What to expect from a career in the Floral Industry
The floral industry demands more than just knowledge of blooms – business knowledge, customer service and an eye for design are also necessary for success. Floral design programs at Ontario colleges teach these skills and much more, while giving students plenty of hands-on training in floral arranging.
If you have an appreciation for the beauty of flowers and want to turn it into a successful career in floral design, here’s what you need to know.
Floral Design Courses
Ontario college floral design programs are offered as one-year certificate programs that combine time spent in the lab or in the field with time spent in the classroom. Lab and field work will focus on floral design and arranging, while floral theory courses will cover topics like flower and foliage study, botany and floral artistry.
From a business perspective, students will take courses in communication, retail and visual marketing, merchandising and computers so they will be prepared to work in the retail and customer service industry.
General Floral Design Program Requirements
Floral design programs at Ontario colleges require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. A grade 12 English credit may also be required.
Floral Design Jobs and Salaries
Working as a florist in a flower shop or garden centre is an obvious choice for students with a floral design program certificate. There are also many opportunities in landscape businesses, retail shops, department stores and floral event companies. Many Ontario college floral design program grads choose to start their own business and work independently.
Salaries in the floral industry vary and are largely dependent on the company you work for. Entry-level salaries may start in the mid-$30,000 range, but with experience you can move up quickly. There may also be opportunities for bonuses and commissions. If you choose to work independently, your salary will depend on your ability to draw clients and provide results.
Ontario Colleges Offering Floral Design Programs
Use the left-column navigation to refine your search by College, Program Availability, Program Start Date and more, or see the table below for a complete list of floral design programs at Ontario colleges.
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