After searching online, she chose a one-year fast track course, the National Certificate in Floristry, which was provided at a college in her area. “This course is ideal for career changers,” said Wendy. “You can study for both the National and the Advanced National Certificates in one year. As well as gaining lots of practical experience, you also achieve a Level Three qualification at the end of it.”
"The HNC equips you with the skills to run your own floristry business"
The course involved four days a week at college and two days of work experience, where she first started employment at the garden centre. “The course is mentally tiring, but really rewarding and does get easier the further you go. It is creative and fun, but I do think that some of the students underestimated how hard you have to work, and a few did drop out. It involves more than you think!”
Wendy’s studies didn’t stop after one year. She decided to carry on and join the HNC Floristry course, a Level Four qualification, covering skills such as sales and marketing, business knowledge, and customer care, even though she had experience of these from her previous role. Wendy said: “The HNC equips you with the skills to run your own floristry business. It also has optional units, so I have chosen to learn teaching and demonstrating floristry, which I hope to do once I have qualified.”
She recommends a career in floristry to anyone who is imaginative, creative, artistic and can work hard and to a deadline. “These days you also need a passion for fashions, trends and home décor, as they all have an effect on floristry designs. Artistic talent plays a big part in the world of floristry today.”
