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Florist

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

Average salary (a year)

£10,750 Starter

to

£20,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

28 to 30 a week

You could work

weekends on a rota

How to become a florist

You can get into this job through:

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

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

You may need:

  • 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

More information

Apprenticeship

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

This will usually take 2 to 3 years to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More information

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, and a keen interest in floristry. Experience in retail would also be helpful, though not essential.

More information

Further information

You can find out more about working and training in floristry through the British Florist Association.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
  • the ability to work on your own
  • customer service skills
  • active listening skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

  • talking to customers about their needs and helping them choose flowers and plants
  • taking orders in person, on the phone and online
  • keeping flowers in perfect condition
  • preparing arrangements for weddings, celebrations and funerals
  • learning floristry skills like wiring and presentation
  • giving plant care advice
  • setting up flower displays at events
  • cleaning vases and keeping the shop tidy

Working environment

You could work on a market stall, at a store or in a workshop.

Your working environment may be cool.

Career path and progression

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

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Floristry Apprentice

  • Wage : £307.80 Weekly
  • Location: Derby DE24 9GL

Apprentice Florist

  • Wage : £144.00 Weekly
  • Location: Princes Risborough HP27 0AX
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

NPTC Level 2 Diploma in Floristry (QCF)

  • Provider: Writtle University College
  • Start date: 07 September 2020
  • Location: Chelmsford

Level 3 Diploma in Floristry

  • Provider: REASEHEATH COLLEGE
  • Start date: 07 September 2020
  • Location: NANTWICH
Find courses near you

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