A group of Floristry students from Bridgwater College recently embarked on a three-day study tour to witness the extent of the floriculture industry in Holland.

The annual trip gave the group the opportunity to visit the hub of the international trade centre for flowers and plants, experience the European styles of floristry and discover just how large the industry is that generates and sustains vast employment opportunities throughout the Netherlands.

The group also visited the Flora Holland auction house; as one of six auction houses throughout Holland and the largest in the world, 48 million flowers and plants are sold every day resulting in a turnover of 16 million Euros per year.

The trip was concluded with a tour of an exclusive Vanda orchid grower, a visit to the famous Keukenhof gardens with its amazing spring bulb displays and finally a bridal design workshop with a Dutch Master Florist.

Jacqui Weaver, Programme Manager for Floristry at Bridgwater College said,

“This was a valuable experience for the students, it gave them an overview of just how diverse the industry has become over recent years. Gaining a qualification in floristry can lead to a variety of career paths such as event decorating, corporate client design, demonstrating, competition work or teaching this specialist subject area. As a College we are now the first point of call when floristry vacancies emerge within the area and many of our students obtain work whilst still completing their courses.”

Student Emily Hepworth added,

“This was a fabulous trip packed with educational activities. Seeing the latest trends will help me to enhance my entries into the various competitions I have entered this year via the College, namely the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and the World Skills UK heats.”