Submitted by Mike Hollenbeck AIFD
Do you need new floral designers and can’t find any? How about training your own. The State of Idaho has a Registered Apprenticeship Program that we have utilized recently. An Apprenticeship Program is an industry-driven, high quality career pathway where employers, schools and organizations can develop and prepare their future workforce. A Registered Apprenticeship gives individuals a proven path to a successful career where they can obtain paid work experienced, technical instruction and a nationally recognized credential with little to no debt. This is a national program from your state’s department of labor. There are funding opportunities for employers and apprentices to help offset the cost of training as well.
A variety of types and sizes of businesses have apprenticeship programs. Automotive, construction, technology, finance, health care, advanced manufacturing, transportation, business, and financial services benefit greatly from apprenticeship programs. In fact, without a continuous flow of apprentices becoming skilled journey workers, quality industrial standards would be severely affected. Why not include the Floral Industry?
We set up our own standards, on the job training, and specific goals including introduction to the flower business, overview of materials and supplies, flower preparation, plant care, arrangements for all occasions, customer service, wedding, party design and basically every aspect of professional floral design. All training is completed in 2000 hours. We also use the AIFD standards in evaluation and when they complete their hours, they are prepared to apply for CFD.
Skylar Wyman, an employee of Floral Artistry, recently completed her 2000 hours of training, participated in Teleflora’s design evaluation class, and has been invited to become CFD. On the job training works! She is on her way to become a fully accredited member of AIFD, one step at a time.
If you are interested in training new employees, I encourage you to contact your state department of employment to research these helpful programs. I can also be contacted with any questions you may have.
To learn more about the Idaho Apprenticeship Program click here.
Mike Hollenbeck AIFD
Owner / Creative Director
Floral Artistry LLC
1008 Main St.
Lewiston ID 83501
208-743-1900
