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Careers in flowers and foliage
A guide to opportunities in the
Australian flower and foliage industry
Welcome to your new career!
Flowers – everyone loves them. They are an essential part
of our environment, adding bursts of colour to the world
around us. We rely on a beautiful bunch of flowers to
express our emotions, send a message of thanks, or make our
homes brighter. Few products in our lives can communicate
so much and offer so much beauty, while also bringing us
back to a fundamental appreciation of nature.
There are many career opportunities associated with the
Australian cut flower and foliage industry, which involves a
number of connected components, from growing the plants
all the way through to selling the final products to the
customer. In this industry, you can choose from a diverse
range of working environments, from the farm to the
laboratory, classroom or retail business, and become a part
of a professional chain that is committed to the delivery
of quality floral products.
© 2013 Flower Association of Queensland Inc.
All rights reserved.
Careers in flowers and foliage: A guide to opportunities in the Australian flower and foliage industry
The information contained in this publication is intended for general use to assist public knowledge and discussion
and to help improve the development of sustainable cut flower and foliage production. You must not rely on any
information contained in this publication without taking specialist advice relevant to your particular circumstances.
While reasonable care has been taken in preparing this publication to ensure that information is true and correct, the
Flower Association of Queensland Inc. gives no assurance as to the accuracy of any information in this publication.
The Flower Association of Queensland Inc., the authors or contributors expressly disclaim, to the maximum extent
permitted by law, all responsibility and liability to any person, arising directly or indirectly from any act or omission,
or for any consequences of any such act or omission, made in reliance on the contents of this publication, whether or
not caused by any negligence on the part of the Flower Association of Queensland Inc., the authors or contributors.
This publication is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, all other rights are
reserved. However, wide dissemination is encouraged. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights
should be addressed to the Flower Association of Queensland Inc:
Flower Association of Queensland Inc.
Phone: +61 7 3821 3350
PO Box 327Email: [email protected]
Cleveland, QueenslandWeb: flowersqueensland.asn.au
AUSTRALIA
Note: The Flower Association of Queensland Inc. gives no warranty as to the quality or suitability of goods or
services provided by companies or businesses mentioned in this publication. Mention of a trade name does not
constitute a guarantee or warranty by the Flower Association of Queensland Inc. or the authors, nor is it an
endorsement of these products or services over others not mentioned. Any mention of trade names, products or
services are indicative only and are not exhaustive.
2
Purpose of this guide
How to use the guide
This Career Guide has been designed to:
The way you use this guide will depend on your need
for information, your goals and your current level
of understanding about the flower industry.
• highlight the many opportunities and benefits
of working in the cut flower and foliage industry
• provide an overview of the range and broad
categories of occupations that are associated
with the industry
• identify job options and career pathways within the
industry, from the farm through to the wholesale,
retail, research and development sections of the
supply chain
• provide practical information on the working
environment and the range of duties associated with
each job area
• consider the study or training requirements that may
be involved in each job area
• illustrate the benefits of working in the industry
through real stories shared by successful people from
various parts of the supply chain.
The guide will help young people and school leavers
who are examining career options and deciding on a
career path. In particular, it can inform young people
in regional and rural communities looking for primary
production work options, as well as the wider flower
industry. The information will also be useful to those
seeking a career change, or those who are already
involved in floriculture but are interested in learning
about new options within the industry.
The purpose of the guide is not to provide
comprehensive details on educational organisations,
course content or job requirements. There are
plenty of readily available resources from recognised
organisations which specialise in that information.
Rather, this guide will raise your awareness of the
career possibilities offered by the flower industry. It
encourages you to explore further to tailor a career
pathway to suit your individual ambitions.
If you are looking to start a brand new career and are
new to the industry, we recommend you read all the
background information on the industry structure, the
types of crops that are grown and the supply chain
so that you have an understanding of the full picture
before learning more about specific career choices.
If on the other hand you are already familiar with the
industry, or you currently work within the industry
but wish to expand into other areas, then the job
profiles and career stories may be sufficient to provide
information on how others have found their way into
particular positions. Their stories provide a real and
unique insight into the daily activities and career
pathways behind each job area.
The section on training and qualifications is important
to all readers, encouraging you to pursue your career
path with a professional approach that will open up
more doors in the future.
Contents
PART 1: About the Australian cut flower and foliage
industry (page 4), sections of the industry (page 5),
reasons to work in flowers (page 8), training and
qualifications (page 9) and a flowchart of the Australian
flower and foliage supply chain (page 10).
PART 2: Job profiles and career stories (page 11) related
to production (page 12), wholesale and retail (page 20)
and industry development (page 28).
PART 3: More information with links to further
resources (page 34) and a glossary of terms used in the
flower and foliage industry (page 36).
3
❀✎
About the Australian cut flower and foliage industry
PART 1
♠
Introduction
Growers mostly produce traditional flowers, of which
roses, lilies and gerberas are the biggest sellers.
Other flower crops include carnation, lisianthus,
tulips, freesias and gypsophila. Tropical crops are also
grown in some areas, including heliconia, orchids and
ornamental gingers. Some products are in demand at
particular times of the year, such as chrysanthemums
for Mother’s Day and seasonal bulbs and flowers in
spring. Although most traditional flowers are grown
4
under some type of structure or protection such as
polytunnels, there are many exceptions. Virtually all
traditional flowers are sold on the domestic market.
Australian wildflowers include Australian native
flowers and foliages and certain members of the South
African Proteaceae family, such as protea, leucadendron
and serruria, and are primarily cultivated in plantations.
They fall into two broad categories: filler flowers such
as waxflower, kangaroo paw and thryptomene, and
seasonal feature flowers such as waratah, banksia and
protea. Some flowers and foliages are wild harvested
under licence. Wildflowers account for ninety per cent
of the industry’s exports.
♠
The cut flower and foliage industry in Australia is a
specialised part of the horticultural sector and involves
growing and selling flowers and foliages for cutting
and ornamental display.
❀✎
Careers in flowers and foliage
Sections of the industry
The Australian cut flower and foliage industry
includes a series of processes to produce and supply
the products, starting with producing the growing
material, through to raising seedlings, growing mature
plants, harvesting and preparing the cut product,
transport and distribution, and displaying and selling
the product. In conjunction with the fundamental
production process, there are other essential activities
that need to occur, such as sales and marketing,
promotional events, and business and financial
management. Then there is the broader picture, which
includes activities to support the overall health and
improvement of the industry – essential to ensure
a long-term need for flower and foliage products by
consumers into the future, and to support businesses
in providing top-quality, professional products and
services at all points along the supply chain.
The overall picture of the Australian cut flower and
foliage supply chain is presented in the flowchart on
page 10. Below, each of the primary sections of the
industry is briefly described, to provide a picture of the
nature of this exciting industry and the range of work
areas that you can explore.
Production
The production of cut flower and cut foliage crops
incorporates all the activities involved in planting,
growing, crop management and harvesting. The
collective term for this range of activities is floriculture,
which is a specialised branch of horticulture.
Flower crops can be grown either within a protected
system using greenhouses or polytunnels, in the open
field or a combination of both. Under a protected
structure, plants may be grown in the soil, in
containers using potting media, or in a hydroponic
system which supplies them with all their water and
nutritional needs via a solution. Since flower crops
can be grown in a variety of ways, the jobs associated
with this part of the chain will vary accordingly. Field
crops will require knowledge of soils and the ability
to work in outdoor conditions. Greenhouses and other
enclosed structures use technology to protect plants
from the elements to some degree, so require a more
mechanically-minded approach.
The key to a successful cut flower or foliage crop is
quality and high visual appeal. Only healthy plants
will produce a high-quality cut product, so this work
requires good plant knowledge and a commitment to
following careful and consistent procedures. As there
are many factors involved in crop production that affect
the quality and profitability of the flowers, research and
training is very important. Working with a flower crop,
or even owning your own flower growing business, can
be highly rewarding, as long as you fully understand the
crop’s needs and all of the challenges before you begin.
The first thing that is needed to produce a crop is
propagation material, in the form of seeds, cuttings or
seedlings. Breeders begin the process, by developing,
testing and introducing new plants or varieties that have
the characteristics needed for successful flower or foliage
products. The grower will often obtain growing material
from propagators, who are skilled at this stage of the
growing cycle. Seedling, or plug, nurseries produce
young plants in bulk quantities and then sell them on to
other producers for transplanting and further growth to
maturity and eventually harvesting. If crops are grown
from seed, it is purchased from seed specialists and
breeders so that the seed is of a reliable quality.
5
is employed by the business owner. A successful and
professional grower and business owner takes great
pride in providing the final customer with long-lasting,
beautiful flowers or foliages of the best possible quality.
Wholesale and retail
Growers of cut flower and foliage crops can supply
their product to florists, wholesalers or directly
to the public. Although most of the physical work
for the grower ends when the flowers leave the
farm gate, there are other activities that must run
consistently in the background, including staying
aware of market demands, confirming distribution
networks, maintaining relationships with wholesale
or retail contractors, and checking on the quality
of the product as it moves through the supply chain.
These activities will be handled either by the owner
of the farming business, or by the farm manager who
6
Australian flowers operate in a global industry. Exports
are primarily in natives and wildflowers, and they enable
Australian growers to grow on a scale and volume
that would otherwise not be possible if they were only
servicing local markets. Exports provide regional jobs
and foreign exchange for our country and industry.
Imports give florists access to flowers and foliage types
that are not grown in Australia and the industry can
also benefit from the importation of new and more upto-date varieties. Imports enable access to volumes not
available locally, which is important at the supermarket
supply level where they rely on large and consistent
volumes week in and week out, or at peak times of the
year such as Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day.
