College training is important, you get to learn the basics and about the mechanics of floristry, some of the stuff on the curriculum is past it’s best but I have heard on the grapevine that sometime soon this should change and more commercial and up to date techniques will be introduced (hoorah!). If you are serious about your floristry you will definitely need shop experience and this is where the problems occur, read my post in ‘working from home’. Yep I admit to feeling bitter after my experience and this was compounded when I found it so difficult to find a replacement florist. I am passionate about my work and would love to be able to pass on my experience and knowledge without fear of being shafted. I am in a small town competing against 2 other florists, 2 supermarkets (with another large chain coming this next year), a weekly market with flower seller and at least 3 people I know of working from home. Competition is tough and we are all fighting to stay afloat and if that means me being wary about teaching anyone else the trade to protect my business then that’s the way it has to be. I agree with you Fly2hi about the industry needing new talent but we need it in our shops not behind garage doors otherwise the mass marketers will have won and more of the small high street shops will close. Good luck to you all looking for work experience, hopefully you will find something and despite what's happened in the past I am considering taking someone for w/e for Christmas - mind you she does live over 15 miles away - fairly safe I think