All about flowers & flower arrangingFloristry as a Career
Anyone wanting to become a florist should ideally acquire a recognised qualification. In many countries there is no legal or regulatory requirement for someone to be qualified to either work as a florist, or own / manage a floristry business. However, the appropriate professional qualification is highly recommended to succeed in the industry.
Having a love of flowers is not enough reason to become a florist. Pretty colours and lovely smells are part of the process, but there is a lot more involved. The hours can be erratic during periods like the wedding season, Xmas, Valentine's and Mother's day. It is also a career best suited to someone physically fit, as there is far more behind the scenes processing work than most people realise and most florists are on their feet all day.
Ideally, acquiring a traineeship, while attending an approved floristry course, at a recognised institution, is the preferred way to go. The hands on experience while training is invaluable and enhances career prospects once training is completed. If this is not possible, then gaining some work experience for at least a week - paid or not - is worth doing, just to evaluate if this career path is for you.
Taking a course in floristry provides the appropriate trade-level training for the industry. Certificate lll in Floristry would be the most usual path, if you decide commercial floristry is the area in which you wish to work.
If you are looking at Floral Design as a hobby, there is nothing stopping you pursuing any of the courses offered, but joining a Floral Art Club may be worth considering. Most clubs provide members with support and the knowledge regarding the elements of floral design and specific design styles. Floral art club members have the opportunity to be very creative in a different way, as members are not focused on the commercial value of their creations. But floristry students also have the opportunity to unleash their creative juices, as seen at the Challenger TAFE Floristry students display in a local shopping centre just recently. Mannequins 'dressed' with mainly botanical materials to represent the 4 seasons wowed passers-by.
Floristry Training in Australia
Certificate ll, lll and lV in floristry are recognised nationally. Usually part time, these courses are offered at various government educational facilities and some private / commercial schools. Costs of the courses can vary enormously, so it is best to do some research on the various options. Another factor to consider is that the cost of flowers is usually additional to course costs.
Traineeships
A traineeship can be part time or full time employment depending on the arrangement with the trainer. Duration is variable, but traineeships usually continue for at least a year. With the added benefit of receiving a wage, you acquire a great deal of work experience and practical skills, that significantly improves your employment opportunities once the qualification is completed. Open to anyone aged between 15 and 64, floristry traineeships are available for Certificate II, III and IVÂ through the National Training Package for Floristry (WRF). This link also provides information about registered training providers. Government funding is available to employers of trainees.
Certificate ll in Floristry
Completion of certificate ll will provide the knowledge and skills to work in a floristry environment in a junior or florist assistant position. Components of this course include a range of floral design skills, customer service, flower care, visual merchandising and safe working practices.
Certificate lll in Floristry
Graduates of Certificate lll are able to work as a senior florist with minimal supervision and with a greater variety of employment opportunities in the industry. This course includes a comprehensive range of contemporary floral design, fundamental techniques, allied knowledge components, retail and management skills. Practical tuition in the specialised areas of funeral, wedding, events and commercial design are also covered.
Certificate lV in Floristry
Aimed at florists who wish to gain small business and management skills, Certificate lV includes more advanced floral design skills including those required for large scale and specific types of events. Components of this course cover marketing, planning, coordination & leadership skills. This course is particularly suite to owners of a florist business and managers thereof.
Skills recognition
If you have evidence of prior skills and knowledge acquired through work and life experience or other formal or informal training, you may be eligible for recognition. On application to the approved training body, you may be able to receive a formal record of competence for part or all of a course, enabling fewer units to be completed.
...