Name: Suzanne Foster

Job Title/ Role: Programme leader/lecturer in floristry

Programmes you teach on:
I teach on the Level 2 Diploma in Floristry and level 3 Diploma in Floristry.

I started in the floristry industry as a trainee in 1985 when I left school. I studied here at the college gaining my City and Guilds Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4. I continued to study and gained higher floristry qualifications, and then went onto do teaching qualifications and eventually my CertEd in 1999.

In 1985 I started as a trainee in a florist shop, which I went onto gain a full time position and then went on to eventually own the business.

I started to teach in 1994 where I started with a couple of hours a week and eventually got a full time contract as a lecturer, and then became programme manager for floristry.

During my time as a florist I have entered competitions, and been involved in a number of different floristry events working with other florists from all over the country.

As a result of this I am now classed as a Master Craftsman in floristry for the achievement through education, training and employment.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?
I enjoy watching the student’s progress throughout their course, and become talented florists. I enjoy being able to help them and see them achieve their qualification.

Name: Jayne Snape

Programme you teach on:
I currently teach City & Guilds NPTC Award, Certificate and Diploma in Floristry levels 2 & 3, I also teach NPTC Award, Certificate and Diploma in Skill for Working Life Entry levels 2 & 3

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
When I left school I studied Graphic Art and Design at my local college for 3 years, and then worked in retailing within our family business, I started a level 1 floristry course at St Helens College with my sister in 1987 and continued to study floristry levels 2, 3 and ICSF (level4) during the evenings due to looking after my very young children, whilst working part time in a local inter-flora florist shop. During my time in the florist retail environment we were encouraged to participate in floristry relay competitions.

I was inspired by my floristry tutor and she asked if would like to take up a role as a part time teacher and continued teaching part time for two years, I was then offered a full time position in 1989 as a garden centre manager and floristry instructor. Whilst undertaking my new job role I studied the society of floristry NDSF in the evening which enabled me to teach on higher levels.

I have successfully participated in numerous Society of Floristry competitions and RHS shows at Tatton Park and found floristry to be a very rewarding career. I have also achieved a Master Diploma in Professional Floristry (NPTC level 5) in 2009 which I found very inspirational.  I have been awarded a Licentiateship of the City & Guilds Institute.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?
What I find most enjoyable when  teaching is being able to pass on the skills and knowledge that I have gained and watching students grow their skills and develop their creative talents, most of our students go on to have successful careers some of which gain international recognition.