Flowers and foliages can be sold by the grower or the
wholesaler in simple bunches to the florist or floral
designer. From there, they can be incorporated into
arrangements and displays and may be sold on again to
supermarkets, market vendors, garden centres or other
outlets, which will then sell the arrangement on to the
consumer as one of its retail products. Alternatively,
flowers may pass from the grower or wholesaler to a
florist or floral designer who owns a store and who
arranges the flowers and foliages on the premises in
preparation for further sale. Some businesses specialise
in the coordination of floral products for events, such as
♠
Any particular flower crop must be grown in
an environment that adequately provides all the
requirements needed for healthy plants. Roses, for
example, will have needs that are distinct to those
of an Australian native plant. The grower must have
reliable networks with other business providers
to supply the many needs of the crop, including
pest and weed control, fertilisers, irrigation system
equipment and maintenance, climate control systems,
lighting, containers, trolleys, tables and pallets,
and farm machinery. The development and supply
of each of these products or services are additional
career paths that can be pursued in relation to the
flower industry. Labour must also be organised and
managed, as a flower crop requires intense periods
of activity at certain times including planting, weeding,
harvesting, bunching and packaging. Also, the owner
of the farming business must make sure that there
will be a reliable buyer for the product, which involves
marketing, advertising, pricing, networking and
relationship-building activities.
The next step in the chain in getting cut flowers from
the field to the customer’s vase can involve any or
all of wholesalers, auctioneers, importers, exporters,
florists and retail outlets. There are many possible
networks for distributing the products along the
supply chain. Some growers supply directly to the
public. Others supply to a wholesaler, who acts as an
intermediary between the producer and the florist, or
between the producer and the final customer. Flower
brokers or buyers may be involved, who handle the
negotiations with the wholesalers or growers on
behalf of their clients, who may be florists, floral
designers or event coordinators. It is a complex web
of activity which offers countless ways for new people
to enter and work in the industry.
❀✎
Careers in flowers and foliage
those that develop arrangements for weddings, funerals
or corporate functions. In these cases, considerable
research and networking may be needed by the floral
designer to locate particular items to meet a client’s
unique requests, such as a special type of flower for a
bride’s bouquet.
Delivery of a floral arrangement is a separate service
offered to the customer and a distinct part of the
industry. Refrigerated trucks or vans are required and
those working in this part of the supply chain may
be trained in the appropriate handling of live plant
products to maximise their quality and vase life.
Jobs in the wholesaling and retailing of flower and
foliage products are professional occupations that
require training and suitable qualifications for success.
In addition to the expertise required in handling and
arranging the flowers themselves, there is also business,
financial and staff management, dealing with suppliers,
networking and marketing. There are early morning
starts to collect flowers from markets, the need to
meet deadlines for events, and the challenge of finding
products to meet the customer’s requirements.
Floristry, floral designing or florist business
ownership are challenging career paths which require
dedication, but they can also fulfil a life-long passion
for the lover of flowers.
Industry development
While the production, delivery and retail processes
carry on each day to move floral products through the
chain to the customer, other components are at work
to ensure that the industry continues to improve and
grow. These jobs fall into the category of industry
development, and they include research, new product
development, industry promotion, marketing,
education and training, and the development and
delivery of information.
Researchers can work in many areas that are associated
with floriculture. Each of the many steps involved in
the production of a flower crop requires research and
development to make them possible. For example,
pest management is essential to grow healthy plants,
and it requires the development of pest control
chemicals, biological control methods, and broader
academic research into the lifecycles and impact of the
pests that particularly affect flower crops. Research
is also required in areas such as industry marketing,
which might involve studying patterns of supply and
demand, identifying barriers to sales and developing
promotional programs. The industry is also aided
through the continual development and improvement
of educational and training opportunities.
7
Why work in flowers?
The Australian cut flower and foliage industry is an
important part of the economy and has the potential
to grow even further. It values professionalism and
encourages passionate, qualified new entrants and
offers a wide range of fulfilling and challenging careers.
As we move towards a future of better environmental
stewardship as a nation, the flower industry is
also becoming increasingly conscious of the value
of researching and using ‘green’ methods to grow
and supply its products. Anyone embarking on a new
career in flowers can enjoy being a part of producing
something beautiful in a sustainable way that protects
the earth’s resources.
Working within the production sector can offer:
• The freedom of working outdoors.
• An environment working with plants and nature.
• The challenge of learning about many types
of plants, what they need and how they grow.
• The challenge of solving problems and enhancing
the health of plants.
• The enjoyment of working with many different
people from a variety of professional areas.
• The opportunity to work with machinery
and equipment.
• The opportunity to work in an environmentally
conscious and sustainable farming sector.
• The opportunity to grow and distribute products
that have proven benefits to human health and that
improve the quality of our lifestyles.
• The potential to gain employment due to a possible
skills shortage for horticultural jobs in Australia.
Working within the wholesale or retail sector
can offer:
• The opportunity to interact with many people from
diverse backgrounds and from opposite ends of the
flower supply chain.
8
• The challenge of learning about the postharvest
needs of cut flowers and foliage and how to maintain
the quality of the products.
• The opportunity to work with flowers and to use
creativity and flair in preparing and designing
beautiful arrangements.
• The potential to own your own florist business or
another related business.
• The privilege of helping people at special times
of their lives by bringing them the natural beauty,
style and comfort of flowers.
Working within the industry development area
can offer:
• The challenge of working with all supply chain
sectors to identify and solve industry problems.
• The opportunity to develop creative marketing
programs and other tools to help the industry grow
and flourish.
• The opportunity for networking, information
sharing, professional communication and national or
international travel.
• The chance to educate the next generation
of growers or florists.
• The opportunity to conduct research in a leading and
interesting field.
♠
There are many potential benefits, challenges and
sources of enjoyment to be gained from working in
the Australian cut flower industry. Given the diverse
nature of the industry, there are far too many examples
and possibilities to list all of them here. However, the
following is a glimpse of some of the reasons why you
should consider a career in flowers.
❀✎
Careers in flowers and foliage
Training and qualifications
As you pursue a career in the flower industry, be aware
of the importance of developing a strong foundation
of learning along the way. For any position or section
of the industry in which you aim to work, gaining
appropriate skills and knowledge through practical
experience and formal training is recommended.
When it comes to learning, your career path can take
you through a wide range of experiences, from training
on the ground, through to study at the certificate
and diploma levels, all the way through to a PhD in
a specific area of expertise. Training providers such
as TAFE, universities and private training companies
can provide information about educational options
and qualifications. It is best to choose training
opportunities that are nationally recognised and that
have been developed through consultation with the
industry. Registered training organisations (RTOs)
are training providers that have been registered by
the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).
Options for courses, vocational education and training
(VET), apprenticeships and traineeships vary from
state to state and between educational institutions. It
is therefore advised that you contact those relevant
to your situation and do background research on the
opportunities as you plan your career pathway.
In the production area, knowledge is required about
how the plants grow, their nutritional needs, how to
protect them from pests, diseases and weeds, and how
to plant, maintain and harvest them. Hands-on training
will be required for the complex range of tasks that
are involved in working on a farm, such as equipment
installation, use and maintenance, or applying water
and treatments to the crop. Opportunities available at
the time of writing include a Certificate II or Certificate
III in Floriculture, which can provide training in
floriculture work, while training at higher levels can
offer additional skills in supervising staff and
business management. Qualifications or
skill sets can be tailored to particular
growers, areas or production cycles in
some cases.
you may wish to pursue science or applied science
higher degrees for work areas that require a high level
of knowledge about plant biology or other areas related
to crop production. Higher level degrees will also allow
you to work in industry development roles, including
research, training and education.
Grower groups are an important networking and
training option in floriculture, as are workshops,
seminars and other industry opportunities. As a
grower of a flower or foliage crop, it is important
that you always remain aware of events in your area
and take advantage of the chance to network with
other industry members. Industry events will often
incorporate multiple aspects of the flower supply chain,
allowing people to meet and learn about each other’s
work environment and requirements.
Wholesalers, importers/exporters and others in
the flower supply chain need business management
skills and training, as well as knowledge of how to
maintain the quality of the product. Cut products are
susceptible to changes in temperature and other factors,
so those handling them throughout the distribution
chain must understand how to maintain optimum
quality. The retail and floristry parts of the chain also
require good product knowledge, in addition to design,
creative and marketing skills. At the time of writing,
training options include Certificate II, Certificate
III and Certificate IV in Floristry and Diploma
of Floristry Design, which incorporate skills from
basic sales assistance and florist store work through to
specialist floral design, staff supervision and business
management. In addition to structured learning,
florists need to participate in floral demonstrations,
workshops and other events to share ideas and keep up
with current trends.
To work in the earlier stages of the crop
production chain in the area of propagation
and breeding, you may need training
in micropropagation and tissue culture
techniques. Depending on your interests,
9
Flowchart of the Australian cut flower and foliage supply chain
Seed/cutting supplier
Propagator
Breeder
Grower
Wholesaler/
Auction house
Exporter
International market
Florist
Supermarket
Other retailers
(e.g. market vendor,
garden centre)
Consumer
Industry development
Career areas related to
PRODUCTION
Career areas related to
WHOLESALE & RETAIL
Career areas related to
INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT
Crop management
Greenhouse management
Technology development
Automation/mechanisation
Environmental control systems
Equipment supply
Chemical supply
Irrigation design and installation
Pest and disease management
Environmental assessment
Laboratory testing (soil, water)
Government support services
Training and education
Floral design
Event floristry
Corporate floristry
Wedding floristry
Import and export
Buying/sourcing
Floral accessory production
and supply
Dispatch and distribution
Training and education
Research and development
Extension and information
Government support services
Industry communications
Industry marketing
and promotion
Capacity building
Training and education
Career areas related to BUSINESS
Business ownership
Business management
Financial management
Business marketing
♠
10
Advertising, media and sales
Government support services
Training and education
❀✎
Careers in flowers and foliage
❀✎
Job profiles and career stories
✎
❀
♠
PART 2
♠
Career profiles
related to
PRODUCTION
Career profiles
related to
WHOLESALE &
RETAIL
Career profiles
related to
INDUSTRY
DEVELOPMENT
Breeder or propagator
Wholesaler or
flower agent
Industry liaison and
communication
Flower importer
or exporter
Education and training
Flower or foliage
grower
Horticultural specialist
or advisor
Florist or floral
designer
Research and
development
11
Breeder or Propagator
Description of the job area
Develop new flower or foliage plants or varieties; multiply young plants in
preparation for further growth to produce a harvestable crop.
