THE FLORISTRY

WORKFORCE SKILLS
QUALIFICATIONS


CONTENT PAGE

Introduction 1

What is Floristry WSQ? 2

What training programmes are available? 2

Is Floral NSRS still valid? 4

How can Floristry WSQ help you? 7

How can I obtain the Floristry WSQ? 7

WSQ Certificate in Floristry Operations 8

WSQ Higher Certificate in Floristry Operations 9

WSQ Advanced Certificate in Floristry Supervision 10

WSQ Diploma in Floristry Management 11

Funding for Floristry WSQ courses 12

Where can I sign up? 12

INTRODUCTION

Today, the Floristry industry in Singapore is made up of over 800 floral establishments and
3000 workers. It is forecasted to grow at an average rate of 5.5% annually to be worth
about S$245 million in 2014. It is a great opportunity for Floristry industry players to take
advantage of, especially with the emergence of the Integrated Resorts, new commercial
buildings, private housing estates and development projects such as the Gardens by the
Bay, which will propel the growth of the Landscape and Floristry industries. Correspondingly,
the demand for skilled labour in these industries are expected to rise.

This vibrant industry injects colour into our daily lives in the form of surprises on special
occasions, floral gifts, and decorations at home and the workplace. New possibilities have
emerged to offer exciting career opportunities to individuals looking for immensely fulfilling
careers in a creative and dynamic environment.

To cope with the intensified competition and growing demand for skilled Floristry workers,
the Singapore Landscape Industry Council’s Floristry Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ)
Subcommittee was formed in March 2007 to identify skills gaps, establish skill profiles and
oversee the development of a systematic skills upgrading and certification system that will help
professionalise the Floristry industry and enhance its career pathways in Singapore.

“I aspire to be a professional florist eventually. Proper training will

help me build a strong foundation and sharpen my skills in floral
Fessie Tan
arrangement. “ Florist

THE FLORISTRY WORKFORCE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS 1

WHAT IS FLORISTRY WSQ?

The Floristry Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) is a national skills training system developed
by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and the Floristry industry. The
Floristry WSQ maps out the skills needed for a Floristry-related occupation and the training
required for entry into the Floristry industry. The system also provides useful career pathways
and facilitates mobility and progression within the industry.

WHAT TRAINING PROGRAMMES ARE AVAILABLE?

There are 4 qualifications, each comprising of compulsory Core and optional Elective units,
under the Floristry WSQ suitable for different levels of Floristry workers:

“The delightful expression and compliments I

receive from clients are the greatest sense of
achievement when projects are accomplished.
Continuous upgrading is essential and I believe
learning is a life-long investment to oneself.”
Madeleine Woo Huey Lan
Project and Event Consultant

2 THE FLORISTRY WORKFORCE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS

The Floristry WSQ identifies the relevant competencies needed for Floristry workers to perform
their jobs effectively. It also provides pathways for advancement and career progression. For
example, a Floristry support staff with a WSQ Certificate in Floristry Operations can look
forward to being equipped with higher-level competencies and be prepared for supervisory
duties upon completion of WSQ Advanced Certificate in Floristry Supervision.

A Statement of Attainment (SOA) will be issued with every individual unit completed. A WSQ
Qualification, ie. WSQ Certificate in Floristry Operations, will be awarded upon completion of
all the required core and elective units.

THE FLORISTRY WORKFORCE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS 3

IS FLORAL NSRS STILL VALID?

If you have obtained any National Skills Certificates (NSCs) under the Floral NSRS, you will
be recognised as having taken these units under the Floristry WSQ and be exempted from
taking the aligned Floristry WSQ units. For example, if you have previously completed the
5 NSRS standards/training units, you simply have to do a ‘top-up’ of the following 2 core
units:

1. FL-HS-101C-1 Recognise and select flowers and plant materials for use in commercial
floristry, and
2. ES-WSH-101G-1 Workplace Safety and Health

to obtain the full WSQ Certificate in Floristry Operations. The recognised NSRS units and
their equivalent WSQ units are presented in the tables on pages 5 and 6.

