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JOB PROFILE: Florist
Tue 26 Feb 2019Qualifications and courses
There are no specific academic qualifications for this career. Candidates can either find work and train on the job or study at college prior to securing employment. Those seeking work in a florist shop should demonstrate an interest in floristry, possibly through joining a local flower arranging club or doing a course in flower arranging.
Available qualifications include the BTEC Certificate in Floristry (Levels 2–3) and the City & Guilds Diploma in Floristry (Levels 2–3). Those who are currently working at a florist shop could study for the City & Guilds Diploma in Work-based Floristry (Levels 2–3). The entry requirements for these courses vary, however GCSE/National 5 passes in subjects such as English, Maths and Art would be beneficial. Any other relevant experience and skills might be taken into account so work experience in a florist shop would be valuable.
Another option is the Apprenticeship in Floristry which is available at both Intermediate and Advanced Levels. With experience, you could work towards the City & Guilds Level 4 Higher Diploma in Floristry (ICSF) or Level 5 Master Diploma in Professional Floristry (NDSF). Foundation degrees and degrees in floristry are also a possibility. If you are working in floristry at management level you can take the Master Diploma in Professional Floristry.
What the work involves
Florists combine creativity with knowledge of plants and flowers to design and create floral displays that are then sold in shops and/or on market stalls.
You will be responsible for ordering and caring for the plants and flowers, aiding customers in choosing flowers suitable for specific occasions and creating floral displays. You may also be required to deliver flowers to customers and set up displays at events.
You will be expected to handle money, complete regular stocktakes and help with the day to day running of the business.
Type of person suited to this work
You will need to be extremely creative, with an understanding of shape, colour and design. As a great deal of this job is hands-on, you must be dexterous.
A strong knowledge of plants and flowers and the care required for them is essential, along with a desire to expand your knowledge. You should be patient, hold good customer service skills and be sensitive towards a clients needs.
You will be expected to have brilliant telephone communication skills and the ability to work within tight deadlines, particularly if you have to fulfil last-minute or online orders. Administration and sales skills are also important.
Working conditions
Florists usually work inside in a shop environment. Those who work on a floristry stall will spend most of their time outdoors. This job involves a great deal of standing at the work bench/counter.
Working hours usually vary between 35 and 40 hours per week, which is likely to include weekends, and shop opening hours are normally 9am to 5pm. Some travel may be required when making deliveries so a driving licence might be needed.
Some shops provide uniforms or aprons. This job will not be suitable for people who suffer from pollen allergies.
Future prospects
Those with experience may progress to a managerial role. Once you have the required skills, there is also the possibility of becoming self-employed and opening your own business.
Another progression option is to work as a freelance florist for a variety of businesses on a contract basis.
You could also teach floristry or become a professional demonstrator.
Advantages/disadvantages
You can combine creativity, skill and knowledge to create floral displays.
You will be on your feet for a great deal of time and those who work on florist market stalls will be outdoors in all weathers.
Every day will be different as you will work with a wide range of customers for a variety of events.
Money guide
Earnings vary depending on location and employer.
At the start of their career, a florist usually receives the National Minimum Wage. As you gain experience, you can expect your salary to increase to £16,000–£19,000 a year.
Those employed in a managerial role can achieve up to £25,000.
Further information
Content generously provided by Indigo Trotman.
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JOB PROFILE: Meteorologist
Tue 12 Feb 2019Qualifications and courses
Entrants to this profession need a degree accredited by the Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS) and postgraduate degrees are often necessary for employment. Degrees in meteorology are available, but other suitable subjects include physics, maths, computer science, oceanography and environmental science. The general entry requirements for a degree are 2 A levels/3 H grades and 5 GCSEs/National 5s at grade C or above, or 4-9 in England, and some employers may also require A levels/H grades in Maths and Physics.
Relevant postgraduate courses are available and a requisite of research posts. Subject areas include meteorology, climatology and atmospheric science.
The Met Office Operational Meteorologist Foundation Training Programme (OMFTP) povides initial training for new entrants. You will need a 2.1. bachelor's degree or equivalent in meteorology, maths or a physical science and AS/H grades in Maths and Physics for entry.
If successful, you will undertake the Operational Meteorologist Foundation Course (OMFC), which is split into 4 blocks lasting 36 weeks, which are split between the Met Office College in Exeter, operation Met Office environments and sponsoring institutions. This is followed by approximately 20 weeks of on-the-job training and a final assessment of competence. You will be required to complete the Level 5 Award in Meteorological Briefing and the Level 5 Diploma in Meteorological Forecasting in order to qualify as an operational meteorologist and work unsupervised.
A 6-week Foundation Meteorological Technicians course is also available at the Met Office. The course meets the educational requirements for a registered meteorologist.
Graduates with 5 years experience can apply for chartered meteorological status (CMet).
What the work involves
Meteorologists use information gained from observing the sky, the atmosphere and natural phenomena to give a picture of everyday weather conditions.
As well as providing weather forecast information that is used throughout the media and to inform industries such as fishing, meteorologists undertake research into the Earth's atmosphere. You could be employed by the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force, the Met Office or other employers.
You will be using specialist computer programs and mathematical modelling to gather information, which you will combine in order to form a weather picture. Within meteorology you can work as a forecaster or a researcher.
