This is a practical, work related course designed to give students a broad understanding and appreciation of the floristry industry.
This programme exists to develop and support the floristry industry and is not a leisure course.
The course can be studied over one academic year full time, or part time (1 day per week) over two years. The part time route is only available to those already employed with a retail florist. Full time students work on placement with a retail florist 1 day per week during term time and usually additional hours at peak periods of Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.
Entry Requirements
For details see the Fact File opposite.
Course content
Students learn by completing assignments based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands. They study the following subject areas to develop their design and business skills:
- Display of floristry goods
- Interior plant identification and planted design
- Cut flower identification and conditioning
- Introduction to art and design for florists
- Introduction to function decorating
- Introduction to working in the floristry industry
- Design: arrangements, sympathy, tied and wedding
Assessment is by practical, work related assignments.
Progression
The course prepares students for employment in the industry and those employed with a retail florist may continue to study the NPTC Level 3 Diploma on a day release basis at Greenmount Campus. Many of our floristry graduates have gone on to employment in successful floristry businesses and some even provide placements for our current students. To get an idea of the opportunities in floristry see the Career Destinations section.
Student View: Rachel Gibson
"After leaving school I studied Art and Design for two years and became interested in floristry through competing in floral art competitions organised by the YFC. I got a part-time job with my local florist, Clare Flower in Irvinestown, and knew I wanted to gain a recognised qualification in floristry when I attended a Taster Day at Greenmount Campus last year. I’m now studying the full-time floristry course at Greenmount and doing my work placement with Clare Flower. I’m enjoying student life and know floristry is the right career choice for me."
Student View: Pamela Davidson
“I completed my ‘A’ levels in 2006 and worked in fashion retail before coming to Greenmount to study floristry on the full-time programme. I’d previously taken a leisure course in floral art and as my interest developed I decided floristry would be a great career choice for me. Through floristry I can develop my artistic interests and customer service skills. I thoroughly enjoy the range of classes and the way I can put my design skills to work in the shop environment during placement with Karen Flowers, Banbridge.”
