The content of these Pathways have been agreed by Lantra. These are the only Floristry Apprenticeship Pathways in the Agriculture & Environment sector approved for use in Wales that are eligible for Medr funding.
ISSUE DATE: 01/02/2024 ACW Framework No.: FR03959v2
Learning Programme Content
The Learning Programme provision shall comprise of three mandatory elements:
Qualifications
Essential Skills
On/off the job training
The total minimum credit value required for the Level 2 Floristry (combined qualification and Essential Skills) is 69 credits. Duration 18 months.
The total minimum credit value required for the Level 3 Floristry (combined qualification and Essential Skills) is 89 credits. Duration 24 months.
The credit values provided in this document are minimum credits, however, there may be a range of credits above this minimum available, depending on qualification and optional units/routes chosen in line with the relevant awarding organisation’s guidance.
Entry requirements
Level 2: Floristry
There are no specific entry requirements for the Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship in
Floristry, however, there are qualifications or experience that will help learners understand
the industry prior to starting:
Foundation Diploma in Environmental and Land-based Skills
Level 1 Award in Practical Floristry Skills
Level 1 Certificate in Introductory Floristry
Level 1 Award in Creative Craft Floristry
Level 1 Diploma in Floristry
Voluntary experience within the floristry industry
Have previously worked in, or are currently working within, the floristry industry
GCSEs/A Levels.
Entry onto the Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship in Floristry is also available for adult learners who have experience within the Floristry industry or who are looking for a career change.
Level 3: Floristry
The floristry industry wants the entry requirements for the Level 3 Apprenticeship in Floristry to be flexible, so therefore has suggested that any one of the following must be completed prior to starting on the Level 3 apprenticeship:
Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship in Floristry
NVQ Level 2 in Floristry
Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Floristry
Level 2 Certificate in Floristry
Level 2 Diploma in Floristry
Level 2 Extended Certificate in Floristry
Learners who have completed the Welsh Baccalaureate or Pathways to Apprenticeships may have completed units or short courses which will provide underpinning knowledge towards the Level 3 Apprenticeship. This will be assessed during an initial assessment allowing Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) where appropriate.
Apprenticeship pathway learning programme(s)
Level 2: Floristry
Level 2: Floristry Qualifications
Participants must achieve the following combined qualification, including Unit 211 as the Mandatory Optional Unit as specified by the Floristry industry.
| Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Floristry | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| City & Guilds | C00/0200/2 500/8317/X | 47 | 470 | Combined | English Only |
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 2: Floristry | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 1 | 6 |
| Application of number | 1 | 6 |
On/Off the Job training
On-the-job training is defined as skills, knowledge and competence gained within normal work duties. It is training which encourages and enables the apprentice to demonstrate practical job-related skills and to practice and apply these skills in the context of the job. This type of learning will be delivered in the workplace and through practical experience of doing the job.
Off-the-job training is defined as learning activities away from the normal work duties. It is training which encourages and enables the apprentice to develop the technical skills of the job and to develop their knowledge of theoretical concepts across a range of contexts and the wider market. This type of learning will be delivered away from the immediate pressures of the job. It may be delivered in the workplace, in a college or training provider premises.
The amount of off-the-job training is recommended as around 20% of work activities. Based on annual full-time working hours of 1615, this will be around 323 hours per year.
As the duration of the Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship is 18 months this would give a total of 484 hours for the total apprenticeship. These hours may vary depending on previous experience and attainment of the apprentice, and the time taken to complete the apprenticeship programme.
On-the-job and off-the-job training must be recorded in a diary, workbook, portfolio, attendance records or online systems. This evidence needs to be checked and signed by the assessor and employer.
Training should:
Be planned, reviewed and evaluated jointly between the apprentice and a tutor, teacher, mentor or manager
Allow access as and when required by the apprentice to a tutor, teacher, mentor or manager
Be delivered during contracted working hours
Be delivered through one or more of the following methods: individual and group teaching, e-learning, distance learning, coaching, mentoring, feedback and assessment, collaborative/networked learning with peers, guided study.
