Talented Abby Dewhurst proved she is among the country’s top floristry students when she represented Reaseheath at the WorldSkillsUK national floristry finals last week.
Abby, 18, who progressed onto our Level 4 Higher Diploma in Floristry at University Centre Reaseheath after completing her Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Floristry, was one of just eight finalists in her category. Although she narrowly missed out on a top placing, she gained a lot of skills and confidence from competing in the two day event, which culminated in a gala style awards ceremony.
Our floristry lecturers and Level 3 Floristry students also enjoyed a visit to the competition, held at Trafford College, Altrincham, as they were able to pick up top tips as well as supporting Abby.
Aimed at showcasing professional floristry and enhancing the skills of the floristry workforce, the WorldSkills UK Floristry Finals challenged the finalists to create five pieces to a strict timescale for the launch party of a boutique hotel. These included two surprise items – a piece of floral jewellery and a hand tied arrangement for a pillar.
Abby said: “This was my first ever floristry competition and it was a fantastic experience. Apart from it being a great honour to show off my skills to the judges, I learned a lot about managing time constraints and the pressure of being watched by the public. I also got on really well with the other finalists, and we all supported each other.
“I’ve always been creative but since coming to Reaseheath floristry has become my passion. The tutors are amazing. They teach you so many techniques and are always encouraging you to experiment with different flowers and designs.”
Abby, who runs her own floral events business, Floral Smiles, alongside her studies, was also a finalist in this week’s Land-based & Environment Learner Awards 2023, hosted here on campus.
