Florist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

Entry requirements:

College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Courses include:

• Level 1 Certificate in Floral Design
• Level 2 Certificate in Floristry
• Level 3 Extended Diploma in Floristry

Entry requirements:

• 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through an intermediate apprenticeship in floristry.

This will usually take 2 years to complete as a mix of workplace learning and off-the-job study.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Work

You could start as an assistant in a florist's shop and learn on the job.

Employers may want you to have some GCSEs, including maths and English, creative flair and a keen interest in floristry. Experience in retail would also be helpful, though not essential.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to work well with others
• customer service skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• the ability to work on your own
• the ability to sell products and services
• active listening skills
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• sensitivity and understanding
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• a desire to help people
• design skills and knowledge
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• concentration skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace

What you'll do:

Florists sell flowers and create bouquets for weddings, funerals, events and special occasions.

On a typical day you could:

• arrange displays of plants and flowers to attract customers
• talk to customers about their needs and help them choose flowers and plants
• take orders in person, on the phone and online
• keep flowers in perfect condition
• prepare arrangements for weddings, celebrations and funerals
• keep up to date on new floristry techniques and trends
• give plant care advice
• set up flower displays at events
• clean vases and keep the shop tidy

Location : You could work at a store, on a market stall or in a workshop.
Environment : Your working environment may be cool.

Salary:

Starter : £13,000
Experienced : £24,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

28 - 30 hours a week

Working Pattern is weekends on a rota

Career Path:

With experience, you could start your own business or become a freelance floral decorator, doing exhibition work, demonstrations and teaching.