frequently asked questions

Do you offer online classes?

Professional Floral Design cannot be taught online. Canadian Institute of Floral Design takes pride in our intensive hands-on approach to teaching, where students have one-on-one experiences. Why in-person instruction remains valuable:

  1. Hands-On Experience: In-person classes allow students to physically engage with flowers, tools, and materials. They can practice techniques, experiment with arrangements, and receive immediate feedback from instructors.

  2. Real-Time Interaction: Face-to-face classes foster real-time interaction between students and instructors. Questions can be answered instantly, and personalized guidance can address individual challenges. This dynamic exchange enhances learning and skill development.

  3. Observation and Inspiration: In-person settings provide opportunities for students to observe professional floral designers at work. They can witness design principles in action, learn about color theory, and gain inspiration from live demonstrations. This firsthand exposure is harder to replicate online.

  4. Collaboration and Networking: Classroom environments encourage collaboration among students. They can share ideas, critique each other’s work, and build a supportive community. Additionally, networking with fellow florists and industry professionals happens more naturally in person.

  5. Feedback and Critique: Constructive feedback is essential for growth. In-person classes allow instructors to assess students’ work directly, offering personalized critiques and suggesting improvements. This feedback loop accelerates skill development.

Professional floral design is indeed a specialized field that requires hands-on experience and in-person training. Online courses cannot provide the proper knowledge, techniques, and practical skills needed for a professional career. Aspiring floral designers should seek these valuable opportunities at Canadian Institute of Floral Design. It will allow students to work with fresh flowers, practice arrangements, and gain real-world experience through learning pricing and buying strategies.

WHAT IS THE COST OF TUITION?

The tuition fee at the Canadian Institute of Floral Design is $4,199, which encompasses all necessary flowers and materials. An initial deposit of $250 is required upon registration, with the residual balance of $3,949 payable on or before the first day of class, culminating in the total tuition cost of $4,199.

As an esteemed Registered College, accredited by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, we are proud to affirm that all tuition fees are fully tax-deductible. Moreover, our registered trade programs are exempt from HST.

We boast a team of six distinguished instructors, each possessing official approval.

For further details on our faculty, please visit our website. https://www.cifd.ca/our-team

In your evaluation of alternative educational establishments offering similar training, it is crucial to verify the comprehensive duration of instruction provided.

Our curriculum is meticulously designed to deliver 105 hours of intensive training, efficiently condensed into a span of three weeks.

Be vigilant of entities masquerading as educational institutions. Such imposters, often retail florists, may offer abbreviated training sessions extending over 4 to 5 weeks, with limited weekly hours. Without official registration as a school or college, they lack the authority to confer diplomas or certificates in any trade. Their reluctance to register typically stems from offering programs with less than 30 hours of instruction, which fail to meet the floral industry’s standards.

In the province of Ontario, it is a statutory requirement for Career Colleges providing vocational or career-oriented programs to secure registration in accordance with the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005.

IF I TRAVEL TO TORONTO FOR THE COURSE, IS THERE A PLACE TO STAY?

Accommodation Options for Students

The Canadian Institute of Floral Design welcomes students from around the globe to our intensive 3-week program. We understand the importance of finding a comfortable and convenient place to stay during your studies. To assist you, we have compiled a list of homestay options that are not only close to our institute but also come highly recommended by past students.

If you’re joining us from afar, please reach out via email at cifdschool@gmail.com to request our curated list of local accommodations. These options will ensure you’re settled and ready to embark on your floral design journey with us.

What is KPI and why is it important?

The Ontario government mandates Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for vocational programs provided by career colleges. These KPIs help assess program effectiveness and student outcomes. Here are the key indicators:

  1. Graduation Rate: The percentage of students who successfully graduate from a specific vocational program within the allowed time period.

  2. Graduate Employment Rate: The percentage of graduates in the labor force who find employment within a defined time frame after graduation.

  3. Graduate Employment Rate in the Field of Study: The percentage of graduates employed in a field related to their training.

  4. Graduate Satisfaction Rate: The percentage of graduates satisfied with their training experience.

  5. Employer Satisfaction Rate: The percentage of employers satisfied with the employee’s preparedness after graduation.

CIFD proudly enjoys a 100% Employer Satisfaction Rate. We are proud of our KPI status and encourage you to check out the most recent report here: https://www.cifd.ca/kpi

Will I get a job after I graduate?

If you’re interested in working with flowers, there are several rewarding careers in the floral industry, but it is imperative that you are professionally trained at Canadian Institute of Floral Design. Our diploma is widely recognized within the North American floral industry. Many of our graduates have gone on to work in the industry in a variety of capacities. Some of which are:

  1. Florist: Florists design beautiful arrangements, manage inventory, and assist customers with flower purchases.

  2. Floral Designer- Floral studio or Freelance: These creative professionals arrange individual flowers into appealing bouquets, centerpieces, and other decorative displays.

  3. Wholesaler: Responsible for creating and supplying goods related to floral products (such as vases, twine, or greeting cards), manufacturing associates collaborate closely with floral management. Also manage shipments of large quantities of flowers to various locations.

  4. Large Rental Companies: From arches, arbours, draping, vases & vessels, pedestals & podiums, tablescapes and chairs

  5. Farmer/Grower: Floral farmers grow flowers on their land and may sell them directly to customers or partner with local retailers.

  6. Garden Associate: Garden associates work in botanical gardens or plant collections, caring for plants.

  7. ….and more!

Canadian Institute of Floral Design has a current and up to date classified section on our website where we encourage our graduates to visit periodically. There are many opportunities for graduates to get a job right away. https://www.cifd.ca/news

Ontario Colleges and Universities cannot guarantee employment. It’s up to the individual to seek job interviews and verify past experience.

Remember that each role offers unique ways to engage with flowers and contribute to the beauty of special occasions and everyday life!

I am a beginner, will I be ok?

Yes! Canadian Institute of Floral Design's Professional Floral Design Program is designed for those who are starting from the very beginning! The program is designed where week 1 is all of the core, foundational information that is necessary to be a successful florist. We cover the basic design techniques and styles, introduction of flowers, plants and pricing. Care and handling of flowers, and the chain of life are explained in detail for long lasting designs. Most students (even if they have some experience) are typically at the same level by the first couple of days.

  1. Flower Handling and Care: Understanding how to handle and care for flowers is crucial. Students learn about conditioning, hydration, and proper storage techniques to maintain the freshness and longevity of blooms.

  2. Wholesale Flower Trade: CIFD covers the intricacies of the wholesale flower industry. Students gain insights into sourcing, pricing, and key contacts with suppliers.

  3. Business Fundamentals: Aspiring floral entrepreneurs benefit from CIFD’s focus on the buying process. we discuss in detail how to run a successful business.

By mastering these aspects, students are well-prepared to embark on a successful professional floral design career.