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Florist

Alternative titles for this job include

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

Average salary (a year)

£13,000 Starter

to

£24,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

28 to 30 a week

You could work

weekends on a rota

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How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

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 apprenticeship in floristry.

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

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • 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
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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

Working environment

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

Your working environment may be cool.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Level 2 Florist Apprentice (Victoria Flowers)

  • Wage: £146.25 Weekly
  • Location: Birmingham

Apprentice Florist

  • Wage: £156.00 Weekly
  • Location: Derby
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

L2 Diploma in Floristry (7 units)

  • Provider: HILLINGDON LONDON BOROUGH COUNCIL
  • Start date: 01 March 2022
  • Location: Uxbridge

Floristry Level 2 BTEC Diploma

  • Provider: WIGAN AND LEIGH COLLEGE
  • Start date: 05 September 2022
  • Location: Wigan
Find courses near you

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