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Level 2 Diploma in Floristry After I achieved eight GCSEs at Ballynahinch High School, I wanted a career that used my talent for art and design. When I got a job with a local florist I knew I’d found what I was looking for. The work involved design but didn’t mean I was stuck in front of a computer all day! My employer, Nigel Close, of Memento Flowers and Gifts had trained in floristry at Greenmount and he suggested I take the Level 2 Diploma in Floristry course there to learn the basics. The course taught me how to use colour and texture in design work. Everything had to be costed and we had to evaluate our own work and test out our ideas on real customers. As my confidence grew and, with a bit of encouragement from Nigel, I was persuaded to represent CAFRE in the Intermediate Heat of the Worldskills UK Floristry Design Competition held at the College in June. To my amazement the judges loved my design and gave me one of the top scores in the eight heats held throughout the UK. I was invited to compete in the UK Final held at the Royal Horticultural Society Show Tatton Park, near Manchester, in July. I had to make four designs during the full day competition: a floral necklace, a floor standing design, a hand tied bouquet and a surprise item. The whole event was exhausting but a great experience and it has really given me a taste for success. I graduated with Distinction in my Level 2 Diploma and have continued to work in my placement shop. I plan to return to Greenmount in September to take the new part time Level 3 Diploma in Floristry and hope to visit Holland as part of the programme next Spring.
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