DCG Success Stories

Changing career direction can be a big step, but the flexibility offered by Derby College Group has made it possible for newly qualified florist Amy Sykes.

Amy, a former air hostess from Long Eaton, loved her old job but needed to do something different so she could spend more time with her young daughter.

Inspired by looking at floral arrangements on Instagram, Amy decided to put her creativity and love of flowers to practical use and enrolled on the level 2 Diploma in Floral Practical Skills at Broomfield.

And, through the strong links cultivated by Derby College and national dedicated flower business Flowerworld she was also able to get paid work experience which has led to a retail career in floristry.

Initially Amy worked part-time at Flowerworld in Sinfin but has since secured a full-time job in the florists at the company’s Bulwell store.

Louise Ward, People Advisor at Flowerworld, said: “We are passionate about training and offer our people clear pathways to internal progression.

“We are now in the process of rolling out our Employability Academy, which comprises seven modules including job interview, application and employee expectations.

Amy is one of the first people to benefit from the academy’s trial run. She did well and we’re pleased to welcome her to her new full-time role.”

Amy added: “I’m glad I changed career direction. People are sometimes put off from making changes to their work life because they think it’s going to be too difficult, but it doesn’t have to be.

My course was full-time but the way in which our learning was structured meant I only had to go into College two days a week. It was convenient and I was able to make it work for me.”

Amy, who especially likes making up contemporary flower designs for corporate customers would like to take level 3 floristry one day.