Institute of Professional Florists (IPF)
The Institute of Professional Florists (IPF) upholds the professional status of UK florists through the highest standards for training and qualification.
The Institute of Professional Florists was created by the British Florist Association (with the assistance of Lantra Sector Skills Council) to act as their Training & Education Body, and to recognize and promote professional floristry skills.
Goals
• Uphold the professional status of florists in the UK
• Encourage florists to engage in an ongoing process that will record continuous professional development
• Maintain consistently high standards within the floristry industry through training and qualification programs
• Support members in meeting their professional development needs
• Help flower businesses identify the best learning opportunities for their teams
Membership Criteria and Benefits
Membership in the Institute of Professional Florists demonstrates to customers and the public in general that a florist is maintaining standards within the floral Industry by obtaining industry approved qualifications and also that they are participating in ongoing professional development.
Members receive a certificate appropriate to their level of membership and are entitled to use the relevant letters behind their name. They also receive the BFA florist magazine (delivered bi-monthly), and discounted entry to both the annual BFA Fleurex annual trade show and BFA competitions.
Training and Qualifications
There are two main routes to IPF membership.
Work Based Route
Intended for candidates already employed in the flower business this apprenticeship approach typically takes 2-3 years. It is based on completion of the NVQ2 / NVQ3 floristry awards along with acquisition of key skills and a technical certificate.
The apprenticeship program can be tailored to suit the needs of the individual apprentice. It combines work-based training along with formal assessments and the building a portfolio. The candidate’s training is always overseen by a college or approved training provider who visits the apprentice in their workplace on a regular basis.
Apprenticeships are normally government funded and available free to both the apprentice and their employer.
College Based Training
There are approximately 100 colleges in the UK offering floristry courses, and this is often the first route that a student will take to becoming a florist. Programs vary – from specialized horticultural colleges with purpose-built training facilities, to general further education colleges without special facilities.
The range of study options and courses available to the aspiring florist is complex, making it important to seek advice when selecting a course.
Member Colleges And Training Providers
The IPF recognizes the following institutions as members because of their commitment to award winning floristry training and qualifications:
Academy of Floral Art
Exeter, Devon
Bishop Burton College
Beverley, Yorkshire
Chichester College
Chichester, West Sussex
Keits
Radlett, Hertfordshire
Kingston Mauward College
Dorchester, Dorset
LeSoCo College
London
Moreton Morrell College
Warwick, Warwickshire
Myerscough College
Preston, Lancashire
Plumpton College
Plumpton, Sussex
Upcoming BFA Events
No BFA Events Are Scheduled At This Time
Related Material
British Florist Association (BFA)
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