Warwickshire student wins bronze in her first ever national floristry final - after 20 years working as a teacher

A Tamworth florist has won a bronze medal in her first ever national final after being called up from the reserve list.

Emma Rochford, 44, from Tamworth, who is studying a Level 3 Diploma in Floristry at Moreton Morrell College, part of WCG, finished third in the floristry section of the World Skills UK National Finals.

World Skills is an annual competition which recognises excellence in apprentice and technical education with over 400 students competing across 43 categories.

Emma competed against eight florists from across the UK and the finals followed three selection heats held across the country, including one at Moreton Morrell College where Emma and fellow student Katie Weekes competed to gain points for qualification.

Emma’s points accumulation meant she was first reserve for the competition, and after a competitor pulled out through illness Emma was called up to compete.  

With support from her friends, family and the college’s floristry department, Emma had only a week to arrange cover in her floristry shop and prepare for the two days of competition at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester.

During the competition, the florists completed five tasks on the theme of a boutique hotel opening including a wall hanging, a wearable wired piece and a free-standing structure. 

Following two intense days of competition, Emma was awarded a bronze medal in the evening’s award ceremony.

Emma’s success at World Skills was in her first competition and follows a career shift after 20 years working as a primary school teacher in Tamworth.

Emma was inspired to retrain in floristry after enrolling on a part-time Level 2 course in September 2021 at Moreton Morrell College alongside her teaching job.

Emma loved the course and started her Level 3 course in September 2022.

Whilst at the college, Emma also started working as a studio florist and now runs her own flower shop Floriana Floristry in Tamworth. 

Emma said: “It was a complete surprise when I heard my name called, but I am over the moon to have won the bronze medal against such strong competition.

“World Skills is the first time I have ever competed and I am very grateful to the department at Moreton Morrell College for all the support and training I have received both in the run up to the competition and throughout my studies. 

“I learnt so much from the other florists at World Skills and I am looking forward to completing my diploma and continuing to grow within the floristry industry.”   

Jane Benefield, Head of Floristry at Moreton Morrell College said: “We are delighted to hear about Emma’s success at World Skills, especially balancing her reduced timeline to prepare for the competition and keeping her business open at short notice. 

“Emma has been an excellent student throughout her time at Moreton Morrell College and it is wonderful to see her hard work recognised on a national stage.”