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2: Floristry | Based on annual full-time working hours: 1292 per year | 20% recommended, based on annual full-time working hours: 323 per year |
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
47 credits/570 hours hour TQT for the combined qualification including the Mandatory Optional Unit (211) on wedding designs
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Communication
6 credits/45 GLH for Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
Level 3: Floristry
Level 3: Floristry Qualifications
Participants must achieve the following combined qualification.
| Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Floristry | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| City & Guilds/NPTC | C00/0981/5 500/9049/5 | 68 | 680 | Combined | English Only |
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 3: Floristry | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 2 | 7 |
| Application of number | 2 | 7 |
| Digital literacy | 2 | 7 |
On/Off the Job training
On-the-job training is defined as skills, knowledge and competence gained within normal work duties. It is training which encourages and enables the apprentice to demonstrate practical job-related skills and to practice and apply these skills in the context of the job. This type of learning will be delivered in the workplace and through practical experience of doing the job.
Off-the-job training is defined as learning activities away from the normal work duties. It is training which encourages and enables the apprentice to develop the technical skills of the job and to develop their knowledge of theoretical concepts across a range of contexts and the wider market. This type of learning will be delivered away from the immediate pressures of the job. It may be delivered in the workplace, in a college or training provider premises.
The amount of off-the-job training is recommended as around 20% of work activities. Based on annual full-time working hours of 1615, this will be around 323 hours per year.
As the duration of the Level 3 Apprenticeship is 24 months this would give a total of 646 hours for the total apprenticeship. These hours may vary depending on previous experience and attainment of the apprentice, and the time taken to complete the apprenticeship programme.
On-the-job and off-the-job training must be recorded in a diary, workbook, portfolio, attendance records or online systems. This evidence needs to be checked and signed by the assessor and employer.
Training should:
Be planned, reviewed and evaluated jointly between the apprentice and a tutor, teacher, mentor or manager
Allow access as and when required by the apprentice to a tutor, teacher, mentor or manager
Be delivered during contracted working hours
Be delivered through one or more of the following methods: individual and group teaching, e-learning, distance learning, coaching, mentoring, feedback and assessment, collaborative/networked learning with peers, guided study.
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 3: Floristry | Based on annual full-time working hours: 1292 per year | 20% recommended, based on annual full-time working hours: 323 hours per year |
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
68 credits/680 hours TQT for the combined qualification
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
7 credits/70 hours TQT for Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Communication
7 credits/70 hours TQT for Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
7 credits/70 hours TQT for Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Digital Literacy
Job roles
In addition to achieving the combined qualifications noted above, level 2 and level 3 apprentices should also complete at least one of the following:
Sustainability in the floristry industry – level 2 – College based unit
Agored Cymru – BA32CY025 Customer Service - level 2 – 1 credit unit
Identifying marketing opportunities to increase floristry sales – level 3 College based unit
Agored Cymru – BA33CY013 Customer Care and Communication – level 3 – 1 credit unit
Job Roles at Level 2 (Foundation Apprenticeship) may include:
Florist | A Florist may work in one of several settings, in a shop, within an event company or for a variety of retail organisations. A successful Florist understands the principles of design, aesthetics, composition and colour to capture the requirements of the customer. A Florist will have excellent customer care and sales skills. They must be able to obtain the relevant information from customers and translate this into an appropriate design suitable for the customer’s needs. A Florist is aware of which flowers are available in which seasons of the year, which flowers work well in combination with each other and is able to offer advice and translate a client’s vision into displays that are beautiful and captivating. The Florist needs knowledge of botanical names, where materials are sourced, storage and control of fresh stock, and how to care for and condition floral materials and plants.
|
Job Roles at Level 3 (Apprenticeship) may include:
Senior Florist | A Senior Florist may work in one of several settings, in a shop, within an event company or for a variety of retail organisations. A Senior Florist will design, prepare and deliver design presentations and quotations for the customer. They will use design plans, detailed sketches, or digital resources to illustrate concepts to be used. They will need to research, evaluate and implement current trend options which could be used within the business. They will produce designs to meet customer expectations that reflect current trends and innovations. A Senior Florist will have an extensive knowledge of botanical names, how to source materials and an in-depth knowledge of how to care for and condition floral materials and plants. They will plan, schedule and manage work rotas and allocate duties, they may also have the opportunity to mentor junior staff. They will evaluate customer feedback to inform the development of sales. They will plan and schedule the distribution of botanical orders to ensure that product integrity is maintained, and deadlines achieved.
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Progression
The Floristry industry values the Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship as an entry route into the sector and in Wales have also developed the apprenticeship to provide progression opportunities to ensure the future of the skills and knowledge within the industry.
