Brianee’s blossoming floristry journey to WorldSkills

Brianee’s journey into floristry began to blossom in 2020, during a work placement at a local floristry shop. Eager to expand her knowledge and refine her skills, she enrolled at CIT to gain the expertise needed for a successful career in the industry. Surrounded by flowers growing up and inspired by stories from her aunt and grandma, who once owned a floristry shop, Brianee developed a deep connection to the craft. She now cherishes the opportunity to share what she’s learning at CIT with them, strengthening their bond through a passion for floristry.

The art of floristry

As she started her floristry career, Brianee quickly learned the importance of observing each flower to understand its unique features and decide how best to showcase its natural beauty.

“When you work with flowers, you’re not just arranging them; you’re bringing out their special qualities and uniqueness. Whether it’s the natural vine they create or the bold, striking colour within each petal,” Brianee explains.

Working with flowers brings Brianee a sense of calm. She loves visiting the CIT garden to pick fresh flowers, not only to admire their beauty and features but also to consider how they might work in a design.

Learning floristry techniques

At first, Brianee thought floristry was mainly about hand-tied bouquets. But once she began her studies at CIT, she quickly discovered there was much more to the craft. From learning how to wire flowers to mastering base medium designs in vessels, her knowledge and confidence have flourished.  

A highlight of the course has been the diversity of the class. Surrounded by students of different ages and backgrounds, each bringing their own creativity, Brianee found inspiration in their shared enthusiasm. She also credits her growth to her CIT teacher, Narelle, whose mentorship and expertise have been instrumental in developing her skills as a florist.

Hands-on learning through work experience and excursions

One of the most rewarding parts of the course has been the practical learning opportunities. Work experience and excursions have allowed Brianee to apply her skills in real-world settings from participating in group installations at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show to creating displays for Floriade and visiting the Sydney Flower Market.

“It was incredible to witness the scale of flowers at the markets.” Brianee says. “Seeing the growers and businesses selling their flowers was fascinating.”

These experiences broadened her understanding of floristry not just in flower handling but in exploring creative possibilities for floral displays. In Melbourne, she collaborated on a hanging installation, an innovative project that expanded her view of what floral design can be.

“The Melbourne International Flower and Garden show was an eye-opening experience,” Brianee recalls. “It was amazing to see what other florists from around the country were creating and how they approached working with flowers.”

For a hands-on learner like Brianee, these excursions were invaluable. Each one offered fresh insights and the chance to put her CIT skills into practice.