Education · 1 of 4

The path

There is no licence and no required school. Skill and a portfolio get you hired.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Art and business courses help. Get a part-time job at a flower shop or grocery floral counter now, even just processing stems.

2. 2

   Learn the basics

   3 weeks to 10 months

   Either on the job, or a short program: 3 weeks at the Canadian Institute of Floral Design in Toronto, 8 months at Seneca, or 10 months part time at the University of the Fraser Valley. Seneca includes about 200 hours of work placement.

3. 3

   Junior designer

   1 to 2 years

   Conditioning flowers, wrapping bouquets, taking orders, deliveries. You learn the seasonal rush: Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Christmas, wedding season.

4. 4

   Designer, then senior designer or owner

   3 years and up

   Weddings, funerals and corporate work. Some open a studio, some go into wholesale or event design.