Floral Design Certificate

Overview

UFV's professional Floral Design program provides comprehensive training aimed at preparing individuals for work in the floral industry or for starting their own floral business.

Instructor Profile

The instructor for the Floral Design Certificate program holds dual certification in Professional Floral Design and Wedding Design through Flowers Canada and the University of Guelph and has over thirty years of professional experience, which includes designing for celebrities, athletes, and even British royalty.

Program Details

• Credential: Certificate
• Format: Part-time
• Delivery: In-person
• Duration: 10 months (may be completed over multiple years)
• Days and times: Monday and Wednesday evenings
• Location: Abbotsford — Aerospace Centre
• Tuition: $5,706.00
• Additional costs:
  • Tool kit for Floral Basics I: $155 + taxes (paid at registration)
  • Textbooks: $280 (available at UFV bookstore)
  • Supply restock fee for term 2: $155 + taxes
• Start date: September
• Application deadline: August 19, 2026 (for Fall 2026 registration); late registrations may be accepted.

Employment Opportunities

Job openings for graduates include positions in:

• Floral shops
• Wholesale businesses
• Grocery stores
• Internet floral companies
• Opening their own floral shop

Floral arrangements hold significance in weddings, funerals, corporate, and social events.

Entrance Requirements

• Students must be 19 years or older or have completed high school.
• A CLB Level 6 is recommended.

Program Outline

The program equips students with in-depth training to prepare for direct employment within the floral industry, emphasizing hands-on techniques and understanding of floral design mechanics.

Modules

The program consists of six modules:

• Floral Design Basics I
• Floral Design Basics II
• Christmas Arrangements
• Special Occasion
• Sympathy and Church Flowers
• Wedding Flowers

Each module includes ten sessions, conducted twice a week over five weeks. The courses are offered at specific times throughout the year, creating a structured learning experience.

Textbooks

Textbooks required for the program are available from the UFV bookstore.

Additional Information

Students completing the Floral Design Certificate program are eligible to participate in the annual UFV convocation ceremonies. Those wishing to enroll in advanced modules must already have completed Floral Design Basics I & II or possess extensive floral design experience.

The program focuses on hands-on techniques for mastering the fundamentals of flower arranging using fresh, treated, and dried floral products. Additionally, advanced techniques are taught to prepare students for success in the industry.

Objectives:

• Master the basics of flower arranging with fresh, treated, and dried flowers.
• Develop advanced floral design skills.
• Gain knowledge of the floral industry, including business practices and marketing.
• Prepare for a career in floral design or to start your own floral business.

Description:

This program consists of six modules:

• Floral Design Basics II: Builds upon the skills learned in Basics I and introduces more advanced techniques, such as cascading arrangements, hand-tied bouquets, and corsages.
• Christmas Arrangements: Students create a variety of festive arrangements for the holiday season, including wreaths, centerpieces, and mantel arrangements.
• Special Occasion/Silk and Dried Flowers: Covers the use of silk and dried flowers in arrangements for special occasions, such as weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries.
• Sympathy and Church Flowers: Teaches the design and creation of appropriate floral arrangements for funerals and other expressions of sympathy, as well as for use in churches and other places of worship.
• Wedding Flowers: Focuses on designing and creating stunning floral arrangements for weddings, including bouquets, centerpieces, ceremony arrangements, and more.

Outline:

Program Structure:

• Part-time
• Delivered in person at the Aerospace Centre in Abbotsford
• Duration: 10 months
• Schedule: Monday and Wednesday evenings

Modules:

• Floral Design Basics I:
• Description: Covers the fundamental principles of floral design.
• Schedule: 10 sessions (2 evenings per week for 5 weeks)
• Offered: September to December
• Floral Design Basics II:
• Description: Builds upon the skills learned in Basics I.
• Schedule: 10 sessions (2 evenings per week for 5 weeks)
• Offered: September to December
• Christmas Arrangements:
• Description: Creates festive arrangements for the holiday season.
• Schedule: 10 sessions (2 evenings per week for 5 weeks)
• Offered: September to December
• Special Occasion/Silk and Dried Flowers:
• Schedule: 10 sessions (2 evenings per week for 5 weeks)
• Offered: February to June
• Sympathy and Church Flowers:
• Description: Teaches the design and creation of arrangements for funerals and other expressions of sympathy, as well as for use in churches and other places of worship.
• Schedule: 10 sessions (2 evenings per week for 5 weeks)
• Offered: February to June
• Wedding Flowers:
• Description: Focuses on designing and creating stunning floral arrangements for weddings.
• Schedule: 10 sessions (2 evenings per week for 5 weeks)
• Offered: February to June

Additional Requirements:

• 2 textbooks required (available at the UFV bookstore)
• Floral Design Basics I & II, or extensive floral design experience, required for other modules

Teaching:

• The instructor for the Floral Design program holds double certificates in Professional Floral Design and Wedding Design.
• The instructor has over 30 years of professional design experience and has designed for celebrities, royalty, and television shows and movies.
• The program focuses on hands-on learning and skills development.

Careers:

• Job opportunities exist in floral shops, wholesale businesses, grocery stores, and internet floral companies.
• Floral designers may also open their own shop.
• Traditionally, flower arrangements are important for weddings and funerals, but opportunities also exist in the corporate and social event sector.

Other:

• Students who complete the program are eligible to participate in UFV convocation ceremonies.

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a fully accredited, public university located in the beautiful Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Canada, just east of Vancouver. Enrolling approximately 15,000 students per year across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, as well as a growing presence in Chandigarh, India, UFV is a comprehensive university that combines the variety of a large institution with the small class sizes and personal connections of a community-focused one. Students come to UFV to learn in a hands-on environment where they know their instructors and are known in return.

UFV is situated in the traditional territory of the Stó:lō peoples. The Stó:lō have an intrinsic relationship with what they refer to as S'olh Téméxw (Our Sacred Land), and UFV expresses its gratitude and respect for the honour of living and working in this territory.

Changemaking

At UFV, changemaking is not a slogan; it is the organizing principle of the university's identity. As a designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, UFV prepares students to lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to stronger communities through innovation, reciprocity and a shared commitment to positive social change. Changemaking at UFV means turning knowledge into action, connecting learning to the real challenges facing communities in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia and the world beyond.

Academic structure

UFV is organized across six colleges, faculties and a school:

• College of Arts
• Faculty of Education, Community, and Human Development
• Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Business and Computing
• Faculty of Science
• School of Graduate Studies

Programs

UFV offers more than 100 programs across academic, vocational, continuing education and trades pathways, including three master's degrees, 21 bachelor's degrees with majors, minors and extended minors in more than 35 subject areas, four graduate certificates, and more than a dozen trades and technology programs. Programs are available across a wide range of disciplines:

• Arts, humanities and social sciences: Bachelor of Arts in History, English, Philosophy, Communications, Political Science, Indigenous Studies, Global Development Studies, Latin American Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, and more
• Business and management: Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Administration Diploma and Certificate, Agriculture Management BBA, Trades Management BBA, Accounting Certificate, Marketing and Sales Certificate
• Computing and technology: Computing Science BSc, Computer Information Systems (Bachelor, Diploma, Certificate), Automation and Robotics Technician Diploma, Engineering Physics Mechatronics Diploma, Engineering Common Core Certificate
• Creative arts and design: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic and Digital Design BFA and Diploma, Creative Writing BA and BFA.
• Education: Bachelor of Education, Adult Education Degree, Early Childhood Education Certificate and Diploma, TESL Certificate, Master of Education (Educational Leadership and Mentorship)
• Health sciences: Nursing BSc, Practical Nursing Diploma, Certified Dental Assistant Certificate, Child Life and Community Health Graduate Certificate
• Social work and human services: Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Child and Youth Care BA, Social Service Worker Diploma (Indigenous Focus)
• Trades: Carpentry, Electrician, Plumbing and Piping, Welding, Automotive Service, Automotive Collision Repair, Cabinetmaking, Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation, Electronics Technician, and Culinary Arts Certificates
• Indigenous studies: Indigenous Studies BA, Stó:lō Studies Certificate, Social Service Worker (Indigenous Focus) Diploma
• Upgrading and access: Adult Basic Education, English Language Studies, Workplace TASK for adults with disabilities

Campuses

• Abbotsford (main campus): 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, V2S 7M8 — the largest campus, home to the majority of UFV's faculties, research institutes, library, athletics facilities, housing and student services
• Chilliwack: a full-service campus offering a wide range of programs in the eastern Fraser Valley
• Mission: delivering programs and services for Mission-area students
• Hope: outreach and programming for the Hope community
• Chandigarh, India (UFV India): UFV's international campus, extending the university's reach to South Asia

Sustainability

UFV has achieved a Gold sustainability rating from AASHE (the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education), recognising its performance across environmental, social, and governance sustainability dimensions. Sustainability is embedded across campus operations, curriculum and community engagement, and UFV's Peace and Reconciliation Centre has earned international recognition for its work in restorative justice and reconciliation.

Open education

UFV is a leader in open education in British Columbia, committed to making learning more affordable and accessible through open textbooks, open educational resources and flexible learning models. Students who take courses using open textbooks save significantly on the cost of materials, reflecting UFV's belief that quality education should be accessible to everyone regardless of financial means.

Indigenous UFV

Indigenous affairs and reconciliation are woven through UFV's institutional identity. The Indigenous Affairs office, the Indigenous Student Centre, and dedicated programs in Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies reflect a deep commitment to supporting Indigenous students, honouring Indigenous knowledge and advancing reconciliation with the Stó:lō peoples on whose territory the university stands. UFV is actively engaged in implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action in its academic programs and institutional culture.

Research

UFV is an active research university, with faculty engaged in applied and community-focused research across all disciplines. The Centre for the Social Sciences and Humanities, the Peace and Reconciliation Centre, the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies, and multiple research chairs bring structured research activity to the Fraser Valley community. UFV's research approach emphasises community engagement and real-world impact, consistent with its Changemaker Campus identity. Alumni have gone on to achieve notable research and professional milestones, including the development of North America's first mobile, modular soil-washing facility by a UFV alumnus in 2026.

Student life and housing

UFV offers a full range of student services, housing, and co-curricular programming to support student success and wellbeing. The new EverGreen residence on the Abbotsford campus offers modern suites and social spaces. A shuttle bus service connects campuses. Cascades Athletics supports varsity and recreational sport. CIVL Radio gives students a student-run campus radio station. The Academic Advising Centre, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights Office, and a dedicated Safe Student Community programme round out UFV's student support offer.

Contact

• Main address: 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, Canada V2S 7M8
• Phone: 1-604-504-7441
• Toll-free: 1-888-504-7441
• Email: info@ufv.ca

Why UFV

1. A fully accredited Canadian public university enrolling approximately 15,000 students, offering more than 100 programs from trades certificates through to master's degrees
2. A designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, preparing graduates who lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to positive social change
3. Small class sizes with accessible, dedicated faculty across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, plus a growing international campus in Chandigarh, India
4. A Gold AASHE sustainability rating and a nationally recognised Peace and Reconciliation Centre, reflecting UFV's commitment to environmental and social responsibility
5. A leader in open education in British Columbia, making learning more affordable through open educational resources across all programs
6. Deep Indigenous roots, with dedicated Indigenous Affairs and Indigenous Student Centre offices, Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies programs, and active reconciliation commitments on Stó:lō territory
7. Located in the Fraser Valley, one of Canada's most scenic and economically dynamic regions, with easy connections to metropolitan Vancouver