How To Become a Florist
Many professional florists may, or may not have earned a high school diploma or college degree. Most of their qualifications and skills, if they were not a natural, learned over time, gained knowledge/skills while working within the floral industry, benefiting from valuable on-the-job training. A few successful florists have gained success through more modest pursuits, that of entering the sometimes uncertain, but always hopeful, world of the self-employed.
Other florists have started their careers while training in typically smaller shops, gaining hands on experience while working under the tutelage of a more experienced and accomplished floral designer. Early jobs usually include working on simple flower arrangements in order to practice and perfect the basics. Simple beginner tasks usually include such elementary duties such as learning about the proper handling and care of flowers, correct method of preparing and sanitizing the work area, cutting stems to appropriate lengths, affixing bows and ribbons, etc.
For those wishing to pursue a more formal approach to career training for becoming a florist, there are seemingly endless programs available, to include small and private floral teachers, community colleges (certificate programs) and non-credit vocational centers. There are long distance learning opportunities (traditional correspondence schools and newer elearning) available, offering lectures and demonstrations by way of videos and pdf's, which have proven to be helpful to many students of floral design.
Within the past 30 years, many community colleges and universities offer accredited/degree programs in floral design, enabling the student to earn an associate's or bachelor's degree. There are numerous colleges in every state offering traditional degree programs for floral studies. Formal studies typically include classes in flower and plant identification, floral design concepts, advertising, and other business courses.
To become a florist, there are talents which are required, such as a sense of artistic ability, creativity, and style. These are necessary to develop aesthetically pleasing designs, knowing how to maximize the use of each type of flower, to the satisfaction of the customer for each type of occasion. Florists must be aware and receptive to new ideas as trends in floral design change. In addition, business sense, organizational abilities, and customer service skills are required. Florists spend most of their time interacting with customers, suppliers, and coworkers. It is imperative to understand what a customer want and to explain options, and ensure high-quality floral designs and service.
Sources: http://www.elegantflowerscanada.ca http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Become-a-Florist&id=7802667