Meet our British Florist Association, Floristry Tutor of the Year Nominee, Amanda Watts
Capel Manor College’s floristry department excelled at this year’s BFA Industry Awards. The department was shortlisted within the top five for Training Provider of the Year 2021; whilst one of our floristry tutors, Amanda Watts also earned a top five nomination for the Floristry Tutor of the Year award.
In honour of this achievement, Amanda took some time to share her experiences within the floristry industry with us:
“I started working in the house plant and cut flower department of a garden centre when I was 15 years old. I loved the job so much that I decided to study floristry at college when I left school a year later.
I completed a floristry course Levels 1-3 as a teenager, then after 10 years I gained a Level 4 qualification to refresh my skills, and finally, eight years after that I completed a Level 5 qualification.
The best part about working in floristry is that every day is different, I get to work with the most amazing materials and some incredibly talented people. The least enjoyable part about working in the industry is the cold! But you do get used to it.
I ran my own floristry business for many years, I made the decision to sell my shop and started teaching adults at a local college in the evenings. As soon as I saw the advert for a full-time tutor at Capel Manor College’s Gunnersbury Park Campus, I knew that I had to apply.
Teaching is a privilege; I get to play a part in the student’s journey and watch their skills develop and their confidence grow.
The skills most crucial to becoming a florist are patience, persistence and attention to detail. There is more to floristry than simply ‘playing’ with flowers, it can be more physical than people realise.
To anyone thinking about studying floristry, whether you are leaving school, or looking to change careers, my advice is to go for it, it is never too late, and you will not regret it. A career in floristry is wonderful and rewarding, and it is constantly evolving with plenty of career possibilities.”
Are you thinking about starting a course in floristry? You can develop your creativity with our range of courses in floristry, event planning, floral art and design, balloon artistry and event styling.
Our courses will give you the opportunity to gain nationally and internationally recognised qualifications with the prospect of progressing to further study, higher education, employment, or starting your own business.
