in this competition are all really dedicated to their profession and many of them go on to have successful careers, using the connections and friendships they form.
The competition is open all florists with 5 years or less experience and this year, competitors from all over the UK firstly had to submit photographs, gaining a 55% mark or more to go forwards into the heats.
There were 3 heats, all held in June where competitors had to bring a piece already made and complete 2 pieces during the day under competition conditions. The top 8 scores were then found from across the 3 heats and those 8 are our finalists for 2023!
The Finals this year will be held in November and Floristry will be at Trafford College, Altrincham Campus on 15th and 16th November. Why not come along and see what it’s all about!
The awards ceremony will take place at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester city centre on Friday 17th November.
WorldSkills UK states:
“The celebration of world-class skills will culminate in the announcement of the winners at a glittering awards ceremony on Friday 17 November at The Bridgewater Hall.”
The Finalists
Congratulations to the final 8 listed below we can’t wait to see what you will achieve in November and beyond.
- Abigail Dewhurst – Reaseheath College
- Angela Wake – East Durham College
- Edel Michael – Cafre, Greenmount Campus
- Jose Sanchez – The Floristry School, Sheffield College
- Katherine Weekes – Warwickshire College Group
- Kathleen McClorey – Rambling Rose
- Kirsty Noble – The Floristry School, Sheffield College
- Sarah Grinnell – Weston College
For all those who took part we hope you enjoyed the experience and we hope to see you in further competitions to hone your skills. The team were really impressed with the quality of this years competitors so well done to all!
The Heats
The heats this year took place at
We’d like to thank all the colleges and tutors who hosted this year and also to Direct2Florist who sponsored WorldSkillsUK to help further the education and skills of budding UK florists.
Heat photos
All the pieces are made to precise schedules and marked by the UK Floristry Judges Guild. The competitors were professional, motivated and created some stunning designs throughout the heats.
The first task
Floral Crown: These pieces were brought pre-made to the heat, this allows for the competitors to showcase their skills, prepare and use techniques which may be more time consuming. It also allows for much more creative design time.
The second task
Table Arrangement: This was first live competition piece made on heat days. The competitors knew the schedules for the day and were given flowers and sundries which they had to split and decide for themselves what use for each one.
The third task
Hand Tied: The last challenge of the day where the competitors created a hand tied design. This is a staple of commercial floristry.
Once again best of luck to the finalists for November and we hope that if you are a budding florist you’ll consider taking part in the 2024 competition!
