Floristry training can be hard to find because it often gets filed under other categories like horticulture, primary industries or the arts. If you’re thinking about becoming a florist, want to build your floristry skills, or are just looking for floristry classes around NSW, then we have all the information that you will need. Studying in Victoria? See our guide to floristry training in Victoria.
Floristry courses come and go, so we update this list as courses appear and disappear. Always contact your nearest training provider to register your interest.
Below is the key information on nationally recognised floristry qualifications, TAFE NSW, and floristry workshops and short courses.
Thinking about a floristry apprenticeship? Our floristry apprenticeship guide has plenty of useful advice.
Nationally Recognised Floristry Qualifications
Nationally recognised training is regulated across Australia to keep course quality and content consistent. A nationally recognised floristry qualification is accepted by the floristry industry and governing bodies nationwide.
Photo by direct2Florist on Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0, cropped
| Qualification | Current code | Older code | Typical role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate II in Floristry (Assistant) | SFL20125 | SFL20115 | Floristry assistant working under supervision |
| Certificate III in Floristry | SFL30115 | (no change) | Florist |
| Certificate IV in Floristry | SFL40125 | SFL40115 | Senior florist |
| Diploma of Floristry Design | SFL50125 | SFL50115 | Senior floral designer, often with a business or team lead role |
Certificate II in Floristry (Assistant)
The Certificate II is a great starting point for a floristry career. It teaches the creative and practical basics of working in a florist shop, studio or online store, including customer service, flower handling and safe work. It can also fast-track you into the Certificate III.
Certificate III in Floristry
The Certificate III is the qualification for a working florist. It is usually completed as part of a floristry apprenticeship, but you can also study it without one, which suits people already in full-time work. It is usually needed before you go on to the Certificate IV and Diploma. Graduates work as retail, studio, event and in-house florists.
Certificate IV in Floristry
The Certificate IV prepares you to run the daily operations of a florist shop and builds your design, sales and complex construction skills. It can help you branch into specialist areas such as events and weddings, or into management.
Diploma of Floristry Design
The Diploma is the top nationally recognised floristry qualification. It focuses on advanced construction, design and business management, and leads to roles such as senior floral designer, studio owner or freelance designer. For inspiration, see today’s most influential floral designers. At the time of writing we couldn’t find a NSW provider of the Diploma, so check training.gov.au for registered training organisations that deliver it, including online.
TAFE NSW Floristry Courses
The old regional TAFE institutes have merged into TAFE NSW. TAFE NSW currently lists the Certificate III in Floristry (SFL30115) at its Ryde and Ultimo campuses, and it can also be done as an apprenticeship or traineeship. Check the TAFE NSW floristry courses page for the Certificate II and IV and the latest intakes.
Fees vary by course and your circumstances. Smart and Skilled subsidies may apply to eligible students and apprentices, and concession card holders may pay less. Check Services Australia to see if you qualify for a concession card.
Pearsons School of Floristry
Pearsons School of Floristry in Stanmore is a registered training organisation that delivers the Certificate III in Floristry as a classroom-based course, with work experience included. It also runs short floristry courses.
Floristry Workshops and Short Courses
Image by hermelin from Pixabay
Floristry short courses and workshops are a great way for beginners and florists of all levels to learn and improve their skills. They can help you move into a specialist area like weddings, and keep you up to date with the latest techniques and tools.
Every school has different formats, durations and inclusions, and courses change often, so check each provider’s website for current dates and prices.
Sydney Community College
Sydney Community College is a not-for-profit adult education provider with floral design classes, from introductory sessions to weddings and ikebana. Classes suit anyone thinking about a floristry career or wanting to expand their skills.
Classes for all levels of experience
No previous experience necessary
More information: sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au
Macquarie Community College
Macquarie Community College runs courses across western and northern Sydney, including flower arrangement classes that teach the fundamentals in a fun, relaxed setting.
Beginner-friendly flower arrangement courses
No previous experience necessary
More information: macquarie.nsw.edu.au
Pearsons School of Floristry
As well as the Certificate III, Pearsons runs shorter floristry courses and workshops at its Stanmore school.
Short courses and workshops
Accredited Certificate III pathway
More information: pearsonsschool.com.au
Other Helpful Training Ideas
Don’t forget the endless free online tutorials, from basic to advanced. A simple search for “free floristry videos” will turn up great results. Practising with a regular bunch from a flower subscription is an easy way to build your skills at home.
Want to learn how to DIY wedding flowers? Check out our definitive DIY wedding flowers guide. And if you’re wondering how to get into the industry, read how to become a florist.
Map of Floristry Courses in NSW
Disclaimer:
The courses listed above were available at the time of writing, but classes may be removed or added. The map was made when this guide was first published and may include providers that are no longer listed above, so always check the list and contact the training provider for current course information and fees.