Professional conduct and career opportunities

Professional Conduct in Floristry

Communication skill is vital in the floristry industry. Florists must be able to listen to and understand customers’ needs, answer their questions confidently, and provide advice when needed.
Florists should always maintain professionalism. This means meeting deadlines, delivering high-quality products and services, and dealing with complaints in a calm and fair manner.
Good teamwork skills are also important, particularly in larger florist shops where collaboration with other members of staff is key.
Creativity and attention to detail are highly valued in the floristry industry. Customers often have specific requests for their floral arrangements, so being able to think creatively and pay close attention to their needs is important.
Safe working practices are key. This includes correct handling and use of tools and materials, maintaining a clean working environment, and complying with both health and safety and fire regulations.
Ethical and sustainable practices are crucial, such as using sustainable and locally-sourced materials wherever possible, and ensuring flowers and plants are sourced with respect for the environment and human rights.

Becoming a retail florist is a common career path in the industry. Retail florists work in shops selling flowers to the public. They create decorative displays, provide advice to customers, and prepare and sell flower arrangements for occasions such as weddings, funerals, and holidays.
With further education and experience, florists can become floristry instructors. Instructors teach others the skills and knowledge necessary to become proficient florists. This can be done in a college setting or through private workshops and demonstrations.
A career as a freelance florist is another option. Freelancers work on a contract basis, often for events such as weddings, parties, and corporate functions. They may also provide their services to hotels, restaurants, or event management companies.
Floral designers create unique designs for specific occasions or clients. This can involve working with a wide range of materials and styles to create everything from small table centrepieces to large installations for events.
Other career opportunities include becoming an importer or wholesaler, dealing with the supply of flowers and plants from growers to florists, or working as a propagation specialist, focusing on the growing and breeding of new plant varieties.