Certificate II in Floristry (Assistant)

People who are successful in this industry have:

• Determination to learn and meet industry standards
• Effective communication skills to build relationships with customers and suppliers
• Creativity and problem solving skills
• The ability to take instruction and listen to feedback

Assessments give you the opportunity to demonstrate what you have learned and to identify the knowledge or skills that may need further development.

In this course you will undertake:

• Knowledge assessments: multiple choice, short answer, quizzes
• Skills assessments: practical demonstrations under observation
• Projects and case studies: theory, practical and research projects

This course provides you with an introduction to the world of floristry. You will gain the skills to be employed as a florist assistant. It will give you a taste of the dynamic floristry industry before you commit further by enrolling in the Certificate III.

The Certificate III is where you will gain all of your underpinning technical skills. It is the minimum requirement to be a florist and is considered a trade qualification by the industry. If you have completed the Certificate II prior to enrolling, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.

The Certificate IV level course further develops your technical abilities as a florist and provides you with the skills to start and run your own business. You need to complete the Certificate III to gain floristry construction skills before you will be able to create all the designs required by consumers and industry.

Depending on your campus location and local partnerships with TAFE NSW, you may have the opportunity to participate in excursions that take you behind the scenes in the floristry industry. Excursions may include:

• Sydney Flower Market experience the wholesale trade of flowers
• Sundry suppliers learn about the tools and equipment needed to create your arrangements
• Flower farms hear about farm processes to grow specific varieties of flowers

You will gain hands-on experience in:

• Preparing, caring for and storing plant materials as well as fresh and sundried flowers
• Constructing floristry designs and products
• Gaining information on floristry products and services
• Working in high pressure situations during peak periods such as Valentines Day

TAFE NSW is known for delivering theory along with practical, hands-on learning. You will work on real world projects, such as:

• Constructing floristry products: bouquets, posies, arrangements and basic wired work
• Display and merchandise floristry products

TAFE NSW offers you a range of online and on-campus study environments - industry specific computer rooms, simulated workplaces, study areas, presentation areas and general student facilities all to enhance your learning and employability.

You will also work in purpose built floristry workshops with industry standard equipment and facilities including benches, cleaning and cutting tools and cool rooms.

The Flower Retailing industry in Australia generated $830 million in revenue in 2019/20 and is forecast to grow over the next 5 years to 24/25.

Employment in the floristry industry increased over recent years due to a growth in the number of online businesses, and is likely to continue growing as existing companies mature and new businesses enter the industry.

In recent years, the power of social media like Instagram and Pinterest has popularised technical floristry skills. With posts on flowers, floral design and unique arrangements sparking significant interest in the techniques used to create them.

This course prepares you for a flexible profession that offers a wealth of opportunity to vary your career by working in retail floristry stores, assembly line floral production and online retailers.