Related jobs and specialisations
Tissue culturist, Plant genetic engineer, Laboratory technician, Seedling (plug)
specialist, Nursery manager.
Likely duties related to the job area
• Use conventional breeding, tissue culture or micropropagation techniques to
introduce new or desirable characteristics to flower or foliage plants, such as
colour, fragrance, vase life, quality or pest or disease resistance
• Test potential new plants or varieties
• Grow young plants in bulk from seeds, cuttings or tissue culture
• Monitor, maintain, package and dispatch seedlings.
♠
12
❀✎
Careers in flowers and foliage
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physiology of
ill
w
m
w about the ne
le
ho
ob
d
pr
a
an
to
hy
w
on
e
ti
lasting solu
t understand th
opagator mus
professional pr
.
art at the
how they grow
prepared to st
the plants and
be
to
is
ss
ne
busi
rtant to start
e entering the
ersity are impo
os
iv
th
un
to
or
ce
FE
vi
TA
ad
ongst the
My
hile
n you get in am
k questions. W
he
as
w
to
ts
d
ar
st
an
ng
om
bott
learni
e hose and
a job, the true
first pick up th
u
in
yo
ga
n
to
he
d
w
an
n
with
. Knowing
to lear
comes from it
ple, you start
at
am
th
ex
er
r
at
Fo
w
.
e
ts
ence between
plan
use th
lise is the differ
about how to
rti
on
fe
si
to
ci
n
de
he
a
w
e
mak
is and many
it and
-grade one. Th
when to leave
,
nd
d
er
co
at
se
w
or
to
n
or
whe
a po
job complex an
y seedling and
ator make the
th
ag
al
op
he
,
pr
t
ng
vi
an
ri
pl
a th
e of a
s in the daily lif
thwhile.
other decision
resting and wor
te
in
ry
ve
so
al
t
challenging, bu
13
Flower or Foliage Grower
Description of the job area
Grow and maintain plant crops for eventual harvest to produce cut flower or
foliage products.
Related jobs and specialisations
Floriculture assistant, Floriculture worker, Greenhouse worker, Farm manager,
Farm hand, Business manager, Business owner.
Likely duties related to the job area
• Prepare soil or growing media for planting seeds, bulbs or seedlings
• Irrigate, fertilise, spray, weed, prune and monitor the crop
• Operate and maintain farming equipment, hydroponic systems or greenhouse
facilities
• Harvest the crop, usually manually
• Sort, bunch, package and dispatch the product
• Develop irrigation scheduling, nutritional plans, pest management and other
crop management programs
• Set prices and negotiate with buyers of the product.
♠
14
❀✎
Careers in flowers and foliage
r
e
w
o
r
g
eet a
M
lyth
B
Nick
Blyth
Bros
I work in a family flower gro
wing business, along with
my parents John
and Robin and my brothers
Peter and David. We grow
daffodils and
jonquils, which are both bu
lb flower crops that belon
g to the botanical
genus known as Narcissus
.
We grow all of our crops ou
t in the open field. In Novem
ber to December
we harvest the bulbs. From
January to February we me
chanically clean,
grade and count the bulbs
. From March to April is bu
lb planting, and
May to October is flower tim
e, involving working in the
packing shed,
preparing and managing a
stand at the Melbourne Wh
olesale Market,
and dealing with wholesal
e customers in Melbourne,
Sydney, Brisbane
and Perth. Most times of the
year there are crop maintena
nce and
workshop duties. My particu
lar duties on the farm are
to manage the
forklift driving and bulb del
iveries, although we all wo
rk as a team and
this involves many coordinat
ed activities to ensure a sm
ooth production
process.
I am a third-generation flo
wer grower. I am very hap
py in my career as
my job provides me with gre
at variety, the opportunity
to work outdoors
and to do many of the things
I love to do. My career beg
an with an
apprenticeship in floricultu
re, and while this training
provided me with
an important grounding for
my understanding of the pro
cesses of flower
growing, I find that I am stil
l learning on the job every
day, as this job
gives me an ongoing sense
of growth and development
.
My day-to-day duties can
include marketing, custom
er relations, sales
planning, staff supervising,
emergency equipment rep
air, equipment
manufacture, forklift drivin
g, truck driving and tracto
r
driving. As you
can see, my job is always cha
nging and never boring! Alt
hough there are
many challenges and hardsh
ips in farming, working har
d
and persevering
is the key. A career in flowe
r production gives you a gre
at
variety of daily
tasks in a largely outdoor env
ironment and allows you to
pu
rsue any
number of a large range of
specialist skills.
15
♠
16
❀✎
Careers in flowers and foliage
Meet a grower
Charles Reyn
Florescence Q
olds
uality Cut Flo
wers
oriental
of the crop is
nt
ce
r
pe
80
ut
in plastic
Australia. Abo
our entire crop
rm in Western
ow
fa
ic
gr
y
e
m
W
on
s.
s
ie
m
ng highly acid
brid lil
I grow liliu
turally-occurri
r cent is LA hy
na
pe
y
ve
20
lit
ha
t
ua
e
ou
-q
w
s
ab
gh
A
ith hi
winter.
liliums and
metres long, w
are heated in
58
ch
d
hi
an
w
e
es
id
w
us
tunnel ho
, 1.8 metres
ilt raised beds
soil, we have bu
s.
takes regular
grow the bulb
essential and
is
t
en
nm
ro
vi
soil in which to
ing en
low time
a healthy grow
ver does not al
h
-o
it
rn
w
tu
s
er
op
w
cr
flo
r
As ou
is done with
Providing the
ent every day.
is critical. This
t
em
en
ag
em
an
ag
m
d
an
ch as fish
em
monitoring an
anting, diseas
ort systems su
pl
pp
re
su
to
al
r
ic
io
og
pr
ol
s
return, not
and bi
to rest the row
a very positive
ides, bacteria
s
ic
ha
ng
fu
em
l
st
ia
sy
fic
ating
e outbreaks
the use of bene
very simple he
ly reducing th
ur
nt
O
ca
.
ifi
st
gn
po
si
m
t
co
bu
ter,
fit from a
emulsion and
to grow in win
t and we bene
ls
an
ta
rt
en
po
ri
im
O
e
ry
th
ve
tion cycle.
ur is
only allowing
st in our produc
si
ytis. Good labo
tr
as
bo
to
e
s
as
er
ck
se
di
pa
to
of the fungal
rful young back
y. Our move in
over of wonde
rn
tu
nt
te
is
Australian Arm
ns
e
e and
co
th
rg
in
la
rs
ry
ce
ve
d with
ers as offi
ve
ri
re
ar
ca
e
r
w
ou
so
d
,
te
ge
, so
star
ed career chan
get office jobs
My wife and I
not a research
to retail or to
in
as
w
hen
go
g
W
to
.
in
t
on
rm
an
ti
fa
w
flower
e didn’t
a great op
W
as
s!
it
se
ed
as
gl
ew
d
vi
re
hold an
se, we
thick rose-colou
all business. I
ble for purcha
sm
la
a
ai
g
in
av
nn
as
w
ru
rm
dge in
y helpful,
when the lily fa
lacked knowle
were definitel
e
e
w
’
es
th
ge
d
an
an
ch
ip
d
‘sea
t and leadersh
on, staff tax an
we made the
in managemen
rs compensati
ke
as
age
or
om
ck
w
pl
g
pa
di
in
d
ng
ag
ti
MBA an
accoun
es of man
od
su
go
is
l
a
ca
of
ti
g
ac
in
pr
e
owing
rstand
but many of th
t come into gr
no
ts and the unde
d
en
di
e
em
W
ir
.
qu
ss
re
busine
ving some
superannuation
estion that ha
fore going into
qu
be
g
no
in
is
e
ow
er
kn
th
but th
ess we have
are things wor
days. The succ
qualifications,
y
al
rl
ur
ea
lt
e
cu
th
rti
in
ho
al
k into
cially
with any form
sisted us, espe
very lucky to lin
as
en
ve
be
ha
ve
ld
ha
ou
e
w
at we can
and w
formal training
our skills so th
trial and error,
p
h
lo
ug
ve
ro
de
th
d
en
an
achieved has be
wed us to grow
that have allo
ks
or
tw
ne
t
or
ch
supp
agement, whi
r crop.
iploma of Man
D
a
ey
e
now manage ou
Th
ev
.
hi
es
ti
ac
tivi
ople to
ent of farm ac
em
two young pe
ag
d
ss
an
te
m
or
ne
e
si
pp
th
bu
su
tailed
ning in
We have
developing de
on-the-job trai
,
h
ts
ing of
ug
ec
ild
oj
ro
bu
pr
th
e
ed
rm
th
include
ber of fa
they gain
m
ts
ec
nu
oj
a
pr
ch
of
ar
se
es
to re
.au.
tation. Exampl
were required
lbsOnline.com
their implemen
ng
ei
se
er
e bulb site, Bu
ov
d
lin
on
r
ou
plans an
ng
pi
achieve this in
els and develo
st growers. To
ju
t
no
,
le
four new tunn
op
ss pe
small business
selves as busine
ally structured
em
rm
th
fo
e
t,
se
en
to
nm
looking for
viro
Farmers need
ic and social en
t constantly be
us
om
m
on
u
ec
yo
,
g
ss
in
s you are a
g busine
an ever-chang
product. Unles
flower farmin
ur
a
yo
In
.
t
al
ke
ar
nti
m
se
ate for the
and
training is es
ways to grow
les to compens
sa
ve
il
ti
ta
va
re
no
e
in
ud
d
cl
t in
t they spend
efficiencies an
siness plan mus
rming, I sugges
bu
fa
ur
er
w
yo
,
flo
er
in
ow
aging a farm,
rested
very large gr
running or man
For those inte
in
e.
ic
ed
pr
st
le
re
sa
te
le
in
then
ses are very
variable who
s. Formal cour
flower farm. If
ill
a
sk
on
e
ur
ng
lt
ki
cu
or
mes from
d horti
some time w
for the latter co
anagement an
m
on
ss
cti
ne
ru
si
st
in
bu
st
you will need
at often the be
don’t forget th
t
bu
t
an
rt
po
im
ents and
owers.
ysical requirem
gr
ph
d
g
ce
in
en
ng
ri
le
al
pe
ex
and a wellwith ch
be significant
y-a-week job,
n
da
ca
nds
ve
ar
se
w
a
re
is
g
al return.
t, the
Flower farmin
tisfying financi
her Nature! Bu
sa
ot
a
M
h
it
ss
w
ue
er
-g
re
nd
an enjoyable ca
a need to seco
ss can provide
ne
si
bu
ed
ur
struct
17
Horticultural Specialist or Advisor
Description of the job area
Advise on aspects of crop production and maintenance and apply practical
treatments and techniques to solve problems or improve crop health.