“As an owner of a floral shop, I believe training is necessary to

continuously improve my skills, not just in the craftsmanship of floral
design and arrangement, but in running a floral business as well. To
be able to do something I love – working with flowers and seeing my
customers satisfied, simply makes my day.” Low Meow Keow
Floral Shop Owner

4 THE FLORISTRY WORKFORCE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS

The table below shows the NSRS units that are fully aligned to the Floristry WSQ:

CERTIFICATE LEVEL

Floral NSRS Floristry WSQ

1. FRL-002-2-0102 FL-FP-101C-1
Design and arrange floral Care and store fresh flowers and plant material
product for festive seasons
FL-DS-101C-1
Recognise the elements and principles of design as applied
to floral artistry

FL-FS-102C-1
Dress floral product with bows, wrappings and other
decorative accessories

2. FRL-009-3-0102 FL-FS-101C-1
Arrange and pack hamper Use and maintain tools, equipment, floral hardware and work areas

FL-FS-102E-1
Pack and dress hampers

3. FRL-008-3-0102 FL-FS-101C-1
Prepare floral gift wraps Use and maintain tools, equipment, floral hardware and work areas
and boxed flower sets
FL-FS-102C-1
Dress floral product with bows, wrappings and other
decorative accessories

THE FLORISTRY WORKFORCE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS 5

For NSRS units that have been mapped and aligned partially, individuals who possess the
corresponding NSRS certificate will gain credit exemptions upon completion of an additional
Floristry WSQ competency units.

The table below shows the NSRS units that are partially aligned to the Floristry WSQ and
the corresponding Floristry WSQ competency unit that has to be taken in order to gain credit
exemption:

CERTIFICATE LEVEL

Floral NSRS Floristry WSQ

4. FRL-001-3-0102 FL-FS-101E-1
Design and arrange floral products Assemble fresh flowers using floral foam
for everyday use

+

WSQ Competency Unit:
FL-HS-101C-1
Recognise and select flowers and
plant materials for use in commercial floristry

5. FRL-010-2-0102 FL-FS-103C-1
Provide bridal floral services Perform basic wiring techniques

+ FL-FS-104C-1
Assemble fresh flowers bouquets
WSQ Competency Unit:
FL-HS-101C-1
Recognise and select flowers and
plant materials for use in commercial floristry

6 THE FLORISTRY WORKFORCE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS

HOW CAN FLORISTRY WSQ HELP YOU?

The Floristry WSQ:

• Enables your employers to recognise your capabilities
• Equips you with skills that can be applied at your workplace
• Consists of modular, bite-sized training courses that are developed for adult learning
• Gives you training to become a specialist in your field
• Helps you in your career progression
• Helps you make a career switch to the Floristry industry and remain employable

HOW CAN I OBTAIN THE FLORISTRY WSQ?

There are no academic requirements for you to be trained in any of the units under the Floristry
WSQ. However, you should have a certain level of literacy and numeric ability to be able to
cope with the training. After you complete each training unit and pass the assessment, you
will be awarded with a Statement of Attainment (SOA). With the accumulation of the required
number of SOAs, you will be awarded with the appropriate WSQ qualification.

If you are employed:

Your employer can send you to attend the course if it is relevant to your work and within
your ability to cope with the training. You may opt to take any unit you wish, as long as
your employer deems it relevant. However, you have to plan the units you want to take
if you intend to attain a qualification as this requires a specific combination of core and
elective units. For example, in order to attain a WSQ Certificate in Floristry Operations, you
have to attain a combination of 8 Core and 2 Elective units.

If you are a job seeker:

You may approach the officers at the Distributed CareerLink Network Career Centres, who
will make an assessment of your training needs accordingly.

THE FLORISTRY WORKFORCE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS 7



WSQ Certificate In Floristry Operations

Who Should Attend
Competencies in this level of qualification aim to equip new industry entrants and Floral Assistants who
lack experience and/or required skills expected of them in their job functions within the industry.

Packaging Rules
To obtain the full qualification, 10 units must be selected, including:
• All 8 core units and
• 2 elective units, with a maximum of 1 unit from the Retail WSQ category

CORE UNITS (ALL)

Vocational Skills:
1. FL-HS-101C-1 Recognise and select flowers and plant materials for use in commercial floristry
2. FL-FP-101C-1 Care and store fresh flowers and plant material
3. FL-DS-101C-1 Recognise the elements and principles of design as applied to floral artistry
4. FL-FS-101C-1 Use and maintain tools, equipment, floral hardware and work areas
5. FL-FS-102C-1 Dress floral product with bows, wrappings and other decorative accessories
6. FL-FS-103C-1 Perform basic wiring techniques
7. FL-FS-104C-1 Assemble fresh flower bouquets

Generic Skills:
8. ES-WSH-101G-1 Workplace Safety and Health (Operations)

ELECTIVE UNITS
Please note that the individual may take either all units from Vocational Skills category or a combination from both
Vocational and Generic Skills categories, capped at a maximum of 1 unit from the Retail WSQ category.

