* How do I become a Florist?
* What training is available?
* What skills & qualifications should an employer seek?

Floristry offers an exciting and creative career path with many opportunities. The industry has a significant need for trained staff and employment prospects are excellent at all level

However, it takes many years to become a fully qualified, professional florist and the increasing competition from multiple retailers means that the industry’s future florists will increasingly need to be specialist craftspeople that are able to offer customers a bespoke product and outstanding customer service. Most student florists will need to undertake a structured training programme in order to develop the skills required…

There are three main routes to becoming a florist:

1. ‘On the job’ training in a floristry business.
2. College based training, either full or part-time.
3. A combination of ‘on the job’ & college training.

‘On The Job’ Training …

‘On the job’ training is the best method of gaining an understanding of the way that a floristry business works, and of developing the practical skills that a florist needs to use on a day to day basis. This type of training can definitely help a florist develop their commercial skills but doesn’t automatically enable them to gain a qualification. However, commercial factors such as construction speed, value for money, & customer impact can only truly be gained in a working environment such as a florists shop…

The Government is currently encouraging ‘on the job’ training via the ‘Modern Apprenticeship’ scheme, whereby trainees can gain National Vocational Qualifications, (NVQ’s).
‘On the job’ training is unpopular with many employers because it can be time consuming & has to fit around the day-to-day running of the business. Some employers do offer structured training but in reality many employers currently find it difficult to organise & provide a broad structured training programme for their employees and instead focus on a limited range of skills that will benefit the immediate needs of the business, rather than the long term career development of the trainee.
Many shops will only provide limited ‘on the job’ training for complete beginners and prefer to employ trained & experienced staff.

Those shops that are able to provide structured ‘on the job’ training often prefer to do this in collaboration with colleges or training providers who specialise in offering trainees a broad, structured NVQ training programme that supports the florist and allows the employer to focus on running their business. This training can be entirely ‘work-based’, but some providers combine ‘on the job’ training with attending college on a day-release basis.

College based training …

‘College based’ training is the most common route that a student will take to becoming a florist.
There are currently around 100 UK colleges offering courses, These vary from specialist ‘land-based’ horticultural colleges with purpose built training facilities; to general further education colleges with out special facilities; some colleges offer courses at ‘out-centres’ such as community centres.

The range of floristry courses and study options available is extremely complex and it is important to seek advice when selecting an appropriate course. (See the Qualifications Table for information about courses that may be suitable).