Florists specialise in the design and arrangement of flowers for a range of occasions, such as weddings, funerals, corporate events, and everyday gifts. The role involves selecting and preparing flowers, creating bouquets and displays, advising customers, and sometimes managing orders and deliveries. Florists often work in shops, garden centres, or may be self-employed. The job requires creativity, an eye for colour and design, good customer service skills, and the ability to work to deadlines, particularly during busy periods like Valentine's Day or Mother's Day. Many florists also need business management skills if they run their own shops.
Florists in the UK typically earn between £16,000 and £25,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
There were approximately 7,000 florists employed across the UK in 2023, with additional seasonal demand around holidays and events.
No formal qualifications are needed to start as a florist, but many have certificates or diplomas in floristry from colleges or City & Guilds.
Specialises in creating bespoke floral arrangements for weddings, including bouquets, centrepieces, and venue decorations.
Focuses on designing and arranging flowers for corporate events, parties, and other special occasions.
Oversees the daily operations of a flower shop, including staff management, inventory, and customer service.
Enrol in a floristry course at a college or through an accredited training provider.
Floristry courses are available at many further education colleges across the UK, offering a mix of practical and theoretical training. Look for courses such as the Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Floristry, which cover topics like flower care, arrangement techniques, and customer service. Some courses may also offer work placements to give you hands-on experience.
Seek work experience or part-time work in a flower shop or garden centre.
Practical experience is highly valued by employers and helps you develop essential skills, such as arranging flowers, handling stock, and interacting with customers. Volunteering at local florists or helping out during busy periods like Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day can be a good way to start and build your confidence.
Design and photograph your own floral arrangements to showcase your skills.
A portfolio of your work is a valuable asset when applying for jobs or attracting clients. Include a range of arrangements, such as bouquets, centrepieces, and event decorations. Taking clear, well-lit photos and presenting them in a professional format, such as a printed booklet or online gallery, will make your portfolio stand out.
Use social media or a personal website to display your floral designs.
Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are popular for visual content and can help you reach a wider audience. Consistently posting your work and engaging with followers may also lead to job opportunities, commissions, or collaborations with event planners and local businesses.
Look for florist job vacancies in shops, supermarkets, or event companies.
Job opportunities for florists exist in independent flower shops, supermarket floral departments, garden centres, and businesses specialising in events and weddings. Tailor your CV to highlight your floristry skills and experience, including your portfolio, and be prepared to demonstrate your ability to create arrangements during interviews or trial shifts.
Set up your own floristry business or offer freelance services once you have gained enough experience.
Running your own business gives you creative freedom and the potential to specialise in areas like weddings or corporate events. You will need to register your business, manage finances, and market your services locally and online. Business support organisations and trade associations, such as the British Florist Association, can provide guidance and resources for new business owners.
Works with plants and flowers in gardens, nurseries, or greenhouses, focusing on growing and caring for a wide variety of plants.
Specialises in decorating venues for events using flowers, fabrics, lighting, and other decorative elements.
Assists customers in garden centres, providing advice on plants, flowers, and gardening products.
Please note that this may not be a comprehensive list of available apprenticeships. To view a more complete collection, visit the Find an apprenticeship service.
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You can get into this job through:
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:
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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.
You'll usually need:
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.
Check out floristry professionals' stories, talking about how they started out and the different routes they took.
You can find out more about working and training in floristry through the British Florist Association.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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