Festive student florists at South Tyneside College are going into business after creating a host of Christmas goods.
Seasonal door wreaths, garlands and table decorations are being sold from a stall inside the Westoe campus foyer in South Shields.
About 12 green-fingered students have used their skills from their full and part-time courses to bring their seasonal ideas to life.
Through the guidance of staff, they have discovered how to condition, handle and arrange flowers for public show.
They have also learned how to stock take and have developed the business acumen to sell their goods.
Lecturers say the quality of the products being sold stands up to goods on the high street – but at more reasonable prices.
Head of school for adult learning and employability, Jane Britton, said: “The students have learned well, and came up with their own ideas about what they thought would make good festive decorations for around the home.
“We’ve had plenty of people coming up to the stall and congratulating the students on their work, and then dipping into their pockets.
“Being told that their work is of a high standard is very rewarding to the students. In fact, it’s an excellent Christmas present.”
The college welcomes shoppers going to the foyer and seeing for themselves how good these decorations are – though the stall does sell out very quickly!
Orders are being taken from 11.30am until 2.30pm tomorrow.
Full-time BTEC Applied Floristry courses at Level 1 and Level 3 start next month, with the skills and qualifications acquired leading to jobs in the trade, wedding planning, events, hotels, business and even freelance work.
No experience is necessary, and financial help can be available for childcare and for students on benefits.
The courses begin at the same time as a new step into floristry course, which was the first of its type when it started during the summer.
More information on courses is available by calling 427 3900, or visiting the website www.stc.ac.uk.
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