Askham Bryan College floristry programme and student win at national floristry awards
12th November 2021
Askham Bryan College received top accolade ‘Floristry Training Provider of the Year’ at the British Florist Association (BFA) Industry Awards on Saturday night. Additionally, Askham Bryan College student Hannah Shelbourn was recognised for achieving the highest mark this year in the practical exam for the Masters Diploma in Professional Floristry. Course tutor at the college, Karen Longbottom, was a finalist in the ‘Floristry Tutor of the Year’ category.
Sue Lee, Floristry Course Manager at Askham Bryan College, says, “We are absolutely thrilled and honoured to be awarded Training Providers of the Year. Warmest congratulations to Hannah on her amazing and outstanding achievement. It is a tremendous accomplishment and we know she will progress on to a wonderful future working with flowers. We are also delighted Karen has been recognised as a finalist in the ‘Tutor of the Year’ category. We are very grateful for her vast knowledge and industry experience she shares with all our students on the course programme.”
Sue notes the popularity of floristry and the shift in interest. Students numbers on the floristry courses at the college have increased overall by 600% in the past three years. She credits that all levels of the College’s City & Guilds certified courses are well-suited for students who either wish to start a career in the floristry industry or would like to develop and apply new skills within their work.
She adds, “Florists are very creative people, we love applying new trends to designs for events, parties and weddings and turning a client’s brief into reality. The awards received reflect the work we put into ensuring these courses are available to anyone wishing to be part of our amazing industry.”
Photo: Student Hannah Shelbourn with BFA Chairman Mr Brian Wills-Pope