Related jobs and specialisations
Consultants, Advisors and Technicians with specialist knowledge in Pest and
disease control, Weed control, Integrated pest management, Irrigation, Soil
sampling and testing, Water sampling and testing, Tissue sampling and testing.
Likely duties related to the job area
• Monitor, record and assess crop performance, nutritional levels, pest activity
and other aspects of crop growth
• Visit farms and advise growers on actions to take to address problems
• Apply treatments to address crop issues
• Keep abreast of the latest research and development information for specific
crops to provide the best possible advice on crop management.
♠
18
❀✎
Careers in flowers and foliage
t
s
i
l
a
i
c
st spe
e
p
a
t
e
Me
ham
lm
Malco
Dur
rti
ug Ho
tB
Smar
ent of crop
the managem
on
r
se
vi
ad
al
t. Entomology
cultur
or IPM for shor
ltural and horti
t,
cu
en
ri
plex
ag
em
ag
an
an
as
pest m
I work
pests is a com
on integrated
g. Controlling
s
in
cu
e is a
fo
ow
er
a
gr
th
h
er
e
it
w
w
pests,
s becaus
rts of flo
on
pa
si
ci
al
de
nti
se
od
es
go
e
ll,
ar
ake
be perfect to se
essential to m
and pathology
flowers must
knowledge is
e
e
nc
od
Si
ar
go
l.
s
d
al
ro
ic
an
nt
s,
em
proces
optimal co
e traditional ch
nge to achieve
tisfactory. Som
technique for
sa
al
un
e
nti
very narrow ra
ar
se
e
es
ag
an
m
is
da
M
st
IP
pe
ls of
sts, so
even low leve
sistance in pe
build-up of re
e
th
to
e
du
failing
here I
st control.
y at Gatton, w
ud
st
I
to
e
sustainable pe
m
d
years of study.
work le
tion after four
e and outdoor
ec
nc
ot
ie
ew
pr
sc
gr
t
in
ho
an
s
w
pl
st
My intere
d Science in
d with people
chelor of Applie
curve compare
ng
ni
ar
to different
le
p
ee
achieved a Ba
has taken me
it was a st
er
so
re
,
ca
ty
y
ci
M
e
.
th
rd
h Australia, I
ied ha
grew up in
d it and I stud
riences. In Sout
ve
pe
lo
I
ex
t
of
Bu
y
s.
et
ri
d on reducing
e a va
up on farm
rne and worke
d has given m
ce
lu
an
gs
ld
ed
or
se
w
in
e
e
th
servic
l beneficial bu
places in
uraged natura
op monitoring
cr
co
st
en
fir
ch
en
e
hi
th
th
I
w
.
d
establishe
emical usage,
tatoes in Turkey
and rates of ch
I worked on po
r,
te
La
e.
bl
the frequency
na
ai
and flowers.
crop more sust
h strawberries
and made the
it
w
k
processes
or
w
to
ustralia
tand complex
rs
de
un
to
returned to A
ed
ne
re, chemistry,
what I do, as I
is essential to
ts of temperatu
ec
ng
ni
eff
ai
e
tr
th
al
s,
le
rm
Fo
echanisms
ecyc
t protection m
and disease lif
an
ct
pl
,
ul
se
is
in
es
g
th
in
yn
ud
incl
on of successf
photos
is the foundati
controls work,
ld
and
al
fie
ic
ng
e
ki
em
th
or
ch
in
tw
w
ho
servation
ading, ne
ob
re
d
of
oo
ts
G
lo
y.
es
og
ir
requ
own new
and microbiol
pests. The job
to create your
of
so
l
al
ro
d
nt
an
co
e,
d
owledg
ls with my
monitoring an
d disease leve
developing kn
h
an
it
ct
w
se
up
in
ep
ng
ns are
ecki
research to ke
easing. Decisio
rough fields ch
cr
th
k
de
al
or
w
I
c
ly
ati
ai
st
D
,
ficial bugs
easing
information.
to release bene
lations are incr
ed
pu
ne
po
e
if
w
e
er
se
th
tion and
whe
hand lens to
nutrition, irriga
ation, such as
d
rm
an
fo
in
th
al
is
th
he
t
scribe the
h plan
then based on
-farm which de
lp farmers wit
on
he
en
so
tt
al
ri
I
w
.
e
th
ar
rts
with the
or spray or bo
agement. Repo
discuss issues
an
to
m
t
an
op
rt
cr
po
of
s
im
ements,
. It is
other aspect
specific requir
er should take
to
rm
d
fa
re
e
ilo
th
ta
on
be
ti
must
so spend
course of ac
dations often
harvested. I al
en
be
m
m
to
e
co
re
du
r
is
with
e crop
farmer as ou
ploy some help
ch as when th
em
I
su
gh
es
su
ou
is
th
al
on
,
depending
doing invoices
each weekend
s
ur
ho
l
ra
ve
se
neral
and I’m the ge
ld
g.
in
fie
ep
le
tt
ke
ba
ok
a
bo
!
is
a quality crop
it. Every field
st control and
nging but I love
pe
le
al
od
ch
ch
go
t
hi
is
w
k
ge
or
ds
to
My w
sources
e control metho
anage all the re
mics
oblem then us
pr
e
as
who has to m
se
pulation dyna
di
po
or
t
st
ou
pe
ab
a
te
te
na
pa
io
I need to antici
ects. I am pass
metimes they
rs, although so
wanted side eff
be
un
be
m
al
nu
im
st
in
m
pe
have
large
. My work can
nce in practice
l bugs can beat
ie
s, and
ia
sc
fic
on
ti
of
ne
ec
be
on
sp
re
ati
in
whe
t illustr
e farm
et
ec
rf
pl
m
pe
a
co
is
to
It
y
.
lp
travel to
all da
need some he
early starts to
ust keep going
en
m
I
oft
as
e
ar
g,
e
in
er
ng
le
th, good
ore. Th
physically chal
r this career pa
t at 45°C or m
Fo
ho
g!
ry
in
ve
th
be
od
n
ation
ly a go
greenhouses ca
the right inform
which is actual
ct
y
lle
da
co
l
al
to
ng
ce
ki
ccess.
e patien
farms, and wal
e the keys to su
knowledge, th
ar
s
od
on
go
si
s,
ci
ill
de
sk
to make good
observational
istakes!
d clear thinking
from others’ m
an
n
ld
ar
le
fie
e
ll
th
sti
from
d better
ur mistakes an
Learn from yo
19
Wholesaler or Flower Agent
Description of the job area
Buy and trade in cut flower and foliage products and coordinate the supply
of product between the producer and the customer.
Related jobs and specialisations
Warehouse worker, Warehouse coordinator, Forklift driver, Business manager,
Auctioneer, Flower broker, Trader, Buyer.
Likely duties related to the job area
• Interact with suppliers and organise deliveries
• Liaise with retailers to determine demand and set prices
• Monitor and maintain cut product quality
• Stock and display products in suitable ways for sale and dispatch
• Locate products via wholesalers or growers and negotiate prices on
behalf of florists or the final consumer.
Meet a wholesale
r
Nick Christen
Christensen’s
Flower Auctio
n
The flower auction plays an
important role in the cut flo
wer industry by
helping to turn flowers bei
ng produced on the farm int
o
cash. Prior to the
flower auction starting in 199
5, an average invoice would
get paid in 60
days. After the flower auctio
n established itself, we saw
a dramatic change
in credit terms in the flowe
r industry. Although buyer
s had to pay cash to
buy on the flower auction,
the trade-off was that the
y
had the opportunity
to buy what they wanted,
at the price they were willing
to pay. The growers
enjoyed the immediate pay
ments, and started leveragin
g
their other
customers to also pay soo
ner or else the product wo
uld go to auction. The
flower auction is the reason
that the flower industry tod
ay enjoys much
shorter payment terms.
My business fits within the
centre of the flower supply
chain, in that it
is one of the links between
the growers of the product
and the retailers
who sell it. There are howe
ver some differences betwe
en an auction and
other flower wholesalers.
While a traditional flower
wholesaler marks
up the product before selling
on to the buyer, the price
for the flower
auction buyer is the clock
price that they bid at with
the addition of an
auction service fee. Traditi
onal wholesaling often inv
olves relationships
between the seller and the
buyer, specific deals and reg
ular ongoing
orders. In contrast, at the
auction, each buyer is equ
al and each decides
how much they are willing
to pay for a flower. The auc
tion can save
money for growers, as the
y no longer need to worry
about selling
and paying for tasks such as
running a sales
team, in
Careers
flowers
anders
foliage
ringin
g custom
generating invoices, maint
,
aining accounts and chasin
g debts.
♠
20
sen
❀✎
I am fourth-generation in the flower industry. After schoo
l, I studied hotel
management which gave me excellent grounding in custom
er service. After a few
years I got tired of shift work and started working in the flower
wholesale business
which was established by my parents, who were immigrants
from Denmark.
After working in the family business for over 12 years, I left
to work in the finance
industry for a time, then returned to the family business
and that is where I am
today.