Vocational Skills:
Floristry WSQ
1. FL-FS-101E-1 Assemble fresh flowers using floral foam
2. FL-FS-102E-1 Pack and dress hampers
3. FL-SS-101E-1 Support the floristry workplace

Landscape WSQ
4. LS-HM-101E-1 Maintain interiorscapes and displays

Retail WSQ
5. RE-SCS-108E-0 Perform delivery operations
6. RE-SCS-104C-0 Perform point of sale operations
7. RE-SO-109E-0 Perform warehouse operations

Generic Skills:
8. SE-CS-101G-1 Provide GEMS (Go-the-Extra-Mile for Service) service

8 THE FLORISTRY WORKFORCE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS

WSQ HIGHER Certificate In Floristry OPERATIONS

Who Should Attend

Competencies in this level of qualification will equip Florists with basic and specialised skills to enhance
their work performance.

Packaging Rules
To obtain the full qualification,10 units must be selected, including:
• All 7 core units and
• 3 elective units, with a maximum of 1 unit from the Retail WSQ category

CORE UNITS (ALL)

Vocational Skills:
1. FL-HS-201C-1 Identify flowers and plant material and their use in commercial floristry
2. FL-FP-201C-1 Monitor the quality of fresh flowers and plant material
3. FL-DS-201C-1 Demonstrate the application of the elements and principles of design
4. FL-FS-201C-1 Perform advanced wiring techniques
5. FL-FS-202C-1 Prepare and arrange fresh flower bouquets
6. FL-FS-203C-1 Prepare fresh flower arrangements using a base medium

Generic Skills:
7. ES-WSH-101G-1 Workplace Safety and Health (Operations)

ELECTIVE UNITS
Please note that the individual must take all units from Vocational Skills category, capped at a maximum of 1 unit from
the Retail WSQ category.

Vocational Skills:
Floristry WSQ
1. FL-FS-201E-1 Prepare and arrange items for the wedding group
2. FL-FS-202E-1 Prepare and arrange condolences, memorial tributes and funeral arrangements
3. FL-FS-203E-1 Prepare and arrange potted plants
4. FL-FS-204E-1 Prepare and arrange silk, dried and simulated flower
arrangements
5. FL-FS-205E-1 Prepare and arrange celebration and opening floral stands
6. FL-FS-206E-1 Prepare and arrange gift and floral items using containers
7. FL-SV-201E-1 Prepare and arrange venue décor for events and special
occasions including weddings

Landscape WSQ
8. LS-HM-201E-1 Install interiorscapes or displays

Retail WSQ
9. RE-MM-301C-0 Coordinate merchandise display
10. RE-SCS-103C-0 Sell products and services
11. RE-SCS-104C-0 Perform point of sale operations

THE FLORISTRY WORKFORCE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS 9



WSQ ADVANCED Certificate In Floristry SUPERVISION

Who Should Attend

Competencies in this level of qualification will equip Senior Florists with advanced floristry skills and for
Floral Supervisors to manage and facilitate work in supervisory roles.

Packaging Rules
To obtain the full qualification, 10 units must be selected, including:
• All 6 core units and
• 4 elective units, with a maximum of 1 unit from the Retail WSQ category

CORE UNITS (ALL)

Vocational Skills:
1. FL-DS-301C-1 Apply design elements, principles and craftsmanship to floral designs
2. FL-FP-301C-1 Supervise quality of Floristry products and services
3. FL-FD-301C-1 Design and create fresh flower bouquets
4. FL-FD-302C-1 Design and create fresh flower arrangements using a base medium
5. FL-SS-301C-1 Cost and budget for a floral design project

Generic Skills:
6. ES-WSH-301G-1 Workplace Safety and Health (Supervisory)

ELECTIVE UNITS
Please note that the individual must take all units from Vocational Skills category, capped at a maximum of 1 unit from
the Retail WSQ category.

Vocational Skills:
Floristry WSQ
1. FL-SV-301E-1 Design and create venue décor for events and special occasions
including weddings
2. FL-FD-301E-1 Design and create arrangements for the wedding group
3. FL-FD-302E-1 Design and create condolences, memorial tributes and funeral
arrangements
4. FL-FD-303E-1 Design and create celebration and opening floral stands
5. FL-FD-304E-1 Design and create gift and floral items using containers
6. FL-FD-305E-1 Design and create silk, dried and simulated flower arrangements

Landscape WSQ
7. LS-BE-304E -1 Perform basic CAD and 2D drawings

Retail WSQ
8. RE-MM-302E-0 Monitor visual merchandising presentation
9. RE-SS-303E-0 Recruit and select personnel
10. RE-SO-306E-0 Supervise warehouse management and operations
11. RE-SCS-302C-0 Build relationships with customers

10 THE FLORISTRY WORKFORCE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS

WSQ DIPLOMA IN Floristry MANAGEMENT

Who Should Attend

Competencies in this level of qualification aim to equip experienced Floral Designers and Managers with
advanced knowledge and skills in floral design and management.

Packaging Rules
To obtain the full qualification, 9 units must be selected, including:
• All 6 core units and
• 3 elective units, with a maximum of 1 unit from the Retail WSQ category

CORE UNITS (ALL)

Vocational Skills:
1. FL-MK-401C-1 Develop a comprehensive floral design portfolio
2. FL-DS-401C-1 Accomplish improved floral design skills and techniques
3. FL-DS-402C -1 Develop concept plans and preliminary documentation for floral designs
and displays
4. FL-DS-403C-1 Prepare detailed floral project design drawings and specifications
5. FL-SV-401C-1 Manage implementation of floral design or display projects

Generic Skills:
6. ES-WSH-401G-1 Workplace Safety and Health (Managerial)

ELECTIVE UNITS
Please note that the individual must take all units from Vocational Skills category, capped at a maximum of 1 unit from
the Retail WSQ category.

Vocational Skills:
Floristry WSQ
1. FL-MK-401E-1 Develop a complete florist shop or floral design studio image
2. FL-MK-402E-1 Develop an in-house catalogue for product and services
3. FL-TD-401E-1 Develop workshop programmes for industry and public presentations
4. FL-TD-402E-1 Develop communication, presentation and performance skills

Landscape WSQ
5. LS-BE-401E-1 Develop interiorscapes and displays

Retail WSQ
6. RE-SS-408E-0 Develop a business plan
7. RE-SS-409E-0 Develop and implement an e-business strategy
8. RE-SCS-401E-0 Manage sales and service delivery

THE FLORISTRY WORKFORCE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS 11

Funding For Floristry WSQ Courses

Your employer can seek funding assistance through WDA’s Skills Development Fund (SDF)
when you attend WSQ programmes and meet these criteria:

1. You are a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident

2. You have achieved at least 75% attendance during training
3. You have attempted all required assessments

For more information on SDF funding, please visit the SDF website at www.sdf.gov.sg

Your employer can also apply for absentee payroll funding under the Skills Redevelopment
Fund (SRP). For more information on SRP funding, please visit the SRP website at
www.srp.org.sg

Where Can I Sign Up?

To sign up, simply contact any of the following 4 Approved Training Organisations (ATOs) for
course details and to sign up for the training unit(s):

1. CreativeWorkz by FarEastFlora.com
565 Thomson Road Website: www.fareastflora.com/creativeworkz
Singapore 298184 Email: creativeworkz@fareastflora.com
Contact No.: 6259 8315
Fax: 6355 0620

2. June Floral Art School

702A Geylang Road Website: www.junefloral.com
Singapore 389618 Email: junecom@singnet.com.sg
Contact No.: 6848 4500
Fax: 6848 4511

3. Nobleman School of Floral Design

Blk 10 North Bridge Road Website: www.noblemanschool.com
#02-5107 Email: info@noblemanschool.com.sg
Singapore 190010 Contact No.: 6296 3977
Fax: 6291 3192

4. Tropifame Floral Design School

#03-16 Peninsula Hotel Shopping Centre Website: www.tropifame.com
No. 3 Coleman Street Email: tropifame@pacific.net.sg
Singapore 179804 Contact No.: 6338 8182
Fax: 6336 8546

12 THE FLORISTRY WORKFORCE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON
WSQ
For more information about the Floristry
WSQ, please contact us at:
Singapore Workforce Development Agency
1 Marina Boulevard
#16-01 One Marina Boulevard
Singapore 018989
General line : 6883-5885
Fax : 6512-1111
Email : wda_wsq@wda.gov.sg
ABOUT WDA
The Singapore Workforce Development
Agency (WDA) seeks to enhance the
employability and competitiveness of our
workforce to meet the changing needs
of Singapore’s economy. Working with
industry, unions, employers, economic
agencies, professional associations and
training organisations, the agency’s efforts
are targeted at supporting industry growth by
building a pipeline of workers through training
and skills upgrading, and raising industry
standards through enhancing manpower
capabilities.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The development of the Floristry WSQ
Framework and this Employers’ guide
would not have been made possible without
the active contributions and dedicated
commitment of the following organisations
and their respective representatives:
BV Florist & Gifts
Candy Floriculture Pte Ltd
Centre for Urban Greenery and Ecology
CreativeWorkz by FarEastFlora.com
Far East Flora.com Pte Ltd
Floral Designers Society Singapore
Floramist “Floristry Consultant”
Floriculture Association Singapore
Flower Beauty Trading
Flower Matters
Green Grasses Gift & Flower
Heartstrings Floral & Gifts
June Floral Art School
Katong Flower Shop Pte Ltd
National Parks Board
Nobleman School of Floral Design
Noel Gifts International Ltd
Orchid Business Cluster
Pontiac Land Group, Millenia Walk
Sing See Soon Floral & Landscape Pte Ltd
Singapore Florist Association
Singapore Hortiflora Federation
Tropifame Floral Design School