Type of person suited to this work
You should have a strong interest in the environment, science, research and climate change. You will need to excel in maths and physics.
The job calls for the ability to problem solve and think creatively to resolve specific issues. You should be happy to work in various locations, however remote. The job demands excellent observational skills and attention to detail.
You should be able to comprehend and evaluate complex information. You must be able to communicate effectively, both in person and on paper. You will be computer literate, and work well as part of a team.
Working conditions
You will generally conduct your work from an office environment, using specialised computers.
When you are working in the field you could be living and working in extremely isolated areas with basic living conditions.
Researchers generally work ordinary office hours. Forecasters and observers however will usually work in shifts. When working in the field you will not usually have set hours. However, the most common shift working pattern is 12 hours covering days and nights.
Future prospects
There are 3 main areas that a meteorologist can work in: these are forecasting, research and teaching. You may wish to move between them in order to progress.
Once you have gained experience as a forecaster you might be able to move into broadcasting, research or consultancy work. You could also teach at the Met Office College.
There could be the possibility of working abroad.
Advantages/disadvantages
You may have the opportunity to study and observe the natural world in a variety of locations.
You might have to work inconvenient shifts.
There is a wide variety of work within this industry so you shouldn't get bored.
Employers increasingly require applicants to have a postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject.
Money guide
The starting salary for a trainee operational meteorologist at the Met Office is approximately £20,000, rising to £23,000 on completion of training.
Experienced meteorologists can earn between £25,000 and £35,000 a year.
As a manager you could earn from £38,000 to in excess of £60,000 per year.
Further information
Content generously provided by Indigo Trotman.
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JOB PROFILE: Firefighter
Tue 05 Feb 2019Qualifications and courses
To be considered for selection as a firefighter you must be at least 18 years old and preferably have a full UK driving licence. No formal qualifications are required, though you should have a good general standard of education and any qualifications you bring with you may help with future promotion. Some fire services specifically ask for GCSEs/National 5s (C or above, or 4 or above in England) in English and Maths. Firefighters need a reasonable level of fitness and good eyesight.
Entrance is dependent on performance in practical and written tests, including psychological tests, as well as a medical and an interview. Some colleges offer a fire service pre-recruitment course in collaboration with local fire brigades. This does not guarantee entry but aims to prepare candidates for the entrance tests. Health and safety restrictions mean that it may not be possible to do work experience as a firefighter.
As a new firefighter you will be required to undergo full-time induction training which lasts between 12 and 16 weeks (18 weeks in Northern Ireland). You will learn basic firefighting skills, fire safety and the importance of educating the public about fire safety. You may be encouraged to work towards NVQs such as the Level 3 Diploma in Emergency Fire Services Operations in the Community.
What the work involves
You will be dealing with a range of emergencies, not only fires but also helping at other incidents such as rescuing trapped animals and people, handling chemical spillages and assisting at road, rail or air crash scenes.
If your team arrives on the scene before the paramedics you will be expected to have the knowledge and practice to administer First Aid if required.
You might give advice to organisations on fire safety and check that buildings or public events meet fire regulations.
Type of person suited to this work
You will need to stay calm in dangerous situations. People in danger tend to react in extreme ways and you will need to be good at talking to them, giving instructions, reassuring them and leading them to safety.
You need to be an excellent team player. You will be assigned to a ‘watch’ (a team) and need to work together to keep yourself and others safe.
You will need to be able to deal with very stressful and disturbing situations.
Working conditions
You will be based at a fire station but will go out to attend incidents.
Working conditions can often be unpleasant and dangerous. You will wear a uniform and, when needed, protective clothing and equipment.
You will work an average of 42 hours per week, which will be divided into day and night shifts. You can also work as a retained firefighter which means you will be on-call. Many retained firefighters have other full-time or part-time occupations.
Future prospects
The main employers are regional fire services but airports, the Ministry of Defence, the RAF and the Royal Navy also recruit firefighters.
Some firefighters start their career as retained firefighters to gain experience. There are around 18,000 retained firefighters in the UK, mostly in rural areas. Entry is competitive.
You will undergo regular training throughout your career and could work towards specialising in a particular area of the services. For example you could specialise in driving fire trucks by taking a large goods vehicle (LGV) licence. Promotion to supervisory and management roles is by clear grades and given on ability, but exams must also be passed.
Advantages/disadvantages
This job can be very stressful and you cannot just leave an emergency situation if your shift has ended.
You will get to know your watch very well; firefighters say they really enjoy the team spirit at work.
You need to pass demanding training successfully to qualify, and keep up a rigorous fitness and training schedule.
Money guide
The fire service is subject to a nationally agreed salary structure. Salaries are higher in London.
Full-time firefighters can expect a salary of £22,459 as a trainee which will increase to £29,934 with experience.
Crew and watch managers can earn between £31,816 and £37,112, whilst a station manager will earn £38,602–£42,576.
With experience you may become a group manager and subsequently an area manager, and your salary will increase to £44,458 to £57,252.
Retained (on-call) firefighters earn a fee of around £2,246 to £2,993 per year. They also receive additional payments, according to their rank, for attending fires and carrying out extra duties.
Further information
Content generously provided by Indigo Trotman.