I see the flower business as an emerging industry, with plenty
of opportunity for
further growth. I feel that there is the potential for more
regulation in the industry
to encourage people to meet a certain standard, leading
to the improvement
of technical proficiency throughout the supply chain. The
current nature of the
industry can make for a very adversarial business realm, requir
ing you to keep
your wits about you. There are diverse and strong person
alities in the flower
business, ranging from tough wholesalers to creative types
in retail. These
personalities wouldn’t normally mix regularly in life! But
in the flower business,
they can all be dealing with each other every day, which can
sometimes make for
an exhausting business arena, but also a uniquely colourful
one!
The busiest day in the flower auction is a Sunday. At 6 a.m.
we start receiving
flowers from transporters and growers. We set these up,
enter them onto the
auction list, photograph them and grade them, and make
comments regarding
their quality. We take a stock video of the product and upload
it onto the internet.
The flower brokers arrive at around 4 p.m. to go through
the stock and to get
their orders finalised with their customers. The auction starts
at 7 p.m., or 6 p.m.
on Sundays, and runs until about 10 p.m. Our order pull and
pack teams start at
9 p.m. and the first courier run departs at around 2.30 a.m.
the next morning,
delivering the flowers fresh in-store. We continue packing
until about 6 a.m. when
the first pick-up customers come in and start getting their
orders. It’s a 24-hour
loop for four days and a 12-hour loop for the other two. Saturd
ay is the only day
that the business is closed.
To be a flower agent or wholesaler, you need to be good
at maths, always alert
(as the flowers never sleep!) and physically fit, as this is a
demanding job with
irregular hours. My advice to those thinking of becoming
a flower wholesaler or
auctioneer would be to try working for one in the short term.
If the lifestyle suits
you, spend at least two to four years working in a couple
of wholesale or auction
companies before making a decision to open your own busine
ss.
The flower business is a rewarding one. It can be high on
stress and emotion
and can be a tough trading environment with challenging
working hours, but it
can also provide you with an income and lifestyle that may
be just what you are
looking for. By working at the flower auction, I have the privile
ge of being an agent
for the growers. They put their trust in me to present their
flowers to the market
in the best possible way, and that is extremely humbling.
21
Flower Importer or Exporter
Description of the job area
Trade internationally in cut flower and foliage products.
Related jobs and specialisations
Marketing specialist, International trade specialist, Business manager.
Likely duties related to the job area
• Organise orders and oversee the distribution of product
• Monitor supply and demand of product within the industry
• Develop international and national relationships
• Follow the market and trends and identify new product opportunities.
♠
22
❀✎
Careers in flowers and foliage
&
r
e
t
r
o
an exp
Meet
r
e
t
r
o
p
m
i
s
arson
nP
Adria
EX
WAF
s
oviding grower
industry, by pr
er
e and
w
ad
flo
tr
n
e
ia
th
al
e Austr
pporting
th
su
to
d
t
an
an
bs
rt
jo
po
g
ovidin
eties and a
Export is im
ss to new vari
eir product, pr
th
ce
ll
ac
t
se
ge
to
e
s
w
ue
cts of the
ports,
with aven
d export aspe
y. Through im
an
tr
rt
un
po
co
r
im
ou
e
of
Th
uct.
uct, because
economy
supply of prod
selling of prod
e
d
bl
an
lia
g
re
in
d
ow
an
gr
consistent
with the local
the customers.
hand in hand
e demands of
th
industry work
g
in
ic
rv
se
in
curator. I then
r roles
anted to be a
both play thei
w
d
an
rf
tu
d
of horticulture
I love
w that this area
rdener as a kid.
sa
ga
d
en
work in
an
y
ke
a
er
rs
as
Iw
d commenced
rist and nu
an
flo
e
l
ur
ca
lt
lo
cu
a
rti
in
arketing
in ho
started work
e, sales and m
udied a degree
ad
st
tr
I
e
y.
th
it
rs
in
t
ve
di
en
em
offered more
en spent two
I had an involv
my career. I th
holesaling, so
of
d
w
es
er
w
ag
st
flo
y
l
rl
ca
lo
, UK, Israel an
the ea
the US, Canada
industry from
as
in
e
w
th
I
ce
le
of
en
ri
s
hi
ct
w
pe
d
pe
ex
as
Zealan
flower
ew
al
N
on
in
ati
y
rn
er
te
rs
in
nu
ch
whi is
tion
years gaining
a large produc
saling business
r
le
fo
ho
d
w
ke
a
or
d
w
te
I star
exports to
Holland. I also
ing to Australia
d imports and
rn
an
tu
le
re
op
n
pe
po
y
U
.
at university
ploys over sixt
ee years old, em
hr
-t
ty
en
tw
w
no
has given me
untries.
ticulture, which cultural
or
over fifteen co
H
in
ee
gr
Science de
my base horti
d
or of Applied
er farms and so
w
flo
ant and if I ha
o
I have a Bachel
tw
n
is very import
,
on
We now ow
ee
s.
ati
ill
gr
uc
sk
de
ed
s
se
k
le
in
ba
good
with a sa
nefit. I th
ee
be
gr
ct
de
re
e
di
s
ur
lt
ha
cu
w
ed up my horti
e industry.
knowledge no
ay have follow
ting sides of th
m
ke
I
ar
n,
m
ai
d
ag
an
e
s
m
my ti
the sale
ey enjoy
st and work in
g children. Th
un
yo
h
given my intere
it
w
y
orked with
55, man
ny who have w
pa
would be 20 to
m
e
co
ng
r
ra
ou
e
in
ag
employer. It
oyees
Our staff
tisfying as an
ve many empl
sa
ha
ry
e
ve
w
d
is
an
ch
k
their wor
ten years, whi
choice.
or more than
stry as a career
du
in
is
th
us for five, ten
of
re
rams
satisfying natu
marketing prog
ng
pi
lo
ve
de
illustrates the
d,
close
ahea
sales and stay
rategy, looking
st
on
e
nd
ey
ou
e
ar
os
cl
es
a
ts
My day revolv
w farms. I keep
urs, early star
k. The hard ho
crops for our ne
ee
new
w
ng
at
y
ni
th
er
l
an
ia
ev
pl
y
uc
d
an
d it is cr
ts roughl
an
ke
,
ar
ng
m
di
ng
an
ti
m
si
I
ly de
to clients by vi
ement levels.
es be physical
ding to manag
s can sometim
ee
ry to
ur
oc
st
ho
pr
du
re
ng
in
fo
lo
ed
d
be
an
wer-relat
on tasks
sflo
a
nd
in
ha
s
e
ift
th
sh
n
urnals
e test
entrants lear
s, read trade jo
ould work som
on
ti
sh
es
ey
qu
th
of
at
ts
th
tential
ask lo
recommend
progressive po
k. You should
e
or
th
w
e
fy
ti
th
d
en
id
fin
to
see how they
s, and be able
r new initiative
fo
el
fe
a
t
ge
to
d
ith growers an
joy working w
en
employers.
I
e
.
er
ov
re
pr
ca
im
g
allengin
ng strategies to
y
y in my busy, ch
loping marketi
ve
de
d
ve made man
I am very happ
an
e
ad
e globe and ha
rust of tr
th
th
dnd
an
ou
th
tar
ar
cu
-e
rs
e
to
also th
e partne
like the downlong-term trad
this industry. I
in
s
ip
sh
demand. I have
nd
ie
onships and fr
king people.
life-long relati
with hard-wor
ng
ki
or
w
,
ry
st
indu
aspect of the
23
Florist or Floral Designer
Description of the job area
Prepare, display and sell bunches or arrangements of flowers and foliages for
retail customers or events.
Related jobs and specialisations
Floristry assistant, Senior florist, Event florist, Retail florist, Business manager,
Business owner.
Likely duties related to the job area
• Source flowers, foliages and floristry materials
• Handle customer service, enquiries, sales, stock management and delivery
management
• Prepare arrangements and store displays
• Design and prepare floral products for events such
as weddings, funerals or corporate functions
• Manage marketing and promotional activities.
♠
24
❀✎
Careers in flowers and foliage
t
s
i
r
o
fl
eet a
M
nson
ilki
W
h
a
ar
S
Sin
gn
l Desi
lora
ikka F
ts, shop
weddings, even
in
e
lis
ia
ec
sp
I
al retail
rist.
do the occasion way a
lance event flo
so
ee
al
fr
I
.
a
ts
as
oo
k
sh
or
photo
me the
I began w
s on site with
and florals for
s
er
w
on
ti
flo
la
al
ve
st
ha
in
t
the floral
don’
window
owing sector of
delivery, but I
gr
er
a
w
e
flo
ar
f
e
el
at
ys
or
race days,
s like m
and corp
ork varying from
eelance florist
w
Fr
h
.
it
w
es
,
do
in
st
ed
ri
retail flo
be involv
splays.
exciting area to
resting retail di
te
in
d
an
s
industry and an
ng
dising,
t, lavish weddi
Visual Merchan ral
in
d
ke
or
editorial conten
w
en
rned with seve
raphic Arts. I th
ground is in G
. Initially, I inte
ry
ck
st
ba
ri
e
flo
arn about
ad
to
tr
in
y
M
ngboard
g along and le
ri
ta
sp
e
c
m
ti
as
ng
nt
tti
fa
le
in
which was a
took part in a
ere very kind
things. I then
bourne who w
of
el
M
de
ickly
si
in
s
ss
st
ne
ri
si
flo
d the bu
business and qu
an
e
nc
ry
la
st
ri
ee
fr
flo
t
n
d-ofmy ow
flowers, even
tly through wor
os
as starting up
w
m
I
e,
le
el
hi
nt
w
ie
cl
se
y
floristry cour
and growing m
in advertising
et
fe
y
m
d
un
fo
out going out
concerned ab
as
mouth.
lp
w
I
ly
al
iti
in
and
with lots of he
been blessed
change for me,
ve
er
e
ha
re
I
th
t
ca
ea
a
Bu
br
as
k!
