Kirsty Noble, who works at Fresh Ideas Florists in Chesterfield, has won a WorldSkills UK national finals gold medal.
Students and apprentices from across the country competed for gold, silver and bronze medals last month.
Overall, around 440 finalists took part in 51 skills competitions ranging from digital construction and floristry to cyber security and health and social care.
The competitors, who are studying technical and vocational qualifications, were assessed on their knowledge, skills and employability attributes.
Kirsty said: “Winning gold feels incredible. I didn’t expect it one bit. The standard this year was unbelievably high and I had fully anticipated not placing.
“Gold feels like such a reward after the work I’ve put in since starting this career path with The Sheffield College two years ago. I felt incredibly lucky to be back competing in the competition that I felt kickstarted my career last year when I achieved a silver medal.”
The floristry competition comprised five tasks, which were timed and judged.
Kirsty, who is completing a Higher Diploma in Floristry, explained: “The final was broken down into five tasks.We were aware of three of the tasks but we didn’t know the materials we would be given until the day of competition. The final two tasks were surprise items.
“The tasks are designed to test all the technical skills of floristry such as wiring, gluing, frame making and using different mediums, such as moss, floral foam and gel, to produce commercial floral designs.
“The theme was the opening of a new boutique hotel. We created a hanging decoration design for the door of a lobby and a hand tied design to sit on a pedestal for the opening.
Kirsty’s ambition is to own her own shop and build a company that supports other florists in the first stages of their career. “I would love to create a space that helps other students that have been in my position and are just emerging into the industry,” said Kirsty.
Jo Biddle, Course Leader, Floristry, The Sheffield College, added: “This is another fantastic achievement for Kirsty given that she won a silver medal last year. We are very proud of her success.”
Jo trains the college’s floristry apprentices, as well as higher diploma and masters diploma students at The Floristry School in Sheffield. The Higher Diploma in Floristry is a university level qualification aimed at those working in the industry who want to develop their technical as well as business skills.
The college offers university level qualifications at UC Sheffield, which includes foundation and honours degrees, higher national diplomas and certificates. Subjects range from animal care, business and engineering to games design, performing arts and sport.
The college also offers higher technical qualifications in computing, construction and health at Levels 4 and 5 developed with employers.
Find out more about our upcoming open days on 24th January 2024 and 8th February 2024.
