I was recently contacted by Jo Richards, Principal of the Academy of Floristry in Bournemouth.
And today’s blog post features an interview with Jo:
When did you start your floristry school?
The Academy of Floristry was founded in October 2011, after the local college to the area closed its floristry department.
I had worked at the college for ten years as a teacher and felt that there was a big niche left in the market for floristry training, which I could fill by opening my own school.
Where is the school based?
The Academy is based in Bournemouth, just on the outskirts of the busy town centre and close to all the facilities, shops and entertainment.
We’re very lucky to be in the same building as fresh flower wholesaler ‘Global Flora’.
The school/classroom is situated above the wholesaler, giving the students the opportunity to choose their own fresh materials and learn about the range that arrives from Holland and all around the world, as floriculture is now international.
What type of courses do you offer?
We offer a wide range of courses suitable for all mixed abilities and ages.
We’re a City & Guilds approved centre which means that we can run professional, certificated qualifications from Level 2 Diploma in Floristry up to Level 5 Master Diploma in Floristry.
We also cater for those who just wish to do refresher courses, those who just like to have fun and meet new people, exciting classes that look at trends, new techniques and skills, plus courses for up-skilling florists in their shops.
We’re able to be very flexible in our provision and can run courses full-time, part-time, in the evenings and over the weekends.
We deliver workshops for all areas of floristry and we’re happy to provide anything and everything for our clients, whether it’s one-to-one sessions, for small groups or for parties.
What are your plans for 2012?
For 2012, the plans for the Academy, and what we are involved in, are endless…
Firstly, to continue developing and expanding the business, and help our students to achieve their qualifications and their end goal of working in the industry.
We also hope to be a part of and involved with the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show and to attend demonstrations and workshops in European venues.
We’re already booked to complete weddings and functions for our exclusive clients here and abroad, enhancing the experiences of our students in many ways.
We aim to expand the opportunities for our students and the local floristry industry by inviting international guest designers to give workshops and demonstrations at the Academy in the future.
Do you have a favourite flower?
I love all flowers depending on the season.
We’re so lucky to have the privilege to work with so many beautiful blooms and materials and they all have their rightful place in our creative and artistic industry.
Many thanks to Jo for all her help in compiling today’s blog post.
If you’d like to keep up-to-date with news about the Academy of Floristry, they’re on Twitter and Facebook.
(Images : Academy of Floristry)
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