For those who love to create floral arrangements, becoming a florist can feel like a dream come true. The exact nature of florist training can vary, depending on an aspiring florist’s needs and career goals. Some florists learn their trade on the job. In other cases, florist training may involve completing an associate's degree or other training program or taking a certification exam. For those who want to open their own floral shop, florist training can involve completing classes in business studies.
It is common for florist training to be completed on the job. Many floral shops are willing to hire individuals who hold a high school diploma or its equivalent but have no specialized training in floral arrangement. Such shops then train these individuals in the various aspects of working as a florist, from creating arrangements to processing client payments. Florists who receive their training on the job may be able to work their way up the career ladder over time, eventually qualifying for such positions as shop manager. During the time that they are learning the trade, however, they may only earn minimum wage.
Some aspiring florists who want to give themselves a competitive edge as they enter the job market opt to complete some formal florist training. They may, for instance, take classes in subjects like flower arranging for special events, horticulture, and biology at their local community college. Some individuals even choose to complete a two-year associate's degree in floral design. While formal florist training may not be a prerequisite to land a job in the field, those who have completed this kind of training may be able to secure managerial positions.
Another popular option for florist training is earning certification in floral design. In the US, becoming a certified floral designer involves passing an examination administered by an independent floral design organization. This exam is comprised of a written test as well as a practical component in which examinees must demonstrate their arranging skills. Even though employers may not require this certification, it can add distinction to a job seeker’s résumé.
Lastly, many florists run their own floral shop, and thus must be competent businesspeople as well as creative designers. In order to hone their business acumen, therefore, some florists opt to supplement their design training with education in the field of business. This type of training can be as casual as taking a class in bookkeeping at a local community center or as formal as completing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at a university.
