Changing Your Career to Floristry in Your 40s: How to Find Funding
Starting a new career in your 40s is a bold and exciting move. Many people come to us at Kay's Flower School because they want to trade a desk for a design bench. They want a job that is creative, hands on, and rewarding.
If you are thinking about becoming a professional florist, you might be worried about the cost of training. The good news is that there are many ways to get help with funding, both here in Ireland and further afield.
Why Your 40s is the Perfect Time to Start
By the time you reach your 40s, you have a wealth of life experience. You have learned how to manage time, solve problems, and work with people. These skills are vital in the flower industry. Whether you want to open your own shop, work as a freelance wedding florist, or join a busy studio, your maturity is a huge asset.
Learning a new skill keeps your brain sharp and opens up a new world of opportunity. At our school, we see students of all ages thriving in our professional courses.
Funding Options in Ireland
If you live in Ireland, there are several pathways to support your training. It is worth doing your research early to see what you might be eligible for.
Skillnet Ireland
For those who are currently employed or self employed, Skillnet networks can offer funding for certain professional training courses. This is a great way to subsidise the cost of upskilling. At Kay's Flower School, we work with specific networks to help our students. It is always a good idea to call us directly so we can talk you through the current options.
Training Support Grant (TSG)
If you are a jobseeker, the Training Support Grant is designed to help you access short term training. This grant helps remove barriers to getting back into the workforce. You should speak to your local INTREO office. They can help you identify if you are eligible and guide you through the process. Once you have the necessary forms, we can help you with the rest.
Other Local Supports
There are many organisations that provide assistance based on your personal circumstances:
SICAP (Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme): This programme supports individuals in various communities by offering targeted help.
Education Finance Board: They offer information on grants and funding for course fees, along with guidance on other types of student assistance.
Local Employment Services: These offices are excellent for career planning and can advise you on what local supports are available in your area.
Funding Options for Students Outside Ireland
We train florists from all over the world. While funding systems differ by country, here are some paths our past students have explored:
Northern Ireland and the UK
In the UK and Northern Ireland, funding is often tied to your specific circumstances and local office support.
Adviser Discretion Fund (ADF): If you are in Northern Ireland and facing financial barriers to work or training, your local Jobs and Benefits office may be able to help through this fund.
Perennial: This is a dedicated charity for people in the horticultural industry. They provide support to those who work with plants, trees, and flowers.
Victims and Survivors Service: There are specific supports available for those who meet the eligibility criteria of this service.
Next Steps
Do not let the cost of training stop you from chasing your dream. The flower industry is a space where collaboration beats competition. When you choose to train with us, we do our best to guide you through the funding options that might work for you.
If you are ready to start your journey, the best first step is to research your local training agencies. When you have a clear plan, get in touch with us. We are happy to help you take that next step towards a new career.