Fact File

PLC courses:

Crumlin College, Dublin, offers a one-year full-time PLC leading to an NCVA level 2 qualification. Colaiste Stiofain Naofa, Cork, has a one-year amenity horticulture course and students can do their work experience in floristry. There is no central applications office for PLCs, so you should check with your PLC or VEC for details of courses in your area.

Part-time option in DIT:

DIT has a one-year course in retail floristry on a day-release basis. Aimed at those already working in the industry, it is also open to aspiring florists.

Teagasc:

Under the rural development scheme, Teagasc in Kinsealy, Co Dublin, offers a practical 13-week course in floristry. Students attend for two days each week. This year, an advanced course was run for the first time.

Private courses are offered by a number of colleges and organisations. The international floristry organisations tend to set their own standards and offer their own training courses.

Related courses:

UCD offers both landscape and commercial horticulture under the umbrella of its agriculture degree.

Teagasc offers a third-level diploma in horticulture, based in the Botanic Gardens.

There are a variety of other Teagasc courses on offer around the country. The range of related PLC courses include greenkeeping, amenity and commercial horticulture as well as organic horticulture