Using expertise to sell, arrange and cut flowers.
Occupational Profile
A florist may work in one of several sectors, in a shop environment, within an event company or creating designs for a variety of retail organisations or outlets. As such, they need to have business acumen and excellent interpersonal skills when dealing with customers and colleagues. Excellent levels of customer care and sales skills are crucial as florists are often commissioned for important events such as weddings, funerals etc. A florist must have perception and be able to offer appropriate expert advice to the client whilst interpreting the vision for the finished project. Whilst showing empathy and care towards bereaved customers a florist must be able to obtain the relevant information from customers and translate this into an appropriate design suitable for the customer’s needs. They must be able to record and store information accurately in the correct manner in line with current legislation
Flowers and other botanical materials are delicate, easily damaged or spoilt and have a limited storage life. The florist will need to know where the materials are sourced from, purchasing techniques, storage and the control of fresh stock creating accurate rotation on a day-to-day basis. They need to apply an extensive knowledge of botanical names, understand how to care for and condition these floral materials and plants, taking into account irritant or poisonous materials, the variety of stem structures and show appropriate cutting, watering and feeding methods. They will need to work in a way that minimises damage to the environment and maintains health and safety that is consistent with relevant organisation procedures and codes of practice.
The florist will use their expertise and knowledge of flowers, plants, botanical materials and accessories to produce floral designs. The design of floral work, whether it is a small bouquet or a large installation for a major event, requires the florist to be innovative and creative. The florist needs to apply the rules and theory of composition, techniques and the elements and principles of floral design in their work.
The florist will need to understand the need to organise and be responsible for prioritising their own workload using good time management.
There is a wide scope of practice in the floristry industry. Some florists will work within retail outlets and prepare bouquets and arrangements for sale and must therefore be keenly aware of their market. Some may work independently as studio floral designers working within the wedding industry. Others, may be commissioned to provide floral designs for high profile events that require interpreting design specifications and working effectively with a large team in high pressure situations
Whilst working within a shop or other environments, florists must have, follow and be aware of current safe working practises and legislation relevant to the floral/retail industry and have respect and an understanding, duty and responsibility to equality and diversity within the workplace and the wider environment.
Summary of Standard
https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/florist/
Full Standard
