Floristry - considering re-training, advice appreciated

[greenoasis]

Not sure if I'm posting in the right topic, but anyway...

Seriously want to re-train for a new career in the future and floristry is one that interests me. Of course, I'm doing the internet research, but thought I'd see if there are any MNers out there who are already florists and can help. Would like to be able to train initially to fit around my young ds with a view to gaining some part-time employment later... Your thoughts appreciated. Thanks.

go into a florist and ask i was told to contact the college, ask if you dont you wont know.
ps not doing floristry found ut was pg now sahm

Thanks, I will next time I am out.

A flowery bump.

my sister did this at about 30, she did a course for a year and now manages a shop. it's hard work

Hmm, I thought that might be the reaction. Did she do the course full time? Is she glad she's done it? I believe it's not brilliant pay, but that's not everything in life of course.

yes she did a years course (not sure what it was) then worked her way up. she loves the job though and has stuck at it for years

If she is really keen she could offer to help out in a good florist, as a trial to get her foot in the door then try to get paid work as an assistant./trainee. Lets her see if she enjoys it and has a flair for it without commiting to too many hours.

Hi there are evening courses at some colleges.Dh says it may be worth your while approaching a good florist and asking to do voluntary work experience.We've had a few people do this for us.We have three flower shops in the south btw.

We have a few girls who work around their children's school hours.
hth

Thank you. My situation is that I have a toddler who I look after full time at the moment and I am planning my return to work in 1.5-3 years time. I am exploring floristry as an option and if this is the way forward I would like to make a start as soon as possible in preparation for a new career. So I am particularly interested in training and/or work experience (voluntary is fine) but this will have to be restricted to evenings and weekends at the moment. So I am thinking an evening class and maybe Saturday voluntary work.

Are there any preferred qualifications in this business that I can look into?

There are nvq qualificatons that most florists would accept.Some flower shops do there own in house training which may be worth asking about.