CERTIFICATE IN COMMERCIAL FLORISTRY
DESCRIPTION
Florists enrich our lives as they add beauty and symbolism to our celebrations of births, graduations, weddings, anniversaries, and passion. They help us commemorate and honour family and friends who have passed away.
This program is the only comprehensive post-secondary floristry program in British Columbia. Students receive in-depth, hands-on training in all aspects of floral design and commercial floristry. Floristry skills such as corsage making, sympathy work, styling of bridal bouquets, church and reception decorations for weddings and holiday decor are thoroughly covered. The study of colour harmonies and an overview of interior design enable students to construct floral appointments for commercial and residential interiors. Upon mastering the correct mechanics and basic shapes of design, students study and apply advanced and high style techniques.
Students are introduced to the business aspects of the floral industry. Instruction in receiving, storing, stocking, ticketing, packing, and shipping of floral products is included in the curriculum. Business skills such as profitable pricing, marketing of floral products, the start-up costs of businesses, supervisory skills, and day-to-day operations are included. There is a special emphasis on internet sales, interactions with wire services, and working with customers and clients.
The floral designer must be up-to-date in the science and technology related to the care, handling and storage of flowers and plants. Common botanical names, seasonal availability, and colour of cut flowers, greens, flowering and green plants are studied. Students will complete two 15-week terms that include practical work experience in the industry.
STUDENT PROFILE
Students in this program are a mixture of recent high school graduates and mature students with a variety of work experiences.
Students should have a strong desire for hands-on work. Learning by doing is an important part of the program and many hours will be spent in the Floristry lab where standing, cutting, cleaning, and designing to deadlines are considered normal. Students are required to work with preservatives, cleaning products, and other chemicals common to the floristry industry. Individuals with allergies to dust, pollen or plant products or specific chemicals should be aware of the potential impact on their health. Physical fitness and a healthy back are generally required for a successful career in this horticulture discipline. Students who may encounter difficulties with the physical, intellectual, or emotional demands of this program should contact the coordinator of the Floristry program to discuss the required skills and competencies.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Employment opportunities exist within conventional flower shops, wholesalers, and custom design studios. Successful graduates can assume management positions in these areas: self employment as a consultant or as a flower shop owner. This Certificate Program is designed to train florists who have:
- The fundamental expertise, knowledge, skills and attitudes to work in the commercial floristry industry
- Hands-on experience in the commercial floristry industry prior to graduation
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Students must meet either the regular student admission category or the mature student admission category (note exception to the English Proficiency requirement that follows). Students must complete Grade 11 English with a C or better or equivalent course.
CONTENT
(Curriculum under review)
- Fall Semester
- Spring Semester
GRADUATION
Upon successful completion of this program, including the Co-op work component, students are awarded a Certifcate in Commercial Floristry.
The Flowers Canada Accreditation Exam in Basic Florist Skills and Floral Design I will be taken by all students of the Commercial Floristry Program prior to graduation.