Taking on a floristry apprentice can help you recruit and develop someone while they work towards an approved occupational standard. An apprentice is an employee, so the normal responsibilities of employing staff apply alongside the specific apprenticeship requirements.
Before you recruit
- Choose the apprenticeship standard that matches the role: Florist Level 2 (ST0538) or Senior Florist Level 3 (ST1335).
- Find an approved training provider that can deliver the standard in your area or through a suitable remote model.
- Check the current funding rules and agree the training price with the provider.
- Make sure the job gives the apprentice genuine opportunities to develop and practise the knowledge, skills and behaviours in the standard.
- Allow paid working time for the required off-the-job training.
Your responsibilities as an employer
You must employ the apprentice in a real job, pay at least the correct minimum wage, provide suitable supervision and on-the-job development, and give them the same employment rights and comparable conditions as other employees in similar roles.
You also need to sign an apprenticeship agreement with the apprentice and a training plan with the apprentice and training provider. The training plan sets out what will be taught, when it will be delivered and what each party is responsible for.
Funding
For new starts from 1 August 2026, non-levy employers in England can receive 100% government funding for training and assessment up to the funding band maximum where the apprentice is aged 16 to 24 at the start of training. For apprentices aged 25 or over, a non-levy employer normally contributes 5% and government funds 95%. Different rules apply to levy-paying employers and where levy funds have been exhausted.
Funding policy changes, so confirm the current position for each apprentice before recruitment rather than relying on an older example or percentage.
Finding training and support
The official apprenticeship training service shows providers currently delivering each standard. Your chosen provider should help with eligibility, funding, the training plan, prior-learning assessment and the practical steps needed to start the apprenticeship.
