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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 r o t a g a p o r p a et Me ner n i k S lugs Brad ress P p un Ex Highs as plugs, ts, also known an pl r te ar st g youn oduction aturity. The pr of propagating m ss to ne ts si an bu pl e e th I am in then grow th er propagating growers who businesses eith h g it w , ed for sale on to lis ia role in handlin ing more spec l an important lfi ue fu iq s un or d chain is becom at an ag es t not both. Prop which has its own challeng th, ow gr of or growing bu e s, ag es at this st tion proc ts uc an od pl pr e g th lin g th ing em to anagin the seed growers, allow ecialising in m e sp th By of . s ts nd en ha requirem sks off the takes those ta erations. the propagator production op op cr most n ow r ei th s sources which ou ri va concentrate on om fr s, ts and varieties . In most case urce new plan able to access be t. This or ke t ar ou m e ab Propagators so ed to th lly know as le ua re us t e ar no ey ld th fore e supply growers wou w products be ing through th ne l ov ia m tr ts so uc al od s aterial. ity pr propagator ble growing m nt flow of qual lia te is re ns d co an a ed ep st helps to ke s are using te d started res the grower ral College an tu chain and ensu ts ul ic gr A on s, bedding plan s at Gatt on to cut rose er with studie ed re s ov ill ca y m sk y m en n an th ga I be lettuce. I ined a great m crops such as d that I have ga un fo ve working with learned a lot ha I s. ops and have aised crop -r cr ed of e se r ng he ra ot e process, and and a wid up the learning ce in growing ds en ri ee pe sp ex ng h ni ug ai thro rmal tr of reading. Fo ur mistakes. through plenty u to learn by yo yo s w lo al w products. ce en ri es of finding ne ng le hands-on expe al ch e th ing a small with e shows. Runn h my job and ad it tr w d t an en nt rs co de bree all the rules I am very e world visiting up-to-date on th ay nd st ou to ar u e yo m want to quires It takes who appear to lenging and re s al er ch ow ry gr ve r is ge youn ersed in the business k with several y become imm or nl w ai I rt s. ce on ti ey la Th reer. mitment to and regu a certain com eir ongoing ca is th e ry er st th du so in is k, make th eekend wor es, including w daily challeng acing. they are embr derstand the thoroughly un the job, which to is A ry st du in this out the door. e challenge to g the seedling in nd ch se ea ; to do ed to The number-on e se ing told what a plant, from th eds of t happen by be no 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. 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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