Job Description

This job is part of our sustainability series:  > See more sustainable job ideas > Find out more about sustainable careers

A Florist will combine a love of flowers with artistic talent to create arrangements and floral displays. This may be for weddings, funerals, arrangements for birthdays and other occasions. Florists will deal with members of the public or businesses to establish their needs and fulfil their requirements.

Entry Requirements

You can get into this job through:

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 2 Certificate in Floristry
• Level 3 Extended Diploma in Floristry

You may need:

• 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

The following local colleges offer courses in Floristry:

• Easton College
• Suffolk Rural 

Or your local 6th form may offer a relevant course.

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.

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

Click here to search for an apprenticeship.

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

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

Career Path and Progression

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

Related careers you may be interested in:

• Garden nursery assistant
• Gardener
• Horticultural worker
• Interior designer
• Landscaper

Required Skills

• Creativity
• An eye for colour
• Good people skills as you will be dealing with members of the public
• Practical skills
• An interest in horticulture and the ability to know how to look after plants and flowers

Salary Range

£12,500 to £20,000