Apprentices successfully completing the Foundation Apprenticeship have opportunities to progress within the industry by progressing to the Level 3 Apprenticeship in Floristry or other Further Education courses such as:
Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Floristry
Level 3 Advanced Technical Certificate in Floristry
Level 3 Diploma in Floristry
BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Floristry
Typical jobs apprentices will be able to progress onto on completion of the Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship will depend on the qualifications and experience gained during the Foundation Apprenticeship but could include: Florist.
Typical jobs apprentices will be able to progress onto on completion of the Level 3 Apprenticeship will depend on the qualifications and experience gained during the apprenticeship but could include: Senior Florist.
For apprentices who wish to continue their development of skills and qualifications beyond Level 3, opportunities exist to progress further into Higher Education courses such as HNC/D, Foundation Degree or Degree (BSc). Examples of courses available across the UK include:
Level 4 Higher Diploma in Professional Floristry
Level 5 Master Diploma in Professional Floristry
BA in Professional Floristry and Floral Design
Foundation Certificate Professional Floristry and Floral Design.
Apprentices looking to progress in their employment following additional learning may be able to find managerial positions such as Floristry Manager.
Equality and diversity
It is important that apprenticeship Pathways are inclusive and can demonstrate an active approach to identifying and removing barriers to entry and progression. Pathways should advance equality of opportunity between persons who share protected characteristics and those persons who do not as identified in the Equality Act 2010.
The Protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act are age, disability, gender re-assignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity. Marriage and civil partnership is also included although only in respect of the requirement to eliminate discrimination in employment.
Training providers and employers MUST also comply with the other duty under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that applicants are not discriminated against in terms of entry to the industry based upon those nine protected characteristics.
It is important that apprenticeship pathways are inclusive and can demonstrate an active approach to identifying and removing barriers to entry and progression. Pathways should advance equality of opportunity between persons who share protected characteristics and those persons who do not as identified in the Equality Act 2010.
The nine legally protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act are:
- age,
- disability,
- gender,
- gender re-assignment,
- marriage and civil partnership
- pregnancy and maternity
- race,
- religion or belief,
- sexual orientation.
There are some important differences depending on which protected characteristics apply.
Training providers and employers MUST also comply with the other duty under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that applicants are not discriminated against in terms of entry to the industry based upon those nine protected characteristics.
Currently floristry industry employees are mainly female (94%), which is significantly higher than the sector average of 32% (UK) female employees, and the Wales average of 29%. Whilst the industry does not preclude males from working in the sector, it is suggested that the imbalance is due to an out-dated perception of floristry employment as traditionally a female dominated industry, despite many roles in floristry being carried out by males. It is interesting to note that Further Education enrolments onto Floristry related learning programmes are also mainly female at an average of 98% compared with work-based learning enrolments 100%. There are a wide range of hands-on roles for people of all ages and abilities together with an increasing need for skilled managerial, high-tech and specialist people.
There are no actual barriers to recruitment into the industry. There may be some physical restrictions in parts of the floristry industry with mobility or when manually lifting and carrying crates of flowers, although this should not prevent anyone working in the industry and not be seen as a barrier.
Resolutions and further work
The units within the Diploma in Work-based Floristry have been written in collaboration with partner awarding organisations to ensure that they are free from bias, accessible to all apprentices and are applicable to a wide range of roles and businesses within Floristry.
Because of the diverse nature of the Floristry sector the Diploma in Work-based Floristry has been developed from these units to allow maximum flexibility and choice within the rules of combination.
Lantra will work with the Floristry Industry to promote the need for skilled employees. This will also take into account the need to increase male and ethnic participation in the industry. Activities will include:
- Increasing the awareness of the Floristry Level 2 and 3 Apprenticeship with specific promotions, in particular focusing on under-represented groups such as males
- Increasing marketing and communications highlighting the opportunities to a wide range of careers within and related to the sector
- Using Lantra’s careers web pages to inform careers advisors and apprentices of the opportunities available in the industry.
Employment responsibilities and rights
Employment Responsibilities and Rights (ERR) is no longer compulsory. But it is recommended that all apprentices (especially the 16 years -18 year group) receive a company induction programme
Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the Training Provider/Employer to ensure that the requirements of this Pathway are delivered in accordance with the Welsh Government/Medr Apprenticeships Guidance.
Further information may be obtained from: Medr