Florists prepare floral arrangements such as bouquets, sprays, wreaths and
vases of flowers. They also organise the storage, sale and delivery of floral
arrangements.
Florists may need to attend flower markets early in the morning. They have a
high level of contact with the public.
How much can I expect to earn?
Earnings data based on the Employee Earnings, Benefits and Trade Union
Membership survey by the Australian Bureau of Statistics is either unavailable
or unpublishable (typically for privacy reasons).
Personal requirements
enjoy artistic and creative activities
a good sense of colour, texture and design
an appreciation of different varieties of flowers
good communication skills
sound business skills (if interested in operating a business)
an appreciation of the importance of discretion and confidentiality.
This job also involves:
Dusty or polluted environment
The work environment in these jobs generally contains higher than average
levels of dust, pollen, fumes, gases or other matter which are likely to
aggravate respiratory illnesses such as asthma.
Mainly indoor work
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than
three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed
area protected from the weather.
Reading or writing
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may
be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as
letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or
writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and
symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing
skills.
This occupation offers jobs at the following skill levels:
Skilled Non-trade Jobs
These jobs do not usually require completion of secondary education, however
further part-time study such as a Certificate III or IV, and on-the-job
training, may be required.
Skilled Trade Jobs
These jobs do not usually require completion of secondary education, however
further part-time study usually at Certificate III level, and on-the-job
training offered as an apprenticeship, is required.
Study requirements
At school, you can study these subject(s) to get a good foundation for this
occupation:
Art
School subjects that include some aspect of ART provide a useful background to
these jobs. In some cases an art-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry
to courses that provide the training for the job.
Biology
School subjects that include some aspect of BIOLOGY provide a useful
background to these jobs. In some cases a biology-related subject is a pre-
requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Duties and tasks of a Florist
Florists may perform the following tasks:
design appropriate floral arrangements based on discussions with clients about their requirements, taking into consideration the type of occasion and budget
select flowers and greenery, taking into account their expected lifespans, and trim flowers to a suitable length, strengthening them with wire if necessary
arrange flowers and greenery in vases, or secure them to a wire or plastic base, and finish the arrangement with ribbons or other trimmings
ensure flowers remain in good condition by taking into account the temperature, watering requirements and storage needs
arrange local delivery of flowers, and relay interstate and overseas orders
arrange dried, paper, silk or latex flowers and fruits, and other materials
decorate churches and other venues for weddings and other special occasions
rotate inventory and manage stock for in-store displays, pre-orders and daily sales
take part in management and administration, such as working out costs and pricing of floral arrangements, maintaining financial records and supervising staff.