A City of Bristol College floristry student has reflected on her experience helping to create a stunning floral installation at the prestigious RHS Badminton Flower Show, following the completion of her three-year floristry course.
Jo Hampton, who recently completed her Level 3 Floristry qualification at the college, joined fellow students and tutors as part of the installation team, gaining invaluable experience of working on a large-scale floral display at one of the UK’s most renowned horticultural events.
Having spent most of her career working in industrial catering and soft services across the UK, Jo decided to follow her passion for floristry later in life. Alongside studying at City of Bristol College, she has also worked part-time at a florist in Clifton, developing her practical skills while gaining her qualification.
Speaking of her journey so far, Jo said: “I was overjoyed to be a small part of the team at RHS Badminton after completing my 3-year floristry course and I look forward to supporting them in the future as I am also voulnteering at FleurEx in conjunction with the college.
“Having worked for the majority of my life in industrial large-scale catering and soft services travelling to many counties in the UK, it was time to look at doing something that I loved and had a passion for whilst utilising my skills in the catering industry. I decided to take up floristry and work part time locally in a florist shop in Clifton which I continue to do, whilst also gaining my qualification in floristry at City of Bristol college.
“I have progressed on to each course and found them to be not just educational but also a platform to express your individuality and skill set at your own pace. The teaching I received has allowed me to become creative, skilled and confident.”
Working alongside fellow florists and tutors at the RHS Badminton Flower Show gave Jo the opportunity to put her learning into practice while developing new skills in large-scale floral design.
She added: “I was thrilled to be part of the installation team at RHS Badminton, it allows me to engage and work with other florists to create something very special, I feel humbled to work with our tutor and be a small part of the exhibit. Over the 3 days the teamwork and skill set which we all learnt came into play and the result speaks for itself.
“I have enjoyed the planning mostly and the construction element, it has allowed me to experience challenges that have arisen and how we as a team have coped and adapted to these, nothing is impossible you just need to plan, adapt, change and have faith. My confidence in large build/construction has increased, I understand more about working with venues on a large scale, timings, accurate placement, health and safety and transportation all of the these played a huge part and I have gained invaluable additional skills creating this display.”
Jo says that her time at City of Bristol College has inspired her to continue learning and developing her skills. Alongside floristry, she is now studying accounting to support her growing business.
She said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at City of Bristol college and just wanted to continue the journey with them, I am taking this accounting course to refresh old skills which will support my small home baking and floristry business and keep me engaged and current in the world of accounting.
“I am close to retirement age, but I want to continue to work part time at the florist I have worked at since starting college as this has given me invaluable retail experience and I love my new career thanks to Vicky (my tutor) and the college.
“Floristry is a wonderful course to take, the skills you learn on the course will provide you with the knowledge to pursue a career in floristry, it is informative, supportive, engaging and fun – Take a leap of faith, you are never to old or young to do anything. You can embrace education at any age I am proof of that, good luck!”
Jo’s story highlights how education can open new doors at any stage of life, with City of Bristol College supporting learners to develop new skills, pursue their passions and gain valuable industry experience through incredible opportunities such as the RHS Badminton Flower Show.
