Florist News

Am wondering whether to carry on to do Level 3 (currently nearly finished Level 2 NCF) as have found Level 2 to be a bit too heavy on the theory and not enough practical, certainly not enough wedding work. Have spoken to a couple of Level 3 students who say there is even more theory and less practical- although the practical work is better.
Am considering doing a short wedding course instead at a local floristry school as I already have marketing experience and qualifications - really want more practical practise.
Feedback from students currently doing or having recently completed Level 3 would be appreciated.
Also feedback from florists as to whether Level 3 has more weight when considering employing someone, or is experience in a shop preferred?
Thanks

Hiya! I'm studying ANCF and really enjoying it. We have one day of practical a week (only a 3 day week course). It is heavy on theory, it looks more at the business side as you are considered capable of entering the workplace at supervisor level after a level 3 course.

I would like it to have been more practical based as I have a business degree under my belt and want to learn the skills more than anything.

The specification is changing in September so I don't know what will be included then. The practical certainly needs updating. No more flat backed bouquets and reems of cello!

Any other info. just let me know. I am happy to help if I can. I think education is very important. I can't speculate from an employer's point-of-view, but I would hope the level 3 would carry some weight?

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Thanks Jake - glad you're enjoying it. I already have an MBA so don't want to waste a year going over business related stuff- although I suppose any floristry related business stuff is still useful. I wonder what's changing in September?

Hi there

You can look at the new syllabus at NPTC | Home. Look under Qualifications, Floristry, Level 3 (revised), Scheme Handbook

Hope that helps

Jules

Im suprised you find the ncf light on practical designs as there are far more practical designs than written assignments, Although there is a lot of theory which is only to be expected from a professional course.
Level 3 ANCF has got a lot of theory and written work but the designs should be taught at a higher and more design orientated level.

I hope you decide to continue

Are you a tutor by any chance?
I wasn't really referring to the number of practical assessments v number of theory assignments - more the fact that the TIME spent on theory/assignments was more than I would have liked - would have preferred more time spent on practising the practicals-try saying that after a few gins.
Some designs we only did once and were then assessed on them.
I still haven't decided re Level 3 as it now involves an extra half a day doing key skills which will drive me nuts - extra childcare to spend time doing Maths English and IT?

hi raven, i did my level three of a night and did not have to do key skills you know, i am in cheshire as well so it may be worth looking into. I found i did learn quite a bit on level three but you are right about theory, a lot of it is tedious when you want to get stuck in to a nice design but then i suppose that is the same on level two also. I did not learn anything from the theory from level three but i did on the practical side, especially wedding work.

I think the key skills is a new thing starting september (used to be under 19s only) maybe part time courses are excluded though. Would like to carry on for the practical side, maybe I'll just have to grit my teeth and get on with it!

YOU DONT NEED ANY OF THEM.........BENCH TRAINED RULES

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gerbera daisy

Slight problem -Bench trained requires friendly employer who will take on someone with little shop experience............