THE FLORISTRY WORKFORCE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS

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1 THE FLORISTRY WORKFORCE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS

2 CONTENT PAGE Introduction 1 What is Floristry WSQ? 2 What training programmes are available? 2 Is Floral NSRS still valid? 4 How can Floristry WSQ help you? 7 How can I obtain the Floristry WSQ? 7 WSQ Certificate in Floristry Operations 8 WSQ Higher Certificate in Floristry Operations 9 WSQ Advanced Certificate in Floristry Supervision 10 WSQ Diploma in Floristry Management 11 Funding for Floristry WSQ courses 12 Where can I sign up? 12

3 INTRODUCTION Today, the Floristry industry in Singapore is made up of over 800 floral establishments and 3000 workers. It is forecasted to grow at an average rate of 5.5% annually to be worth about S$245 million in It is a great opportunity for Floristry industry players to take advantage of, especially with the emergence of the Integrated Resorts, new commercial buildings, private housing estates and development projects such as the Gardens by the Bay, which will propel the growth of the Landscape and Floristry industries. Correspondingly, the demand for skilled labour in these industries are expected to rise. This vibrant industry injects colour into our daily lives in the form of surprises on special occasions, floral gifts, and decorations at home and the workplace. New possibilities have emerged to offer exciting career opportunities to individuals looking for immensely fulfilling careers in a creative and dynamic environment. To cope with the intensified competition and growing demand for skilled Floristry workers, the Singapore Landscape Industry Council s Floristry Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Subcommittee was formed in March 2007 to identify skills gaps, establish skill profiles and oversee the development of a systematic skills upgrading and certification system that will help professionalise the Floristry industry and enhance its career pathways in Singapore. I aspire to be a professional florist eventually. Proper training will help me build a strong foundation and sharpen my skills in floral arrangement. Fessie Tan Florist THE FLORISTRY WORKFORCE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS 1

4 WHAT IS FLORISTRY WSQ? The Floristry Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) is a national skills training system developed by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and the Floristry industry. The Floristry WSQ maps out the skills needed for a Floristry-related occupation and the training required for entry into the Floristry industry. The system also provides useful career pathways and facilitates mobility and progression within the industry. WHAT TRAINING PROGRAMMES ARE AVAILABLE? There are 4 qualifications, each comprising of compulsory Core and optional Elective units, under the Floristry WSQ suitable for different levels of Floristry workers: The delightful expression and compliments I receive from clients are the greatest sense of achievement when projects are accomplished. Continuous upgrading is essential and I believe learning is a life-long investment to oneself. Madeleine Woo Huey Lan Project and Event Consultant 2 THE FLORISTRY WORKFORCE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS

5 The Floristry WSQ identifies the relevant competencies needed for Floristry workers to perform their jobs effectively. It also provides pathways for advancement and career progression. For example, a Floristry support staff with a WSQ Certificate in Floristry Operations can look forward to being equipped with higher-level competencies and be prepared for supervisory duties upon completion of WSQ Advanced Certificate in Floristry Supervision. A Statement of Attainment (SOA) will be issued with every individual unit completed. A WSQ Qualification, ie. WSQ Certificate in Floristry Operations, will be awarded upon completion of all the required core and elective units. THE FLORISTRY WORKFORCE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS 3

6 IS FLORAL NSRS STILL VALID? If you have obtained any National Skills Certificates (NSCs) under the Floral NSRS, you will be recognised as having taken these units under the Floristry WSQ and be exempted from taking the aligned Floristry WSQ units. For example, if you have previously completed the 5 NSRS standards/training units, you simply have to do a top-up of the following 2 core units: 1. FL-HS-101C-1 Recognise and select flowers and plant materials for use in commercial floristry, and 2. ES-WSH-101G-1 Workplace Safety and Health to obtain the full WSQ Certificate in Floristry Operations. The recognised NSRS units and their equivalent WSQ units are presented in the tables on pages 5 and 6. As an owner of a floral shop, I believe training is necessary to continuously improve my skills, not just in the craftsmanship of floral design and arrangement, but in running a floral business as well. To be able to do something I love working with flowers and seeing my customers satisfied, simply makes my day. Low Meow Keow Floral Shop Owner 4 THE FLORISTRY WORKFORCE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS

7 The table below shows the NSRS units that are fully aligned to the Floristry WSQ: CERTIFICATE LEVEL Floral NSRS Floristry WSQ 1. FRL FL-FP-101C-1 Design and arrange floral Care and store fresh flowers and plant material product for festive seasons FL-DS-101C-1 Recognise the elements and principles of design as applied to floral artistry FL-FS-102C-1 Dress floral product with bows, wrappings and other decorative accessories 2. FRL FL-FS-101C-1 Arrange and pack hamper Use and maintain tools, equipment, floral hardware and work areas FL-FS-102E-1 Pack and dress hampers 3. FRL FL-FS-101C-1 Prepare floral gift wraps Use and maintain tools, equipment, floral hardware and work areas and boxed flower sets FL-FS-102C-1 Dress floral product with bows, wrappings and other decorative accessories THE FLORISTRY WORKFORCE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS 5

8 For NSRS units that have been mapped and aligned partially, individuals who possess the corresponding NSRS certificate will gain credit exemptions upon completion of an additional Floristry WSQ competency units. The table below shows the NSRS units that are partially aligned to the Floristry WSQ and the corresponding Floristry WSQ competency unit that has to be taken in order to gain credit exemption: CERTIFICATE LEVEL Floral NSRS Floristry WSQ 4. FRL FL-FS-101E-1 Design and arrange floral products Assemble fresh flowers using floral foam for everyday use + WSQ Competency Unit: FL-HS-101C-1 Recognise and select flowers and plant materials for use in commercial floristry 5. FRL FL-FS-103C-1 Provide bridal floral services Perform basic wiring techniques + FL-FS-104C-1 Assemble fresh flowers bouquets WSQ Competency Unit: FL-HS-101C-1 Recognise and select flowers and plant materials for use in commercial floristry 6 THE FLORISTRY WORKFORCE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS

9 HOW CAN FLORISTRY WSQ HELP YOU? The Floristry WSQ: Enables your employers to recognise your capabilities Equips you with skills that can be applied at your workplace Consists of modular, bite-sized training courses that are developed for adult learning Gives you training to become a specialist in your field Helps you in your career progression Helps you make a career switch to the Floristry industry and remain employable HOW CAN I OBTAIN THE FLORISTRY WSQ? There are no academic requirements for you to be trained in any of the units under the Floristry WSQ. However, you should have a certain level of literacy and numeric ability to be able to cope with the training. After you complete each training unit and pass the assessment, you will be awarded with a Statement of Attainment (SOA). With the accumulation of the required number of SOAs, you will be awarded with the appropriate WSQ qualification. If you are employed: Your employer can send you to attend the course if it is relevant to your work and within your ability to cope with the training. You may opt to take any unit you wish, as long as your employer deems it relevant. However, you have to plan the units you want to take if you intend to attain a qualification as this requires a specific combination of core and elective units. For example, in order to attain a WSQ Certificate in Floristry Operations, you have to attain a combination of 8 Core and 2 Elective units. If you are a job seeker: You may approach the officers at the Distributed CareerLink Network Career Centres, who will make an assessment of your training needs accordingly. THE FLORISTRY WORKFORCE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS 7

10 WSQ Certificate In Floristry Operations Who Should Attend Competencies in this level of qualification aim to equip new industry entrants and Floral Assistants who lack experience and/or required skills expected of them in their job functions within the industry. Packaging Rules To obtain the full qualification, 10 units must be selected, including: All 8 core units and 2 elective units, with a maximum of 1 unit from the Retail WSQ category CORE UNITS (ALL) Vocational Skills: 1. FL-HS-101C-1 Recognise and select flowers and plant materials for use in commercial floristry 2. FL-FP-101C-1 Care and store fresh flowers and plant material 3. FL-DS-101C-1 Recognise the elements and principles of design as applied to floral artistry 4. FL-FS-101C-1 Use and maintain tools, equipment, floral hardware and work areas 5. FL-FS-102C-1 Dress floral product with bows, wrappings and other decorative accessories 6. FL-FS-103C-1 Perform basic wiring techniques 7. FL-FS-104C-1 Assemble fresh flower bouquets Generic Skills: 8. ES-WSH-101G-1 Workplace Safety and Health (Operations) ELECTIVE UNITS Please note that the individual may take either all units from Vocational Skills category or a combination from both Vocational and Generic Skills categories, capped at a maximum of 1 unit from the Retail WSQ category. Vocational Skills: Floristry WSQ 1. FL-FS-101E-1 Assemble fresh flowers using floral foam 2. FL-FS-102E-1 Pack and dress hampers 3. FL-SS-101E-1 Support the floristry workplace Landscape WSQ 4. LS-HM-101E-1 Maintain interiorscapes and displays Retail WSQ 5. RE-SCS-108E-0 Perform delivery operations 6. RE-SCS-104C-0 Perform point of sale operations 7. RE-SO-109E-0 Perform warehouse operations Generic Skills: 8. SE-CS-101G-1 Provide GEMS (Go-the-Extra-Mile for Service) service 8 THE FLORISTRY WORKFORCE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS

11 WSQ HIGHER Certificate In Floristry OPERATIONS Who Should Attend Competencies in this level of qualification will equip Florists with basic and specialised skills to enhance their work performance. Packaging Rules To obtain the full qualification,10 units must be selected, including: All 7 core units and 3 elective units, with a maximum of 1 unit from the Retail WSQ category CORE UNITS (ALL) Vocational Skills: 1. FL-HS-201C-1 Identify flowers and plant material and their use in commercial floristry 2. FL-FP-201C-1 Monitor the quality of fresh flowers and plant material 3. FL-DS-201C-1 Demonstrate the application of the elements and principles of design 4. FL-FS-201C-1 Perform advanced wiring techniques 5. FL-FS-202C-1 Prepare and arrange fresh flower bouquets 6. FL-FS-203C-1 Prepare fresh flower arrangements using a base medium Generic Skills: 7. ES-WSH-101G-1 Workplace Safety and Health (Operations) ELECTIVE UNITS Please note that the individual must take all units from Vocational Skills category, capped at a maximum of 1 unit from the Retail WSQ category. Vocational Skills: Floristry WSQ 1. FL-FS-201E-1 Prepare and arrange items for the wedding group 2. FL-FS-202E-1 Prepare and arrange condolences, memorial tributes and funeral arrangements 3. FL-FS-203E-1 Prepare and arrange potted plants 4. FL-FS-204E-1 Prepare and arrange silk, dried and simulated flower arrangements 5. FL-FS-205E-1 Prepare and arrange celebration and opening floral stands 6. FL-FS-206E-1 Prepare and arrange gift and floral items using containers 7. FL-SV-201E-1 Prepare and arrange venue décor for events and special occasions including weddings Landscape WSQ 8. LS-HM-201E-1 Install interiorscapes or displays Retail WSQ 9. RE-MM-301C-0 Coordinate merchandise display 10. RE-SCS-103C-0 Sell products and services 11. RE-SCS-104C-0 Perform point of sale operations THE FLORISTRY WORKFORCE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS 9

12 WSQ ADVANCED Certificate In Floristry SUPERVISION Who Should Attend Competencies in this level of qualification will equip Senior Florists with advanced floristry skills and for Floral Supervisors to manage and facilitate work in supervisory roles. Packaging Rules To obtain the full qualification, 10 units must be selected, including: All 6 core units and 4 elective units, with a maximum of 1 unit from the Retail WSQ category CORE UNITS (ALL) Vocational Skills: 1. FL-DS-301C-1 Apply design elements, principles and craftsmanship to floral designs 2. FL-FP-301C-1 Supervise quality of Floristry products and services 3. FL-FD-301C-1 Design and create fresh flower bouquets 4. FL-FD-302C-1 Design and create fresh flower arrangements using a base medium 5. FL-SS-301C-1 Cost and budget for a floral design project Generic Skills: 6. ES-WSH-301G-1 Workplace Safety and Health (Supervisory) ELECTIVE UNITS Please note that the individual must take all units from Vocational Skills category, capped at a maximum of 1 unit from the Retail WSQ category. Vocational Skills: Floristry WSQ 1. FL-SV-301E-1 Design and create venue décor for events and special occasions including weddings 2. FL-FD-301E-1 Design and create arrangements for the wedding group 3. FL-FD-302E-1 Design and create condolences, memorial tributes and funeral arrangements 4. FL-FD-303E-1 Design and create celebration and opening floral stands 5. FL-FD-304E-1 Design and create gift and floral items using containers 6. FL-FD-305E-1 Design and create silk, dried and simulated flower arrangements Landscape WSQ 7. LS-BE-304E -1 Perform basic CAD and 2D drawings Retail WSQ 8. RE-MM-302E-0 Monitor visual merchandising presentation 9. RE-SS-303E-0 Recruit and select personnel 10. RE-SO-306E-0 Supervise warehouse management and operations 11. RE-SCS-302C-0 Build relationships with customers 10 THE FLORISTRY WORKFORCE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS

13 WSQ DIPLOMA IN Floristry MANAGEMENT Who Should Attend Competencies in this level of qualification aim to equip experienced Floral Designers and Managers with advanced knowledge and skills in floral design and management. Packaging Rules To obtain the full qualification, 9 units must be selected, including: All 6 core units and 3 elective units, with a maximum of 1 unit from the Retail WSQ category CORE UNITS (ALL) Vocational Skills: 1. FL-MK-401C-1 Develop a comprehensive floral design portfolio 2. FL-DS-401C-1 Accomplish improved floral design skills and techniques 3. FL-DS-402C -1 Develop concept plans and preliminary documentation for floral designs and displays 4. FL-DS-403C-1 Prepare detailed floral project design drawings and specifications 5. FL-SV-401C-1 Manage implementation of floral design or display projects Generic Skills: 6. ES-WSH-401G-1 Workplace Safety and Health (Managerial) ELECTIVE UNITS Please note that the individual must take all units from Vocational Skills category, capped at a maximum of 1 unit from the Retail WSQ category. Vocational Skills: Floristry WSQ 1. FL-MK-401E-1 Develop a complete florist shop or floral design studio image 2. FL-MK-402E-1 Develop an in-house catalogue for product and services 3. FL-TD-401E-1 Develop workshop programmes for industry and public presentations 4. FL-TD-402E-1 Develop communication, presentation and performance skills Landscape WSQ 5. LS-BE-401E-1 Develop interiorscapes and displays Retail WSQ 6. RE-SS-408E-0 Develop a business plan 7. RE-SS-409E-0 Develop and implement an e-business strategy 8. RE-SCS-401E-0 Manage sales and service delivery THE FLORISTRY WORKFORCE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS 11

14 Funding For Floristry WSQ Courses Your employer can seek funding assistance through WDA s Skills Development Fund (SDF) when you attend WSQ programmes and meet these criteria: 1. You are a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident 2. You have achieved at least 75% attendance during training 3. You have attempted all required assessments For more information on SDF funding, please visit the SDF website at Your employer can also apply for absentee payroll funding under the Skills Redevelopment Fund (SRP). For more information on SRP funding, please visit the SRP website at Where Can I Sign Up? To sign up, simply contact any of the following 4 Approved Training Organisations (ATOs) for course details and to sign up for the training unit(s): 1. CreativeWorkz by FarEastFlora.com 565 Thomson Road Website: Singapore creativeworkz@fareastflora.com Contact No.: Fax: June Floral Art School 702A Geylang Road Singapore Website: junecom@singnet.com.sg Contact No.: Fax: Nobleman School of Floral Design Blk 10 North Bridge Road Website: # info@noblemanschool.com.sg Singapore Contact No.: Fax: Tropifame Floral Design School #03-16 Peninsula Hotel Shopping Centre Website: No. 3 Coleman Street tropifame@pacific.net.sg Singapore Contact No.: Fax: THE FLORISTRY WORKFORCE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS

15 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WSQ For more information about the Floristry WSQ, please contact us at: Singapore Workforce Development Agency 1 Marina Boulevard #16-01 One Marina Boulevard Singapore General line : Fax : wda_wsq@wda.gov.sg ABOUT WDA The Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) seeks to enhance the employability and competitiveness of our workforce to meet the changing needs of Singapore s economy. Working with industry, unions, employers, economic agencies, professional associations and training organisations, the agency s efforts are targeted at supporting industry growth by building a pipeline of workers through training and skills upgrading, and raising industry standards through enhancing manpower capabilities. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The development of the Floristry WSQ Framework and this Employers guide would not have been made possible without the active contributions and dedicated commitment of the following organisations and their respective representatives: BV Florist & Gifts Candy Floriculture Pte Ltd Centre for Urban Greenery and Ecology CreativeWorkz by FarEastFlora.com Far East Flora.com Pte Ltd Floral Designers Society Singapore Floramist Floristry Consultant Floriculture Association Singapore Flower Beauty Trading Flower Matters Green Grasses Gift & Flower Heartstrings Floral & Gifts June Floral Art School Katong Flower Shop Pte Ltd National Parks Board Nobleman School of Floral Design Noel Gifts International Ltd Orchid Business Cluster Pontiac Land Group, Millenia Walk Sing See Soon Floral & Landscape Pte Ltd Singapore Florist Association Singapore Hortiflora Federation Tropifame Floral Design School

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