FLORISTRY

ACADEMY OF LAND AND ENVIRONMENT

FLORISTRY

CREATIVE

Classes take place in our dedicated studios and are practical and creative in a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere

If you love flowers and plants and have artistic and creative flair, floristry is the career for you!

Our award winning floristry department is recognised as one of the UK’s most successful and progressive providers of floristry education.

Our staff are highly qualified and have commercial backgrounds, are passionate about floristry and floral design and are committed to teaching their craft to the highest level. Although the department has been established for 50 years and we have an outstanding reputation for our training, we certainly don’t rest on our laurels! Our staff continue to train with reputable international designers such as Wally Klett and Gregor Lersch and we enjoy workshops with professionals such as customer service and sales guru Tim Huckabee from New York, founder and president of FloralStrategies. Classes take place in our dedicated studios and are practical and creative in a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. You’ll be encouraged to achieve and have fun at the same time! As part of your formal qualification you’ll also complete work experience so you’re fully prepared to join the industry.

At a glance

Level 2 Award, Certificate and Diploma in Floristry Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Floristry

WHY STUDY FLORISTRY AT REASEHEATH?

Our courses are industry focused so you’ll enjoy behind the scenes visits to floristry shows and businesses, allowing you to fully understand what goes on in your industry. Become career ready with us and enjoy being taught by highly qualified staff with commercial backgrounds and a passion for floristry.

You’ll complete relevant work experience and, at college, produce designs for clients under supervision. You may also work in our local community, preparing displays for hospices, stately homes and flower festivals.

You may have the privilege of working alongside inspirational top level florists. Some staff and students helped royal florist Shane Connelly to prepare a floral arch at RHS Chelsea to mark the Queen’s anniversary. Our courses range from introductory level to indepth, industry recognised courses up to City & Guilds Level 5 Master Diploma in Professional Floristry, so there’s no limit to your ambition.

You could compete in national competitions such as WorldSkills UK or be on a medal winning team at the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park or RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Where could your course take you?

Almost all our full time students progress into employment, self-employment or further training. Some take the chance to travel and experience different countries and cultures, finding dream jobs in exotic and sun drenched locations such as the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands and France.

There’s a wide variety of jobs on offer including:

• Floristry shop owner

• Wedding and party specialist

Member of floral decorating team • Regional manager

• Self employed freelance

• Demonstrator

• Lecturer

• Workshop presenter / organiser

Cruise ship florist

Staff florist at prestigious hotel • Studio assistant

• Sales and marketing representative

• Specialist grower

CAREER READY

Did you know that a florist shop manager typically earns £24,000 a year? Successful business owners earn considerably more! Whatever your career goals, we want to help you get there. Caroline’s story

Caroline Boffey

Level 3 Diploma in Floristry 2018 School: Loughborough University and Derby University Job title: Floristry business owner “It’s been my dream to have my own business, and shortly after finishing my diploma I launched ‘Flowers at the Dutch Barn’ offering a personal service for weddings and celebrations. “The business has gone from strength to strength. I like working for myself – you get a real feel of self-satisfaction, and it’s lovely meeting new clients. “I buy my flowers directly from Holland and they’re delivered to my purpose built workshop. Marketing is important. I regularly work with other wedding suppliers, which has led to media opportunities, and I post daily on social media.

“I plan to continue expanding my workshop and take on staff. Hopefully I’ll also return to Reaseheath to study for my Level 4 Higher Diploma.”

Your Reaseheath Experience

You’ll have plenty of opportunity to complete work placements, competitions and workshops alongside your studies, all while being supported by our dedicated staff.

Our students have competed in national competitions such as WorldSkills UK, the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park and the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which is a great way to complement your studies at Reaseheath.

You will also complete a work placement for additional experience — some students have even enjoyed work placements abroad! You’ll enjoy study trips to national shows and events, wholesalers and flower growers. We also like to take our florists to Holland to experience the world’s largest flower auction.

Natalie’s story

Natalie Drury

Level 3 Diploma in Floristry 2020 School: Church Stretton School Next step: Level 4 Higher Diploma in Floristry Ambition: Senior florist “I’m a creative person so a career in floristry suits me. Flowers evoke happy emotions. You can enhance someone’s mood instantly by giving them a bouquet. “I did my Level 3 work placement at John R Thomas florist’s shop in Church Stretton, and was offered a full time position when I finished my course. I use my college skills all the time, whether I’m preparing bouquets, conditioning flowers or taking orders. “I was encouraged to progress onto Level 4 by my lecturers. It’s achievable because I can continue to work while studying. Floristry offers a lot of career possibilities and I’m looking forward to where it might take me.”

INDUSTRY FOCUSED

Gain a real insight into what it’s like working in the floristry industry during your time with us, through work experience, visits to floristry businesses and shows and taking part in competitions!

DID YOU KNOW? There are over 6,000 floristry businesses in the UK employing 29,000 people!

Industry view

Simon Lycett

London event florist and TV personality “Not all of us want to work in IT. Not all of us want to work in an office. Find a career that excites you.

“Floristry takes me all around the world. My team and I travel the globe creating floral fabulousness. Try it…Become a florist!”

Where you’ll be studying

You’ll learn your floral design skills in dedicated studios in our newly built Centre for Horticulture, the Environment and Sustainable Technology. You’ll be with like-minded students in a friendly, supportive atmosphere, and you’ll have access to all the materials and accessories you’d find in a professional florist’s shop.

You’ll also be encouraged to develop your creativity by foraging in the grounds of our beautiful campus, home to a spectacular range of flowers, foliage and natural art forms.

The nearby Feast café has a wide range of snacks and light meals, or you could choose to eat in our modern restaurant or picnic by our lake. Elsewhere on campus there’s a library, plenty of computer rooms, quiet study areas and our new indoor and outdoor sports facilities. Our courses

Whichever course you choose to study, you’ll be supported by experienced and knowledgeable staff who really put themselves out to make sure you make the most of your education here at Reaseheath.

Level 2 Award, Certificate and Diploma in Floristry An excellent foundation, particularly if you have little or no experience in floristry

Can also be studied part time over 2 years – perfect for career changers!

Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Floristry A good choice if you have studied Level 2 Floristry or have prior work experience

Discover our courses: reaseheath.ac.uk/floristry

Next steps

Level 4 Higher Diploma in Floristry Suitable for those in management or in a senior role

Level 5 Master Diploma in Professional Floristry Ideal for professional progression to the highest level

Open College Network (OCN) and Leisure Courses Great for progression onto professional courses or purely for fun