Florist | Explore Careers - National Careers Service

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How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

College

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

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

Apprenticeship

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

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Work

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.

More Information

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.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

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.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

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

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a florist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Floristry

• Provider: NORTH KENT COLLEGE
• Start date: 07 September 2026
• Location: Tonbridge

Floristry Level 2

• Provider: CITY COLLEGE NORWICH
• Start date: 02 September 2026
• Location: Norwich

Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

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