At CAFRE their excellent practical facilities will allow you to learn by practising and trying out new technologies and systems. These educational facilities on their three campuses in Antrim (Greenmount), Cookstown (Loughry) and Enniskillen support the delivery of a range of courses.
The resources at Greenmount Campus for floristry education and training are unique in the UK. The campus has two Floristry Studios, designed to demonstrate good industry practice, within the beautiful Walled Garden. The studios have dedicated space for cut flower identification and conditioning, refrigerated display storage for cut flowers and foliage, and design demonstration and practice. They also have retail display windows and a gift wrapping/customer service area.
In 2016, the eco-friendly Plant Studio was opened to house an extensive indoor plant collection which is used by students to study plant identification and care as well as retail display. In addition a large purpose built store for floristry sundries and display materials was developed.
A range of seasonal pot plant and cut flower crops are grown on campus at the Horticulture Centre for development and demonstration to growers and florists. Floristry students can see at first-hand how cut flowers, foliage and pot plant crops are produced using modern production methods. Eighteen hectares of landscaped grounds at Greenmount provide excellent opportunities to extend plant knowledge and incorporate natural materials in design work.
Watch this short presentation to view some of the fabulous floral creations created in our facilities at Greenmount Campus.
Courses
Level 2 in Floristry
This City & Guilds Level 2 Technical Certificate is a practical, work-related course designed to give students a broad understanding and appreciation of the floristry industry. Students have the opportunity to put the design and customer service skills gained at the college into practice in their weekly placement with an established floristry business. This programme aims to develop and support the floristry industry and is not a leisure course.
Course Content
· Caring for floristry products
· Creating floristry designs
· Customer service
· Design principles
· Health and safety
· Working in floristry
In addition to the Technical Certificate, students undertake a short course in Health and Safety and make good industry contacts through work placement, industry visits and college events. They are encouraged to develop their skills set and build their CV through competition work and have the opportunity to enter design competitions organised by the British Florist Association and the Worldskills Organisation hosted at Greenmount Campus.
Entry Requirement
Normally two GCSE Grade Cs or three Grade Ds or above including English Language and Mathematics.
Students who have not attained a Grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics at GCSE or an equivalent qualification will study Essential Skills in Literacy and Numeracy as part of the programme.
OR
Applicants who can demonstrate significant relevant industry experience will also be considered. These applicants may be required to submit work-based evidence and undertake written assessments and/or practical competence tests as part of the assessment.
All students must also complete a minimum of 40 hours work experience with a retail florist before starting the course and have arranged a work placement for one day per week during term-time. The teaching team will assist applicants in arranging work experience and placements if necessary.
Course Progression
This course provides students with an opportunity to progress onto the City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Floristry.
The course aims to prepare students for employment as skilled florists within the floristry industry. There are excellent career prospects for trained florists both in the UK and abroad.
Level 2 in Floristry
This is a practical, work-related City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Floristry course. It is designed to develop the skills of those working in the floristry industry, who have achieved a Level 2 Diploma in Floristry or equivalent, or who have extensive industry experience. Students attend the college three days per week.
Course Content
· Business skills for floristry
· Creative design process for florists
· Design and evaluation: arrangements, tied, sympathy and wedding
· Flower and plant care
· Trends and event floristry
· Working in the floristry industry
In addition to the course, students undertake a short course in Health and Safety and make good industry contacts through events at the college. They are encouraged to develop their skills set and build their CV through competition work and have the opportunity to enter design competitions organised by the British Florist Association and the Worldskills Organisation hosted at Greenmount Campus.
In recent years four Level 3 Floristry graduates have achieved Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Medals for their design work. Eight of our Floristry students have also reached the UK Final of the Worldskills Floristry Competition, winning three Gold Medals in this prestigious competition.
Entry Requirements
All applicants must be currently employed in a florist shop for a minimum of two days per week.
Normally four GCSE Grade Cs or above including English Language and Mathematics with at least one year of full-time employment with a retail florist.
OR
Level 2 Diploma in Floristry, at Merit level or above, and GCSE Grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics or an equivalent qualification.
Course Progression
The course aims to develop the skills of those working in the floristry industry.
On completion of the programme students may continue in employment and progress to posts as senior florists, managers or freelance designers. There are excellent career prospects for trained florists in Ireland, the UK and abroad.
CAFRE are a finalist in the Student Team Competition at the Interflora World Cup in Manchester.
