At North Hertfordshire College, we offer a wide range of courses for adult learners. Our programmes support adults to retrain in a new specialism, upskill professionally, or simply provide some fun leisure activities to support wellbeing.
One of our most popular leisure programmes for adults is our Floristry for Fun offering, taught by experienced florist Helen Allen.
We caught up with the blooming excellent Helen to find out more about her time at NHC:
What inspired you to start teaching at NHC?
“The short answer is, I was prompted by a friend who was already involved in the adult learning department of the College. I was on a break from a customer-facing job at the time, so I had already gained confidence talking to groups.
“Being in agriculture, I already had a great love of plants, so I jumped at the chance to be creative with them rather than just advising on commercial growth. Showing off the secrets of floristry is an absolute treat for me every day now!
“Then, North Hertfordshire College supported me in gaining a teaching qualification, and that was it!”
What do you do alongside your teaching role?
“I run Verdilla Flowers from my own tiny studio. We offer bespoke wedding, tribute, and event flowers. Plus, because I love teaching so much, I deliver workshops across North Hertfordshire and South Cambridge.”
What do you enjoy most about working at NHC?
“As my classes are typically scheduled in the evenings, my groups are small and everyone I meet are always friendly. I don’t see many people! But everyone I do meet are always friendly.
“I have a lovely curriculum administrator, too. Jane is always at the end of an email, ready to help me with anything.
“But mostly, I am so grateful to have the freedom to deliver floristry courses to a range of groups.”
What’s been the highlight of your time at NHC?
“Having worked here for over 15 years, I have several highlights! Most recently, I encouraged a learner to undertake a higher floral qualification, and as a result she won an award!
“A few years ago, I delivered a floristry course in the community. The whole group managed to pass their qualification, the oldest being 72 and partially sighted. I found this experience super rewarding.
“Floristry can be life changing in other ways, too. I’ve seen first-hand the benefits of completing one of my courses for leisure purposes – it can really change people’s approach to life in general.
“I love every single one of our ‘finale’ sessions. All of my learners work together on a themed floral display, which is just lovely. But the most unexpected highlight has to be being voted the ‘Most Supportive Tutor’ by my learners at our internal awards in 2012.”
What makes your courses stand out to students?
“The way in which each learner interprets briefs differently and adds a little bit of their personality to their designs, makes every class special. We learn so much from each other.
“Also, unlike some floristry courses, my learners use readily available cut flowers and foliage. This means learners can hone and repeat the designs for themselves.”
Do you have a fun fact to share?
“Nearly all of the daffodils, plus a large amount of tulips and peonies, on sale commercially in the UK will have been locally grown in our country, particularly in the Scilly Isles.”
If you’re looking to upskill, retrain, or just want to gain a new hobby, explore adult courses at North Hertfordshire College.