Berkshire College of Agriculture is a beautiful college, surrounded by large open playing fields and landscaped areas, all perfect visuals to inspire you as a Florist.
BCA has excellent resources and an experienced and professional team of staff. As a department, we are very keen for our students to enter competitions, including Chelsea Young Florist of the Year and World Skills.
BCA is recognised as the foremost centre for floristry training in the Thames Valley region and are proud members of the British Florist Association.
COURSES AVAILABLE
FULL TIME COURSES
Our courses have a strong vocational emphasis, providing commercial awareness and practical competence for a range of careers.
You’ll be learning about the practical and technical skills required to be successful within the industry. The course will allow you to gain knowledge of plants, the environment, tools and finishing touches along with design principles and the skills required to turn designs into reality. Business and management skills are also a key component to the course.
Level 1 Diploma in Floristry
About the Course
This course is ideal for anyone who is interested in making a career out of floristry. The Level 1 provides the opportunity to work with flowers and other plant material to obtain a vocational qualification by means of full-time study.
Students will gain sound knowledge and a skills base which will allow progression to further learning and qualifications, or employment opportunities such as a junior or trainee florist.
Course content
- Carry out basic floristry tasks
- Identify cut flowers, foliage and plants
- Produce and maintain shop displays
- Produce planted designs
- Assemble basic floristry designs
- Functional skills/GCSE – English and Mathematics
Progression
Progression on to the Level 2 Diploma depending on progress at Level 1 and tutor references.
GCSE/Functional Skills
All full-time students, aged between 16-18, will study GCSE or Functional Skills in Maths and English, if they don’t already hold an A*- C level GCSE in the subject. This is an integral part of their vocational study programme at BCA. Students over 19 are also encouraged to refresh and accredit their skills alongside vocational study.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements. Students must demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment for their chosen study programme.
Course Duration
One Year
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Level 2 Technical Certificate in Floristry
About the Course
This full-time course is aimed at people who want to start a career in floristry. It is particularly suitable if you are creative, practical and enjoy working with others.
You will learn about the design and construction of arrangements, tools, interacting with customers and an insight into the floristry business. There will be plenty of opportunities to practice new skills in making floral arrangements.
Learning will be through a combination of lectures and practical sessions, including work experience in the floristry industry. Previous knowledge or experience is not compulsory.
This course also builds on the Level 1 Diploma in Floristry to enhance your basic knowledge and practical skills, enabling you to become a practicing Florist.
Course content
- 40 hours’ work experience – mandatory
- Identification and processing of cut materials and pot plants
- Introduction to art and design for florists
- Introduction to plant processes and planted design
- Hand tied and presentation designs
- Funeral and sympathy designs
- Floral design
- Basic wedding designs and accessories
- Display of goods
- Introduction to working in the industry
- Introduction to function decorating
Progression
You will be well placed to find a job in the industry that requires ‘hands-on’ practical skills.
Students will also be able to progress on to the Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma or Work-based Diploma, depending on grades achieved. These further qualifications could give you the skills and knowledge you need to run your own flower shop.
GCSE/Functional Skills
All full-time students, aged between 16-18, will study GCSE or Functional Skills in Maths and English, if they don’t already hold an A*- C level GCSE in the subject. This is an integral part of their vocational study programme at BCA. Students over 19 are also encouraged to refresh and accredit their skills alongside vocational study.
Entry Requirements
4 GCSEs at grade 2 or above to include Maths and English.
Course Duration
One Year
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Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Floristry
About the Course
This professional qualification enables you to develop your practical design skills and provide the necessary opportunity to progress in all areas of floristry.
This qualification supports the development of specialist technical and practical skills and is aimed at people that want to become professional florists.
You will learn about creative floral design techniques, how to produce a wide range of designs, production of floral designs for events including weddings and funerals, innovation in floristry, botany and business skills.
There will be plenty of opportunities to practice new skills in making creative floral arrangements.
Learning will be through a combination of lectures and practical sessions, including work experience in the floristry industry.
Course content
- 80 hours floristry work experience
- Creative design process
- Diverse flower and plant care
- Diverse tied floral designs
- Diverse floral designs for weddings and formal occasions
- Assemble diverse floral arrangements
- Assemble diverse sympathy tributes
- Working in the floristry industry
- Process, cost and evaluate sales
- Function and event decoration
Progression
You will be well placed to find a job in the floristry industry which requires ‘hands-on’ practical skills.
Students will also be well placed for progression on to the Level 4 Higher Diploma, depending on grades achieved.
Entry Requirements
5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, to include English, maths plus a recognised Level 2 Floristry qualification i.e. Level 2 Diploma or Work-based Level 2 in Floristry at minimum of Merit grade.
Course Duration
One Year
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Level 4 Diploma in Floristry
About the Course
The Higher Diploma in Professional Floristry is a nationally recognised floristry qualification aimed at ambitious and experienced florists who want to progress. Delivered on one day a week during term time, it further develops your floristry techniques and introduces business management, helping to enhance career prospects or provide the confidence to run your own floristry business.
