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Working Abroad Job Vacancies Job Hunting Guide Voluntary Work Working Part-time and Temping Useful Job Hunting Resources Working in Somerset Wages and Employment Rights Florists in Somerset CLCI: OFM CRCI: SB Flowers are an important part of our lives. They’re given as presents and feature at times of celebration and sadness. Florists are extremely busy at times like Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. Supermarkets, petrol stations and street stalls sell more flowers than ever before. This has taken trade away from some florist shops. Internet flower sales have also had an affect. Many shops deal more with special orders (for weddings, funerals and other events) than with people casually buying flowers. Because of customer requirements the work is becoming more specialised. Often a florist can spend up to thirty minutes making up an order. To find out more look under the above CLCI/CRCI headings in your careers or Connexions library THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT FLORISTS IN SOMERSET There are florists in every town in Somerset. Most employ around four or five people (some more, others less). Many staff are experienced with just one or two young workers at each shop. Most florists ask you to do proper training and get floristry qualifications along the way. These can be done through an apprenticeship. Businesses are usually privately-owned shops with a single branch (or one or two others). Some are members of networks like Interflora and Teleflorist and take telephone orders from florists in other towns. These businesses usually run a delivery service HOW DO I GET STARTED?   Get work experience when at school to see if it’s the career for you. Getting a Saturday job can be a good start   Start as a trainee – or apprentice – in a florist shop and go to college as part of your job   Go to college full-time to an floristry course and start work when you finish USEFUL QUALIFICATIONS   No particular GCSEs but being good in English and art can help   NVQs and City & Guilds in floristry   Society of Floristry qualifications More about qualifications, courses and training can be found in Moving On (published by Connexions Somerset) DO YOU KNOW? Some florist businesses are based in hospitals and large department stores. There are also chances to become self-employed WHAT IS THE PAY LIKE? Around £80 per week (maybe more) if starting as a new employed trainee or apprentice. Most experienced florists earn between £6 and £7.50 per hour FINDING A JOB   Connexions centres   Job centres   Through applying for work apprenticeships   School and college careers notice boards   Speculative letters/visits/emails   Newspaper and industry publications adverts   Adverts displayed at premises and on industry/company websites   Job offer after work experience   Word of mouth   A Guide to Job Hunting gives tips on CVs, interviews and job letters. To view click here OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER ABOUT THIS WORK   You can expect to be dealing with customers (in person or on the phone), sorting out what they want and making up bouquets and arrangements   The job needs creativity and good colour skills. It gives you the chance of producing something that makes people happy   People skills, pride in your work and attention to detail are all important   You’re often busy doing one job after another for most of the day. Special occasion days can be hectic and there are times when you need to work long and awkward hours   You are usually on your feet. Also expect to come into contact with cold water!   The job involves chores like emptying pots, clearing up, lifting and carrying. Going to the market to buy flowers, and being around for deliveries, can mean early mornings   There’s a steady demand for new, young florists. Many businesses don’t get enough applicants for jobs WHO DOES THE WORK? Wendy (26) left school after GCSEs and did a floristry course at college. After working at florists in Taunton and Bridgwater she now runs her own business with someone she knows from college. It’s going well and they’re making a name for themselves doing floral decorations for wedding and function venues Robin (18) never thought about floristry when he was at school in Yeovil. He was more interested in working in a supermarket but discovered that floristry offers a chance to be creative and knowledgeable about something. He’s now working in a florist shop and nearing the end of his apprenticeship with plans to apply for an assistant manager’s job More Info: A-Z Careers Careers information dates rapidly. Every effort has been made to ensure information is accurate but please check details before making firm decisions. Make text larger Make text smaller Text Only Display Privacy Policy/Terms of Use