“Most wanted profession in a European future”

Florist

I think that florist is a job with future. Whatever will happen, flowers will still be a popular present.

You need a “Hauptschulabschluss” (certificate of completion of compulsory basic secondary schooling) to get access to this hind of job. But the chances of getting a place to train increase by having “mittlere Reife” (school leaving qualification awarded to pupils leaving the “Realschule” or year 10 of the “Gymnasium”). A florist must be able to stand hours, needs a certain amount of creativity and a good handling with flowers and plants. A florist must also be trained in advising customers and should - by nature - be a friendly and open-minded person to talk to. You need 3 years of training which is offered in the fields of industry and commerce. The vocational school for florists in our district is situated in Ludwigshafen.

The chances of getting a takeover bid are little. Only 48 out of 100 trainees are accepted as employee. After taken one’s master craftsman’s diploma you are able to open your own business. You are even allowed to offer an own apprenticeship.

Florists can be employed in all fields of marketing flowers, e.g. in market gardens, in bigger retail outlets with sales department and in wholesale establishments.

As a florist I can also work in other European countries. However, it is not advisable to go there because you will have higher expenses and have to adapt to the country’s customs. It is important to possess well-trained language skills at all costs.

I hope to complete my training as a florist successfully. One day, I would like to open my own shop because being my own boss is very important for me.

Lisa Blum, Eisenberg, 15 years

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