Course Content
- Botanical concepts and practices for floristry
- Historical studies for floristry
- Business practices for florists, marketing and promotion
- Technical floristry skills including tied designs, wired designs, glued designs, working within a medium
- Design concepts for floristry
- Floral event practices
Awarding body: City & Guilds
Progression
Achievement of the Level 4 Diploma grants eligibility for the Level 5 Master Diploma in Professional Floristry.
Successful students may also be interested in taking a Business Management course at BCA to help you run your own floristry business.
Entry Requirements
Applicants are required to be working in the floristry industry and possess at least one of the following: Level 3 Floristry qualification or equivalent relevant prior learning/experience in an appropriate professional environment or an appropriate range of industry-standard skills. All applicants will be independently assessed by means portfolio and/or a practical demonstration.
Course Duration
One Year
Apprenticeship
Floristry is an interesting, creative and varied career, offering job satisfaction seldom matched by other professions. As an Apprentice florist you could find yourself working as part of a small friendly team assisting with displays for weddings, funerals and exhibitions, as well as making gifts and undertaking a variety of corporate work.
What is an Apprenticeship?
- An Apprenticeship is a job with training that allows individuals to gain a national qualification whilst they work and earn
- As an Apprentice you will earn the appropriate national minimum wage
- You will attend college one day a week, where you will receive practical and theoretical training
- The rest of the training and assessment is undertaken in the workplace
Intermediate Apprenticeship in Floristry
About the Course
- Level 2 Diploma in Floristry
- L2 Certificate in Customer Service
All apprentices will complete the LANTRA Floristry Employer Rights and Responsibilities workbook and will undertake learning in Functional Skills and Personal Learning and Thinking Skills.
Entry Requirements
GSCE English, Maths or ICT grades A – E exempt from Functional Skills. No specific floristry knowledge is required, however some work experience or prior achievement of level 1 floristry would be an advantage.
All apprentices will be required to undertake initial and diagnostic assessments for English, Maths, and ICT even if the apprentice is exempt from having to take the qualification as part of the apprenticeship framework.
Course Duration
18 months
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Advanced Apprenticeship in Floristry
About the Course
All apprentices will complete the LANTRA Floristry Employer Rights and Responsibilities workbook and will undertake learning in Functional Skills and Personal Learning and Thinking Skills.
Entry Requirements
GSCE English, Maths or ICT grades A – C exempt from Functional Skills.
All apprentices will be required to undertake initial and diagnostic assessments for English, Maths, and ICT even if the apprentice is exempt from having to take the qualification as part of the apprenticeship framework.
Course Duration
18 months
PART-TIME COURSES
As well as being an interesting and creative career, floristry skills can be developed and enjoyed for personal interest. With this in mind, BCA has a variety of courses to suit you whether you are a professional, beginner or enthusiast.
BCA are arguably the foremost centre for floristry training in the Thames Valley and have excellent resources, including dedicated training rooms and workshops, a wealth of living plant material on campus, plus experienced and professional staff.
Level 2 BCA Certificate in Floristry
About the Course
This course covers a broad range of floristry techniques and styles that will include modern and traditional designs, i.e. weddings, funerals, hand-tied bouquets and arrangements for functions. You will be encouraged to work independently and creatively throughout the course.
Entry Requirements
N/A
What qualification will I get?
Berkshire College of Agriculture Level 2 Certificate in Floristry
Course Duration
34 Weeks
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Level 3 BCA Certificate in Floristry
About the Course
This course builds on your designer skills and knowledge gained through the Level 2 BCA certificate. You will be encouraged to extend your ideas and create a portfolio of work to a high commercial standard. You will cover a range of techniques to create wired , glued and manipulated designs for weddings, funerals, gifts and functions at this higher level.
Entry Requirements
N/A
What qualification will I get?
Berkshire College of Agriculture Level 3 Certificate in Floristry
Course Duration
34 Weeks
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City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Floristry
About the Course
This course is ideal for those entering the floristry industry and wish to gain a wide range of floristry skills. It aims to provide college based learners with the skills they need for a career in floristry while gaining some work experience in the industry. This qualification is well used and respected in the industry.
Course Duration
One Year
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Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Floristry
About the Course
This professional qualification enables you to develop your practical design skills and provide the necessary opportunity to progress in all areas of floristry.
This qualification supports the development of specialist technical and practical skills and is aimed at people that want to become professional florists.
You will learn about creative floral design techniques, how to produce a wide range of designs, production of floral designs for events including weddings and funerals, innovation in floristry, botany and business skills.
There will be plenty of opportunities to practice new skills in making creative floral arrangements.
Course Duration
One Year
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Contact Details
Telephone number: 01628 827460
Email address: info@bca.ac.uk
Website: www.bca.ac.uk
Address:
BCA (Berkshire College of Agriculture)
Hall Place,
Burchetts Green,
Maidenhead,
Berkshire, SL6 6QR
