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In West Virginia, floral designers should have a high school diploma or GED to obtain an entry-level job.
Some floral shops or garden centers will train employees in the art of floral design.
A floral designer arranges and designs floral arrangements for customers for weddings, everyday, funerals, and special occasions.
They often work for growers, florists, wholesalers, or garden centers.
Article Table of Contents
Steps To Become A Floral Designer in West Virginia
Although there are no specific rules for becoming a floral designer in West Virginia, having a high school diploma or GED is required by most businesses.
Some businesses might hire you without one, but the majority will want someone that has finished high school.
Attending a business school or college that trains students in floral design will put you ahead of the competition.
Taking some courses in floral design is another way to learn the skills needed for the job.
When seeking employment, check to see if some businesses will train employees that work for their business.
The American Institute of Floral Designers in Forest Hills, MD has a certification program available to residents of West Virginia and offers online classes in floral design and an exam to obtain certification.
If you pass the test, you may be able to be hired by a florist without any experience.
Most employers want at least six months of work experience.
West Virginia has no approved AFID educational training program.
In order to obtain the certification, you will have to take the PFDE Online Test and complete a hands design evaluation.
Inquire about the AFID online classes, tests, and certification by calling 443-966-3850.
A floral designer should have good organizational skills, attention to detail, the ability to get along with others, and an eye for design.
Floral designers work long hours and holiday seasons can be stressful.
They often order supplies and keep the inventory organized and up to date.
Floral designers will help with displays and merchandising, orders, delivery, and cleaning.
Time management and the ability to meet deadlines are other important qualifications for floral designers.
An interest in flowers and plants and growing them as a way to brighten the lives of others is another positive attribute.
Floral Design Programs and Classes In West Virginia
There are not many floral design programs in West Virginia that residents can attend.
West Virginia University offers an online program called The Preston Bailey Fundamentals of Floral Design.
Upon completion, you receive a certificate that helps students find an entry-level job.
There is a business called Crown Florals and Gift that offers floral design classes to local residents.
Penn Foster College in Pennsylvania offers an online program that can be completed in 5 months and will provide graduates with a certificate in floral design.
West Virginia University
The university offers an online course called Preston Bailey’s Fundamentals of Floral Design.
It is for beginners and after completing the course, graduates can apply for internships that give students business experience.
Students will learn floral design techniques on how to make corsages, bridal bouquets, centerpieces, garlands, and other arrangements.
Students learn about materials used to make floral arrangements, how to create a floral design toolkit, create a reference binder, and utilize current trends.
The instructors have many years of experience and own their own floral design businesses.
Students have six months to complete the course.
It is self-paced and takes 240 hours to complete.
The cost is $1,695 dollars.
In addition, students must purchase flowers for assignments for an additional fee not included in the course.
Call 855-520-6805 for more information or students can enroll online.
Crown Florals and Gifts Parkersburg, WV
The florist offers floral design classes to residents at different times.
Taking classes will help students learn some of the skills needed to become a floral designer.
Call to learn about classes at 304-917-4834.
Penn Foster College
This school, located in Scranton, PA, and Scottsdale, AZ offers a program online for students.
The program takes 6 to 9 months and students learn floral design tools and basics, design techniques for weddings, holidays, and other occasions.
The program teaches business skills needed for success.
The program helps students find entry-level jobs or start their own businesses.
The cost for tuition is $1, 080 and students should inquire if books and materials to make arrangements are extra.
For more information about the program, call 1-800-275-4410.
Online courses are convenient for those working or that have other obligations during the day.
Floral Designer Schools in West Virginia – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| West Virginia University | Morgantown, WV 26506, USA |
| Crown Florals and Gifts Parkersburg, WV | 1933 Ohio Ave, Parkersburg, WV 26101, USA |
| Penn Foster College | 925 Oak St, Scranton, PA 18515, USA |
Salary
Floral designers in West Virginia make salaries ranging from $30,915 to $58,301.
The range depends on whether it is an entry-level job and the person’s education and experience.
Most candidates have several years of experience and training to achieve higher-level salaries.
Some employees receive certification for floral design.
This gives them access to better jobs and higher pay.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Charleston | $49,558 |
| Huntington | $48,595 |
| Wheeling | $53,263 |
| Parkersburg | $48,312 |
| Morgantown | $53,263 |
| Weirton | $53,040 |
| Fairmont | $53,263 |
| Beckley | $49,123 |
| Clarksburg | $47,877 |
| Martinsburg | $60,292 |
Regional Salary in West Virginia
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | 40 | $27,640 | $13.29 | $35,680 | $21,650 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills do floral designers need?
Floral designs should have good communication skills and the ability to work well with others.
They should be organized and able to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
Floral designs need good customer service and sales skills.
A talent for designing and using unique styles or techniques of design is a plus.
What are ways to get experience in the industry?
Working as a local florist in a supermarket, a florist, or a garden center is a way to get experience.
Some businesses will train employees in floral design.
Some schools have internships for students to gain experience.
Where do you find programs or classes for floral design?
Many business schools, community colleges, and colleges have programs for floral design in person or online.
They help you develop the skills needed to get an entry-level job.
Most courses are 6-9 months, but some schools offer an AS in Floral Design leading to higher pay.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Floral Designer
Floral Design by State