Floristry business skills - wholesale flower market tour & guide

What prior knowledge, experience and qualifications will I need?
This is an ideal course to develop commercial skills and awareness, if you are considering a career change & starting a small freelance floristry business, and will complement existing practical floristry classes. It is necessary to have had some practical floristry experience before attending and to have an understanding of using fresh materials, and is aimed at those learners who have not yet experienced a commercial flower sales environment.

Learning Goals:
To gain an understanding of how a large wholesale flower market functions To recognise the importance of understanding the availability & pricing of seasonal materials To develop your skills and knowledge of budgeting & costing for potential clients To consider the options of buying in person or having fresh material deliveries

What teaching methods will the tutor use?
The tutor will use a range of teaching methods during the course which will include the following: Demonstration - both group and individual, one to one tuition, group work, assessment of progress, observation, discussion / question and answer sessions.

What assessment methods will the tutor use?
The course tutor will use a range of methods to assess progress on the course. These may include: Observation, completion of an Individual Learning Plan which will be updated regularly, evaluation of work samples, question and answer sessions.

Will extra work be required outside the class times?
Extra work is not essential, but you may be asked to carry out some independent research between sessions, where applicable

What materials will I need for the course and how much will they cost?
You will need to cover your own travel expenses for the off-site visit. Very importantly, do remember to take either cash or cards to the market if you wish to make any purchases , and that all prices will have VAT added at the point of sale ( and this increases the overall price considerably)

What do I need to bring to the first class?
Wear warm & appropriately comfortable clothing and footwear for the market visit, as this will involve walking, and take a camera/phone and/or notebook and pen. You will also need these for session 2.

Options when finished
The department also offers a wide variety of courses in related areas of Floristry & Balloon Decor, and at different levels from beginners/improvers through to more advanced skills. These can help to build a skills set that can be beneficial if you are considering a career in the industry- and we also offer a 3-part enterprise course for those learners wanting to start a small creative business. Information about all of these courses is available through the Tutor, Curriculum Leader or the Adult Learning Lewisham online programme.

Additional information
Session 1 will take place entirely off-site, and will involve travelling at your own expense to either New Covent Garden Flower Market in Nine Elms, or a more local Wholesaler- T Brown in Hither Green. The location and full meeting details of the first session will be confirmed once minimum class numbers have been met. Session 2 will be classroom based at the Brockley Rise centre. Please contact the Curriculum Leader if you would like more information before enrolling.

For general enquiries and course availability information call 0208 314 3300. For more detailed information and guidance about the course: