Florist onboarding at a glance

Week one covers orientation, safety and shadowing. Days 1–30 build vocabulary and supervised practice on core procedures; days 31–60 move to independent work with competency sign-offs; days 61–90 focus on full productivity, cross-training and a credential plan.

Before day one

Confirm start date, schedule, pay and supervisor in writing
Verify required credentials: AIFD Certified Floral Designer (CFD), Floral design certificate (as applicable)
Prepare equipment and access: floral knives and shears; floral foam and frogs; vases and containers; ribbon and wire
Assign a buddy or preceptor
Enroll the new hire in Florist training so foundations are covered before or during week one

Week one: orient and protect

Workplace tour, emergency procedures and incident reporting
Use knives and shears safely
Lift buckets with proper technique
Watch for allergies and toxic plants
Drive safely on deliveries
Shadow an experienced florist through a full shift
Training modules 1–3: role foundations, a day on the job and essential vocabulary (15 terms)

Days 1–30: learn

Goal: perform core tasks safely under supervision.

Supervised practice: process fresh flowers
Supervised practice: design a hand-tied bouquet
Supervised practice: consult with a bride
Training modules 4–7: duties, step-by-step tasks, tools and safety
30-day check-in: confidence, questions and early wins

Days 31–60: contribute

Goal: handle a regular workload independently.

Process and care for fresh flowers: independently
Design bouquets and arrangements: independently
Consult with clients on events: independently
Take orders and handle sales: independently
Competency sign-offs completed (see checklist below)
Training final knowledge check and certificate of completion
60-day check-in

Days 61–90: own

Goal: full productivity and a growth plan.

Meet productivity and quality targets for the role
Begin cross-training on a secondary task
Agree on a credential goal (for example, AIFD Certified Floral Designer (CFD))
Discuss the career path: Floral Assistant → Floral Designer → Lead Designer
90-day review

Competency checklist

Skill or task	Trained	Observed	Signed off
Process Fresh Flowers
Design a Hand-Tied Bouquet
Consult with a Bride
Floral design
Flower care and processing
Color and composition
Wedding and event design

How to measure onboarding success

Time to first independent project
Revision rounds per project
On-time delivery rate
90-day retention

How Florist training maps to this plan

Introduction to the Florist Role
A Day on the Job
Essential Florist Vocabulary
Core Duties and Responsibilities
Common Tasks, Step by Step
Tools, Equipment and Technology
Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards
Skills Employers Look For
Launching Your Florist Career
Final Knowledge Check

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Florist Onboarding Plan (30-60-90 Days)