Florist
Florists sell flowers and create displays for weddings, funerals, events and special occasions.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a florist, you would:
- handle enquiries and orders in-person, by phone and online
- talk to customers about what they want and help them choose flowers
- prepare and set out displays for weddings, celebrations and funerals
- make sure flowers and plants reach display condition at the right time
- design floral arrangements for events, shows and competitions
- build good relationships with wholesalers and suppliers
- keep up to date with new floristry techniques and trends
Working environment
You could work at a store, on a market stall or in a workshop.
Your working environment may be cool.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become a senior florist or start your own business.
You might also work as a freelance events floral designer, doing exhibition work, demonstrations and workshops.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- design skills and knowledge
- the ability to work well with your hands
- customer service skills
- the ability to work well with others
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
- the ability to sell products and services
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Restrictions and Requirements
You may need a driving licence if the job involves picking up stock and making deliveries.
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need to start as an assistant or trainee florist.
Courses include:
- floristry
- creative craft - floristry
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
More Information
You could apply to do a Florist Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, or Senior Florist Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
These usually take about 2 years to complete and are a mix of workplace learning and off-site study.
Entry requirements
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
More Information
You could start as an assistant in a florist's shop and learn and train on the job.
Employers may want you to have some GCSEs, including maths and English, creative flair and a keen interest in floristry. Experience in retail customer service would also be helpful.
Career tips
Check out floristry professionals' stories, talking about how they started out and the different routes they took.
Further information
You can find out more about working and training in floristry through the British Florist Association.
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This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.