d
w
This
the bloc
siness. I live an
the new kid on
sing
growing my bu
in
ily
m
on my own as
iration, organi
fa
d
an
s sourcing insp
sts, friends
ur
ri
ho
flo
y
r
an
he
m
ot
from
le away
trends.
y passion. I whi
out new floral
ab
ng
flowers – it ’s m
ni
ar
le
d
t due to
y clients an
the industry, bu
in
n
ga
concepts for m
be
st
fir
hen I
eat deal away
ies. I took a gr
II in Floristry w
e
ud
st
at
y
fic
m
rti
ne
Ce
a
po
post
uch and it
I started
s I decided to
s; I learnt so m
ce
st
an
ri
st
flo
d
um
rc
he
ci
is
tabl
recommend
personal
terning with es
siness. I highly
in
bu
l
ce
ra
en
flo
ri
a
pe
ng
ex
k to spend
owni
from my
admire and as
r all aspects of
ey
fo
th
e
s
m
st
e
ri
ar
flo
l
ep
loca
to benefit both
helped pr
ld to approach
arrangement
fie
al
e
th
rm
fo
ng
a
ri
in
te
t,
people en
rangemen
in an intern ar
time with them
ont
d student.
wn to a shop fr
do
ed
ti
t
no
the business an
am
suits my
ncer I
delivered as it
es. As a freela
s
ri
er
va
w
k
flo
or
y
w
m
ay
t
client to
to ge
My day-to-d
fé with a new
market. I tend
ca
e
l
th
ca
lo
to
s
a
ip
at
tr
r
ding, and
coffee
or to regula
wers for a wed
uld start with
flo
co
y
ng
da
pi
y
ep
M
pr
.
er
be
lifestyle bett
e day, I could
d emailing.
ent. Later in th
nt, quoting an
ev
ie
r
cl
ei
a
r
th
s
fo
us
ds
sc
ar
di
bo
rance
creating mood
a lot of reassu
g,
ed
in
ne
en
n
ev
ca
e
s
th
nt
ck
in
t-hearted! Clie
’ and ‘ideas’. La
not for the fain
ails on ‘visions
is
is
ry
em
th
st
y
d
ri
an
an
flo
m
s,
y,
ng
nt
Weddi
with clie
sent man
on
be
ti
n
sa
ca
er
u
nv
yo
d
co
an
on
incredibly long
and attention
lity is a comm
wedding can be
flower availabi
a
’
on
in
e
sense
ng
dg
pi
le
um
ow
of kn
oviding a real
day of ‘b
pr
e
so
Th
al
!
t
ce
bu
en
ti
le
tt
pa
ba
tifully!
can take great
cs a constant
together beau
with the logisti
es
g,
m
in
co
ng
ly
le
al
al
tu
ch
and
hing even
have a
t when everyt
mend it if you
m
co
re
of achievemen
ly
gh
hi
le it has
, and I
and form. Whi
e
warding career
ap
re
sh
a
,
is
ur
ry
lo
st
co
ri
e for
a burning
Event flo
and a keen ey
its those with
g
su
in
d
yl
st
an
r
k
fo
or
ir
w
natural fla
great field of
allenges, it is a
selves.
its physical ch
work for them
y
da
e
on
to
ambition
25
Meet a flo
Heidi W
Gold Co
ebber
rist
ast Flor
ist
I became interested in florist
ry when I was around 16 or
17 years old,
when working a normal 9-5
job seemed tedious. I nee
ded a career that
was creative, challenging and
always changing. I first beg
an a casual
position in a local florist sw
eeping floors, washing bucke
ts and eventually
making basic floral arrangem
ents. This progressed to mo
re casual work
and training until I was wo
rking full-time in a florist wit
h on-the-job
training. I found it difficult
to obtain work when I mo
ved to Queensland
without formal qualification
s. Eventually I found a florist
willing to put me
through a comprehensive
apprenticeship which lasted
four years. Once
my studies were complete
I was full of knowledge and
ready to tackle the
floral industry head on, tak
ing on any opportunities tha
t came my way. This
helped me to gain enough
drive and passion for the ind
ust
ry until I bought
my floristry business in 201
0.
I could not imagine my life
without floristry. There is a
saying within the
industry that if you don’t lov
e floristry and it’s not your
passion you will not
succeed. Floristry is my pas
sion and it opens many do
ors of opportunity
when you apply yourself. The
re are many facets to florist
ry including
weddings, corporate work,
large-scale functions, and
day-to-day floristry.
Each day at work is differe
nt as there are so many diff
erent types of
floristry being presented to
you. Work life is never mu
ndane and it is a very
demanding yet rewarding
job, providing it is your pas
sion.
I learnt the majority of my
skills through a professional
floristry college.
There are many skills that
you can only learn from on
-th
e-job training, but a
formal training organisation
sets you up with the basics
to
get you started. It
is very important, in my op
inion, to have formal trainin
g
and
qualifications.
It sets the standard within
the industry (which is not
mo
nit
ore
outer corporation or organi
d by any
sation, as with other indust
ries, such as
hairdressing). There is nothi
ng worse, for an owner of
a floristry business,
than hearing horror storie
s from customers about un
qu
alified florists (or
hobbyists) and their low sta
ndard of work. It is bad for
the
industry on
so many levels. Floristry is
a career that takes time to
lea
rn.
You cannot
become a florist overnight
and you need to have a nat
ural flair for design.
♠
26
❀✎
Careers in flowers and foliage
by phone,
ists of taking orders
ns
co
s
es
sin
bu
try
y floris
ing up orders, serving
An average day in m
message cards, mak
up
ng
iti
wr
op with beautiful
e,
lin
on
in person or
ng day, filling the sh
wi
llo
fo
e
th
r
fo
rs
de
ns, unpacking
the or
customers, making
wedding flower optio
eir
th
t
ou
ab
s
ide
br
ng to
s/functions,
arrangements, talki
quotes for wedding
ing
do
s,
ler
sa
ole
wh
m the
urse, general
flowers arriving fro
t invoices and, of co
ou
ing
nd
se
,
es
iri
enqu
responding to email
cleaning.
as
ch
su
g
housekeepin
Weekend work is
xible working hours.
fle
s
ire
qu
urs can be
re
op
sh
t
ns are held. The ho
tio
nc
Working in a floris
fu
t
os
m
d
an
s
Day. The job
en wedding
Day and Valentine’s
r’s
essential as this is wh
he
ot
M
as
ch
su
y in time
ak periods
e to have orders read
lin
ad
long, especially at pe
de
a
to
ing
rk
organised,
as you are wo
es. You must be very
tim
can be demanding
y
er
liv
de
d
te
es
ically and
well as requ
. It can be both phys
se
for the couriers, as
iti
ior
pr
to
w
ho
s at once
and know
quickly, do five thing
ink
be able to multi-task
th
to
d
ire
qu
re
g as you are
the phone, and then
mentally demandin
ile taking an order on
wh
t
l of
en
em
ng
ra
ar
of room for error. Al
(such as make an
d there is not a lot
an
)
n!
a job
t
ee
no
tw
is
be
It
in
e.
er
nc
urs of experie
ho
serving a custom
th
wi
e
tim
er
ov
s from your
you learn
brings many reward
at
these requirements
th
b
jo
a
er
th
ra
t
.
wealthy, bu
that nature creates
that will make you
all things beautiful
by
u
yo
es
pir
ins
d
e
working day an
up floristry is to mak
interested in taking
ne
eo
m
so
ply
to
ap
e
e,
giv
ar
n
ative design. If you
The best advice I ca
about flowers and cre
e
d experienced
at
an
ion
le
ss
ab
pa
ge
e
ar
led
u
ow
sure yo
become a kn
to
s
es
oc
pr
e
th
y
as
it ever step of the
yourself accordingly,
ssion, you will enjoy
pa
ur
yo
is
it
if
t
bu
,
florist can be lengthy
way.
27
Industry liaison and communication
Description of the job area
Identify and address industry issues, deliver industry information and support the
ongoing growth and improvement of the industry.
Related jobs and specialisations
Industry development officer, Extension officer, Marketing officer, Information/
communications officer, Industry association staff member.
Likely duties related to the job area
• Provide extension support and advice and visit with members of the industry
• Coordinate and deliver training packages, seminars and workshops
• Prepare written materials such as factsheets and newsletters
• Develop and manage research projects to investigate and solve industry issues
• Develop strategic documents and future plans.
♠
28
❀✎
Careers in flowers and foliage
y
r
t
s
u
d
n
ni
a
t
e
r
e
e
c
M
fi
f
o
t
n
e
m
p
develo
el
euv
een H
l
h
t
a
K
F
no
ciatio
Asso
lower
c.
nd In
ensla
f Que
I began my career with an
Applied Science degree in
Plant Studies at the
University of Queensland.
During my studies I comple
ted an industry
placement at Redlands Res
earch Station, which provid
ed a hands-on
introduction to horticulture
and helped to confirm tha
t
it was the area I
wanted to work in for my
career. This led to my curren
t
po
sition as Industry
Development Officer, Water
and Energy, for the associatio
n
that represents
the Queensland flower ind
ustry, FAQI. My experiences
hav
e
shown me that
relevant, practical training
and formal qualifications are
abs
olu
to establishing a professio
tely central
nal career. They are a unive
rsal currency for
securing jobs and demonstr
ating commitment to a par
ticular field of work.
My job primarily involves eng
aging with the members of
the industry
to provide them with suppo
rt and to encourage the use
of sustainable
and profitable practices. It
allows me to get out of the
office and meet
growers on their farms, and
to talk one-on-one about issu
es related to
their irrigation systems and
energy management. I con
duct assessments
of their equipment, help ide
ntify ways to improve efficie
ncy, and organise
workshops, seminars and
training sessions to bring peo
ple in the industry
together to network and sha
re information. I also act as
a conduit of
information between resear
chers or association staff and
the growers on
the ground, making sure tha
t they stay up-to-date on kno
wledge that could
influence and benefit their
businesses. Being able to talk
to interesting
people on a daily basis and
help them solve their proble
ms is challenging
yet highly rewarding, and
also provides lots of variet
y to keep my job fresh
and exciting.
