Charisma

Member Article

TyneMet College Turning Dreams in to Reality

A number of students studying on Floristry courses at TyneMet College have now opened their own successful Floristry businesses - making their dreams come true. As well as gaining many creative floristry skills, all floristry students at TyneMet undertake a retail module as part of their course. This helps to build their understanding of how businesses work and gives them hands on experience in our retail outlet on campus.

Becca Angus, 19, studied at TyneMet College for 2 years full-time and completed her level 2 and 3 diplomas in Floristry. During her time at TyneMet she was awarded the title of ‘Floristry Student of the Year’ and also went on to win 2nd Prize at the Harrogate Flower Show in the ‘Hand Tie’ category. She left TyneMet in 2011 and despite her young age, has since gone on to open her own floristry business, ‘Charisma’ on Tynemouth Road in Howden.

Becca said: “I thoroughly enjoyed studying at TyneMet especially the Level 3 course which helped me develop my skills, bringing out my own style. Completing the courses at TyneMet and working in several florists full time and part time helped me bring the skills which I learnt in college up to speed for the industry. My tutor, Tina, still keeps in touch and is always there if I need some advice.”

Sue Robinson, 41, from Monkseaton studied at TyneMet College for 2 years part-time on the Diploma in Floristry Level 2 gaining a Distinction. Sue opened her own business ‘Busy Lizzies Flowers’ on Percy Park Road, Tynemouth in 2010 while studying at TyneMet College.

Sue said: “TyneMet College gave me the essential skills and confidence to work in the floristry business. The college provides a fantastic learning environment with excellent support from tutors.”

Tracey Waite, 46, from Blyth, studied at TyneMet College for 2 years, part-time, on the level 2 diploma in Floristry. After leaving TyneMet in 2010 Tracey went on to open up her own business, ‘Hawthorn Florists’, Hawthorn Road in Ashington.

Tracey said: “I initially enrolled on a 10 week taster course at TyneMet and thoroughly enjoyed it. I then enrolled and completed the Level 2 course which gave me the confidence and boost I needed to open my own business. I have recently moved to larger premises and the business is doing really well. I hope to go back to TyneMet next year and complete the Level 3 course.

“Amanda Makepeace, 43 from Chapel Park in Newcastle and Sheena Wigham, 54 from Felling in Gateshead both studied on the 2 year part time Diploma in Floristry. The pair, both former nurses and best friends enrolled at TyneMet with a dream of opening up their own floristry business. In 2011 they completed their Diploma and opened up ‘Hazy Daisy Florists’ on Heaton Road, Newcastle. The business has since blossomed; they have been commissioned to do flowers for a number of weddings and are establishing themselves competitively in the industry.

Amanda said: “The floristry course at TyneMet gave me the knowledge, skills and confidence to accomplish my dream. The tutors are fantastic and support you 100%.”

Sheena said: “The floristry course at TyneMet was very beneficial; it taught me the important fundamentals of floristry and helped to build my confidence and creativity. The tutors are great and they help to bring out the best in you!”

Michelle Patterson, 36, from North Shields, studied at TyneMet for 2 years part-time on the Level 2 Diploma in Floristry After leaving TyneMet College in 2011 Michelle, went on to open up her own business ‘Thanks a Bunch’ Spence Terrace, North Shields.

Michelle said:“I have always wanted to own my own floristry shop, studying at TyneMet gave me the confidence, knowledge and skills to make this happen. I really enjoyed my course and the teachers were always very supportive.

Although I have only been open since August I have been very busy. Some of the other students mentioned in this story were on the same course as me. We still meet up to share ideas and keep each other up to date on how our businesses are getting on.“

Paul Graham, Head of Service and Business Enterprises, TyneMet College, said: “Many students that enrol on Floristry courses at TyneMet decide to open up their own businesses. I am very happy that these students have turned their ideas in to reality. Their teachers reported that they were all committed and determined students and their skill and attention to detail was of the highest standard. We wish them well with their new careers.

TyneMet College’s Mission Statement is ‘Raising aspirations and changing lives’ we are delighted to have helped these students to do exactly that.“

Floristry Workshops are held regularly at TyneMet College, the cost is £25 per person which includes entry, refreshments and all materials. Places are still available for; Traditional Christmas Designs, Friday 14th December and Christmas Table Designs, Tuesday 18th December. Workshops have also been scheduled to be held in January, February, March, April, May and June. For more details or to book a place on a workshop contact Michele on 0191 229 5145, or for information on Floristry or part-time courses at TyneMet College, call and speak to a Student Advisor on 0191 229 5000, email enquiries@tynemet.ac.uk or visit www.tynemet.ac.uk/part-time

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lisa Dawson .

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