Florist News

which of you have completed their NDSF? How long can it take to achieve this when you work as a florist full time? Do you need to work your way through the other quals first, or can you just go for it if you are an experienced florist?

And just how worthwhile is it, in your opinion?

The NDSF was replaced in 2006 with the MDPF (Master Diploma in Professional Floristry). It is a level 5 qualification designed by NPTC updated in 2006 to match national and international industry standards.

Due to your experience, I believe I am right in saying, you may be considered for this level qualification. Do you have previous qualification in Floristry? Ther may be a degree of flexibility from colleges, but they have to be sure that the level won't overwhelm you. I am unsure of the time it takes to complete; I would imagine two years part time, and one year if offered as a fulltime course which is unlikely as industrial experience is necessary, so they expect you to be working. Hope that helps a bit.

I know the course is offered at my college (Wiltshire), but there are not a huge amount of places to choose from.

Have a look at Society of Floristry - Training for details of training routes.

Best wishes,

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Been looking at doing this as some of you know. Its near impossible to do where i am though, especially as i am self employed and cant travel away every couple of weeks to do it

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www.AmandasFlorist.co.uk

"The secret of creativity is knowing how to hide your sources" - Albert Einstein.

Thanks for your replies so far.

Jake, what level are you studying at? Are you working in a shop too? It seems there are a lot more college courses offered in England than Scotland and I'm interested to know how they all compare.

Amanda, I'm originally from Wick too, so I know how geographically tricky it would be for you to travel for training, unless you had your own helicopter (and even then it's too bloody windy to fly one

I would really like to hear from anyone who has this qualification to see what they make of it all.

I am studying the ANCF, at the moment. Due to previous experience I was not expected to start at level 2.

I live in somerset and travel 2 hours to get to college, then 2 hours back. It's crippling me, physically and financially!

Where abouts are you? Scotland?

The MDPF is the most highly regarded qualification available, but may not be necessary for what you want to achieve.

I am a great believer in experience, but I personally have to have the 'piece of paper' to prove myself, and backup what I do. I always want to achieve the best too, so I won't stop until I have the MDPF, sad I know, but I gotta have it

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Same as myself but it would take a lot longer than 2 hours to get to the nearest college that does it from where I am.

Pacific - You managed to escape wick!! Lucky you! I managed to escape for 2 years when I did my years study in Edinburgh and then when i lived/worked there for a year. Can't wait to move back to civilisation - its almost like a lost world up here! Although we now have a tesco..amazing isnt it

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www.AmandasFlorist.co.uk

"The secret of creativity is knowing how to hide your sources" - Albert Einstein.

Am currently studying a BA (Hons) in Floristry Design...but do hope to go on from here and achieve the MDPF, but I think after I complete this in June I need a break from Academia!!!!!! I think a few years should just about be long enough time off before inflicting that on myself!

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FAUN TO BE WILD...!!!

Where are you studying chris? And are you enjoying it? Is it 2 or 3 years? Do you come out with BAhons and ICSF?

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