Industry development acti
vities are essential for any
industry, including the
flower industry. Beyond the
growing and selling of the
flowers themselves,
we have to make sure that
information, services, resear
ch outcomes and
education are constantly bei
ng communicated and imp
roved. This is what
makes for a strong industry,
and one that will continue
to provide quality
flower and foliage products
long into the future.
29
Education and training
y
r
t
s
i
r
o
fl
a
t
e
Me
teacher
ey
Description of the job area
Participate in an educational role for the Australian flower industry.
Related jobs and specialisations
Floriculture teacher, Floristry teacher, Horticulture trainer,
Private education provider, University lecturer, TAFE teacher.
tersl
at
Natasha H
y Institute
rn Sydne
he Northe
T
Likely duties related to the job area
• Develop industry teaching materials for delivery at grower or floristry
workshops and other events
• Provide on-site training services in a specialist area
• Contribute to the development of new or updated training packages for
registered courses
• Teach course content in a university, TAFE or other educational institution.
I am the Head Teacher at The
Northern Sydney Institute,
which is part of TAFE NSW.
am responsible for manag
I
ing the educational delive
ry of the Floristry training
programs. My role is largel
package
y administrative but also allo
ws me to be creative when
manage large events and fun
we
ctions as part of our educati
onal delivery.
I have been working for TAF
E NSW for the last ten yea
rs. I started my floristry car
twenty years ago as a junior
eer
florist, working part-time in
a florist shop and studying
TAFE to gain my qualificati
at
on. Over the next ten years
I worked hard to gain as mu
industry knowledge and exp
ch
erience as possible by workin
g in florist businesses rangin
from small suburban shops
g
to larger retail and warehou
se operations. I immersed
myself in the industry by att
ending industry events and
becoming familiar with ind
publications and books. Aft
ustry
er ten years of working as
a florist I gained employm
as a full-time teacher at the
ent
TAFE. As part of my emplo
yment conditions, I under
a Bachelor of Education and
took
Certificate IV in Assessment
and Workplace Training to
gain my teaching qualificati
ons. I had opportunities to
act in the role of Head Tea
a couple of times early in my
cher
teaching career, and this ena
bled me to develop my ski
and experience in this role.
lls
I progressed to teacher in
charge at The Northern Syd
Institute in 2007 and becam
ney
e Head Teacher in 2010.
In our industry, professional
ism is the key to success. To
be a professional you need
to gain skills and continue
to grow and develop throu
ghout your career. I believ
the industry respects trainin
e
g and the need to gain a qu
alification to be deemed
a professional florist. Beyon
d this there is also a need
for florists to maintain the
skills and remain up-to-da
ir
te with new techniques, tre
nd
s and products by attending
demonstrations and indust
ry events and undertaking
professional development
such as those offered at The
courses
Northern Sydney Institute’s
Ryde Campus. Much like the
fashion industry, we need
to continue to develop and
reinvent ideas and concep
keep our customers intere
ts to
sted and maintain our sales.
We have to be market leader
always presenting products
s,
our customers feel compel
led to purchase.
I would like to see the indust
ry embrace newcomers and
trainees, as they are the
future of our industry and
bring fresh ideas and enthu
siasm. The government pro
financial support for florist
vides
s to take on a floristry studen
t under a traineeship at
Certificate III and IV level.
This is a great opportunity
and one the industry should
embrace to ensure a bounti
ful supply of qualified and
experienced florists in the
The details on training oppo
future.
rtunities vary from state to
state, so anyone interested
should do some research and
Careers in flowers and foliage
make their own local enquir
ies.
♠
30
❀✎
shes to enrol
en to anyone who wi
op
is
ng
ini
tra
try
ris
ficate
for example, flo
ustry. All of the certi
In New South Wales
on to work in the ind
ati
fic
ted
ali
or
qu
pp
try
Su
ris
d.
flo
ise
l
tionally recogn
na
are
and gain a vocationa
)
ma
plo
Di
d
e employer signing
cates II, III, IV an
and these involve th
el
lev
qualifications (Certifi
IV
d
an
III
ate
both on campus
able at a Certific
students are learning
e
er
traineeships are avail
wh
t
en
em
re
ag
however, these
r a contractual
in New South Wales;
le
ab
ail
up an employee unde
av
t
no
are
s
as Victoria.
Apprenticeship
in other places such
ed
er
off
and in the workplace.
are
d
an
s
hip
er to trainees
work in a similar mann
d develop my skills in
owed me to grow an
all
s
ha
d
an
me
s
ge
package documents
allen
I love my role as it ch
rking with the training
wo
joy
g
en
y
all
re
I
.
as
her are
developing interestin
floristry and many ot
e outcomes, as well as
th
to
to
d
em
ke
th
lin
g
ks
tin
sis
tas
t
as
ssmen
g team,
and developing asse
managing my teachin
the
joy
of
en
I
s
fit
e.
ne
lin
be
on
e
or
th
y
liver
le. Some of
ro
eir
th
in
em
resources for class de
th
g
tin
a fun and
r students and suppor
promoting floristry as
d
an
ts
en
ev
inspire learning in ou
try
us
d
olved in a range of ind
their chosen career an
role include being inv
g students succeed in
ein
ey
se
dn
of
g
Sy
n
lin
er
fee
rth
e
th
e No
joy
hout their time at Th
rewarding career. I en
nfidence grow throug
co
d
an
y
vit
ati
cre
eir
seeing th
s
gement and student
Institute.
n with teachers, mana
tio
ica
un
,
et
mm
dg
co
bu
d
e
an
th
s
,
on
es meeting
omotion of the secti
My typical day involv
responsible for the pr
am
I
delivery and
.
e
on
th
g
ati
er
rin
op
su
th
en
ich includes
wh
to ensure a smoo
lum
cu
rri
cu
e
th
d
age requirements. I
resources an
national training pack
human and physical
et
me
d
an
ty
ali
qu
h
teaching staff and
liant, hig
try organisations and
us
assessments are comp
ind
rs,
ye
plo
em
s,
gement role, a head
th student
addition to the mana
spend time liaising wi
In
.
do
we
at
wh
of
ntrast, a floristry
ery aspect
hours each year. In co
ensuring quality in ev
of
er
mb
nu
d
ire
qu
is responsible for
teach a re
s. Typically a teacher
nt
teacher is required to
de
stu
th
wi
ed
olv
ery and delivering
closely inv
d resources for deliv
an
teacher is much more
ns
pla
n
so
les
ing
t and teachers are
ss, develop
al and practical conten
programming their cla
tic
re
ate
eo
th
th
bo
e
olv
ing the most up-to-d
Lessons inv
ly so they are deliver
lessons to students.
lar
gu
s
re
itie
ills
tiv
sk
ac
eir
on
th
cti
te
with se
and upda
, teachers are involved
required to maintain
on
diti
ad
In
s.
nt
de
.
to their stu
ts to promote floristry
skills and knowledge
rnal displays and even
te
ex
s,
se
ca
ow
sh
as
shift
and events such
cially in terms of the
that of a florist, espe
m
fro
at has an
p
th
e
lea
a
on
in
ite
qu
ng
is
onment to worki
vir
en
’
The role of a teacher
on
s
nd
‘ha
d
loping learning
gely practical an
age documents, deve
ck
pa
from working in a lar
ng
ini
tra
ng
eti
sources. There
terms of interpr
loping appropriate re
ve
de
as
academic element in
ll
we
as
t,
en
tems and develop
ring lesson cont
able to utilise the sys
be
to
programs and structu
e
rat
lite
er
ut
nt of experience
asonably comp
ve a reasonable amou
ha
o
als
is a necessity to be re
ld
ou
sh
rs
he
mes from
for delivery. Teac
is knowledge that co
th
as
s,
electronic resources
es
sin
bu
a
d
.
es or have owne
e new to the industry
in a range of enterpris
great learning for thos
of
ce
ur
so
a
d
an
le
d
experience is invaluab
ing their skills update
g in industry and keep
gin
ga
leen
op
pe
be
ry
to
ve
d
is
ire
le
tly requ
or after hours. The ro
Teachers are constan
tic feeling
g events on weekends
din
en
att
es
olv
inv
e industry. It is a fantas
en
th
in
ng
rki
wo
and this oft
dy
ea
generation
suit many people alr
rience with the next
pe
ex
of
ars
ye
orientated which does
d
an
ge
shared your knowled
to have inspired and
es for someone
of florists.
some great opportuniti
th
wi
er
re
ca
ing
rd
try. If you are a hard
ing but rewa
rk in a creative indus
wo
Floristry is a demand
to
e
lik
uld
wo
d
an
not too many
with people
ays do well. There are
alw
ll
who enjoys working
wi
u
yo
y,
ne
mo
is
their hobby!
d that time
st people pay to do as
mo
worker and understan
at
th
ing
th
me
so
n get paid for
careers where you ca
31
Research and development
Description of the job area
Develop and conduct research projects on topics that solve issues or lead to the
improvement of the Australian flower industry.
Related jobs and specialisations
Scientist, Researcher, Research assistant, Laboratory assistant, Field researcher,
Project leader.
Likely duties related to the job area
• Write applications for research funding
• Design experiments and develop research protocols
• Carry out research as appropriate to a project, such as laboratory work, field
work, market research or industry surveying
• Communicate the results of research and development projects via reports,
industry materials, conferences and scientific papers.
♠
32
❀✎
Careers in flowers and foliage
Meet
r
e
h
c
r
a
a rese
gby
Ri
Emily
Cedar
ers &
ll Flow
e
Foliag
Hi
ajority of
ientist. The m
Sc
ch
ar
se
Re
a
search,
ers & Foliage as
cultivation, re
,
ow
on
Fl
ati
ill
H
ag
r
op
da
pr
by Ce
native
volves
ium Australian
I am employed
oject which in
em
pr
a
pr
g
a
in
ng
ag
ti
an
ca
tm
esti
Coast
the Sunshine
process of dom
my time is spen
of
e
y
th
it
rs
in
ve
ng
ni
rti
U
e
th
d repo
research with
monitoring an
I also conduct
t.
ersity.
uc
iv
od
un
pr
e
th
ge
cut folia
ethods at
m
ch
e University
ar
se
re
ntific
l Science) at th
ta
en
m
on
and teach scie
ir
nv
e (E
pleting my
th. Upon com
chelor of Scienc
pa
Ba
a
er
in
re
d
ca
lle
w
ro
owers &
of a ne
In 2003 I en
at Cedar Hill Fl
I was in need
st
as
nti
t
ie
as
sc
Co
ch
ne
ar
rese
oducts and
of the Sunshi
a postharvest
floricultural pr
as
w
ed
ne
oy
to
pl
in
t
em
en
. Later I was
lopm
degree I was
rrent products
arch and deve
cu
se
r
re
fo
d
es
te
ur
uc
ed
nd
Australian
d proc
Foliage. I co
ticate a unique
harvest life an
es
st
m
po
do
of
to
t
t
en
ec
oj
ll in the early
e a pr
the improvem
project was sti
pany to manag
e
m
th
co
e,
y
ag
m
st
by
at
ltivate the
. At th
approached
to artificially cu
es
foliage industry
t
ur
cu
ed
e
oc
th
pr
r
d
fo
ds an
g to a new
native fern
agation metho
project, leadin
e
op
th
pr
to
ng
in
pi
e
lo
nc
days of deve
en invested si
research has be
plant. A lot of
floricultural
agation.
pment of new
lo
ve
de
e
th
r
fo
method of prop
ucial
oducts.
tion of such pr
is absolutely cr
t
va
en
lti
cu
pm
e
lo
th
ve
r
de
ing growing
ces fo
Research and
loped. Improv
growing practi
ve
g
in
de
is
m
be
ti
ot
op
nn
r
fo
nhouse,
ts ca
products and
or in the gree
-quality produc
rm
gh
fa
hi
e
,
w
th
ne
on
,
ty
ch
eases profit
uctivi
Without resear
ailable and incr
ency and prod
av
ci
t
uc
effi
e
od
th
pr
es
of
ov
tity
practices impr
ality and quan
creases the qu
in
rn
tu
in
ch
whi
e week I find
me days of th
So
y.
jo
margins.
en
ly
al
e houses, and
peci
hers in the shad
riety, which I es
ot
va
d,
of
t
an
lo
sl
a
en
s
ue
ha
st Q
s in the forest
My job
sts of South-ea
early morning
re
es
fo
lv
e
vo
gular
th
in
in
ld
t
fie
ties include re
myself ou
y in the
du
da
A
er
.
th
ce
O
s.
offi
e
on
in th
plications,
antati
the remaining
s for future pl
M, fertiliser ap
IP
ng
,
tti
is
cu
ys
al
w
an
ne
volves
trient
on of
e office then in
aration for nu
and propagati
th
ep
in
pr
y
e
pl
da
m
A
.
sa
gn
oring,
e desi
the latest
growth monit
-to-date with
tive shade hous
up
va
g
no
in
in
ep
d
ke
an
d
ting
s an
industry
foliage harves
ent agencies,
ant application
m
gr
rn
,
ve
ng
ti
go
ri
h
w
it
rt
w
,
repo
rnationally.
n the company
data analysis,
onally and inte
meetings withi
ti
as
na
l
el
th
w
bo
as
s
,
ce
research
ng conferen
ting and
es and attendi
ur, as does plan
bo
la
ch
al
ic
ys
and universiti
ph
biology, resear
e hard
ing into plant
rest can involv
nd
fo
ta
d
e
rs
th
an
de
in
on
s
un
ati
ng
th
plic
Early morni
tion. An in-dep
data, grant ap
ants in cultiva
of monitoring
on
ti
.
ta
ed
re
ir
rp
qu
maintaining pl
te
re
d in
regulations is
cal analysis an
ameworks and
design, statisti
fr
t
en
ucts means I
m
rn
ve
ricultural prod
, and go
flo
h
it
w
ng
ki
report writing
. Wor
alian natives
le can say that
ion is for Austr
ss
op
pa
pe
y
y
M
an
s.
m
ie
ot
N
of this
t spec
I love my job.
ficial cultivation
t attractive plan
rti
A
os
m
s.
e
ge
th
lia
of
fo
e
ting.
n native
work with som
that ’s very exci
e
es in Australia
m
lis
r
ia
fo
ec
d
sp
an
,
ny
ed before now
and my compa
ver been achiev
ne
s
ha
rn
fe
ve
nati
33
❀✎
More information
PART 3
♠
Resources and further reading
The following list of resources is a starting point to finding the information you need to explore your new career
in the flower industry. You should also check any further links that each of these resources may provide. By
investigating the mostly national resources that are listed here, you may also be able to find more local or statebased services and information sources to help you build a tailored career pathway.
Flower Association of
Queensland Inc.
FAQI is a non-profit organisation that aims
to further the development of the commercial
cut flower and foliage industry, together with
the many allied businesses associated with the
industry.
flowersqueensland.asn.au
training.gov.au
This is the official national register
of information on training packages,
qualifications, courses, units of competency
and registered training organisations (RTOs),
and the approved scope of each RTO to
deliver nationally recognised training.
training.gov.au
myfuture
myfuture is a career information service with
tools to build a personalised career plan. It
is a joint initiative of Australian, state and
territory governments.
myfuture.edu.au
♠
34
❀✎
Careers in flowers and foliage
AgForce
AgForce offers access to a range of courses,
workshops and training programs on
chemical accreditation, safety, computer
and business skills, and other services for
Queensland’s rural producers.
agforceqld.org.au
Australian
Apprenticeships
This site provides a range of information
on national apprenticeship news and
programs, and also provides many useful
links to further resources. The site includes
a search option to enable you to locate an
Australian Apprenticeships Centre, which is
an organisation contracted by the Australian
Government to provide support services to
employers and apprentices.
australianapprenticeships.
gov.au
Australian
Apprenticeships Pathways
This site provides access to apprenticeship
and traineeship information and resources,
including flowcharts and user guides to show
the steps involved to become an apprentice.
aapathways.com.au
My Skills
My Skills is a searchable website from the
Australian Government to locate information
on training organisations and qualifications.
myskills.gov.au
Service Skills Australia
Service Skills Australia represents industries
to support skills development and provides
information on the components of the
Floristry Training Package on their website.
serviceskills.com.au
Queensland Government
business and industry
portal
This website allows you to search for
information on the requirements and
processes for setting up and running a
florist business, as well as general business
information and guidelines. This is useful
research if owning your own business is one
of the goals on your career pathway.
business.qld.gov.au
Australian Qualifications
Framework
The AQF provides the standards for
Australian qualifications and their website
includes information for students on the
benefits of the AQF, education institutions
and learning pathways.
aqf.edu.au
MyUniversity
This site provides students with information
about Australian universities and other higher
education providers.
myuniversity.gov.au
Job Outlook
The Job Outlook website is an Australian
Government initiative that allows you to
search on different occupations and provides
information and statistics in relation to job
prospects, weekly earnings, employment
levels, growth and more.
joboutlook.gov.au
35
Glossary and abbreviations
AQF
Australian Qualifications Framework.
ASQA
Australian Skills Quality Authority.
Bumping in/
bumping out
The set-up and preparation/dismantling and removal of an event, such as a wedding,
by an event florist or floral designer.
Entomology
The study of insects. In floriculture, the focus is on understanding and managing
insects that are pests to flower or foliage crops, or on those that are beneficial for
pollination or pest control.
FAQI
Flower Association of Queensland Inc.
Fertilise
To provide a flower or foliage crop with the nutrients required for healthy plants
that produce a high yield of quality cut flower or foliage products.
Floriculture
A specialised branch of horticulture relating to the production of ornamental cut
flower and foliage products.
Foliage
Plant leaves or greenery that is used in floristry.
Genus
A group with certain characteristics in common, as part of a system of naming and
classifying plants and other living things.
Grade
To sort harvested cut flower or foliage products according to certain characteristics
or specifications, such as quality, size or stem length.
Greenhouse
A permanent structure usually made of clear glass and often climate controlled,
which protects crops from weather and helps to trap heat and light to control the
growth of plants.
Hydroponics
The growing of plants without soil and providing their needs via a nutrient solution.
IDO
Industry development officer.
Integrated pest
management (IPM)
The management of pests in a plant crop using a variety of methods, including
monitoring, biological controls and the selective use of chemicals, with an aim to
minimise the impact on people and the environment.
Irrigate
To provide a flower or foliage crop with the water required for healthy plants that
produce a high yield of quality cut flower or foliage products.
Micropropagation
The use of tissue culture processes to grow plants from original plant material,
providing large numbers of new plants that can be grown into a crop with desirable
characteristics for floristry.
Pathology
The study of disease. In floriculture, plant pathology involves the investigation
of disease cycles, the impacts of disease on crops and disease management.
♠
36
❀✎
Careers in flowers and foliage
Polytunnel
A plastic structure which can protect cut flower or foliage crops from extremes
of weather, extend the growing season or allow the grower to manipulate the
growing environment in terms of temperature and humidity.
Propagation
material
The starting material for growing a new plant crop, such as seeds, bulbs or cuttings.
R&D (or RD&E)
Research and development. Sometimes the term RD&E is used which stands for
research, development and extension.
RTO
Registered training organisation.
TAFE
Technical and Further Education.
Tissue culture
The process of growing new cloned plants from original plant tissue that is provided
with its nutritional and other requirements under sterile conditions.
Traditional flower
A globally traded, best-selling florist flower, sometimes referred to as a ‘soft’ flower.
VET
Vocational education and training.
Wildflowers
A collective term for flowers and foliages native to Australia, as well as certain South
African species which are commonly grown in Australia.
Wild harvesting
The collection under licence of floral products growing in the natural environment.
37
Your career notes…
38