Charlotte Follett

Floristry

• Region Geelong
• WorldSkills Accolade 2025 National Gold Medal
• Employer Jacinta's Flower Studio
• Training Institute The Gordon TAFE
• Local Trainer / Mentor Dayne Robinson
• International Expert David Berger - TAFE NSW

“I’ve loved flowers for as long as I can remember, so when the chance to do my apprenticeship in Floristry came up I took it.”

Apprentice Florist, Charlotte Follett has always been a visual learner, so it made perfect sense for her to go into a trade. “I did work experience with a local flower grower and loved it. I found the most enjoyment in arranging and creating flower designs.”

This love inspired her to compete at the world-renowned Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, where she placed second in the advanced student competition, but that wasn’t the only competition where her florist skills led to success.

After participating in the WorldSkills Regionals (and learning her boss, Jacinta, was a former competitor too), she then went onto the 2025 National Championships where she earned the coveted Gold Medal. Charlotte says she found it very challenging and battled a lack of self-confidence competing in front thousands of spectators, as well as meeting so many new people.

“It pushed me outside of my comfort zone, but the experience taught me that I really do have confidence. It’s also taught me to push boundaries and explore new and old techniques.”

When it comes to support, Charlotte’s cup is overflowing. “I had the best cheer squad. My parents, younger brother, boss, mentors, family and friends, and most of all, my partner Caleb. The endless texts, calls, late night Facetime calls and video tutorials on how to do new things – I wouldn’t have been able to stay focused and level headed without their words of encouragement.”

Charlotte’s WorldSkills experience has also made her something of a local celebrity. “There are so many things I’ve been able to do since winning, like being interviewed for newspapers and on the radio. We’ve even had strangers call into the florist shop to congratulate me!”

Charlotte is keen to continue her relationship with WorldSkills beyond competing, mostly by encouraging others to get involved so they can experience the opportunities she has. Further ahead, she says professionally, she’d love to work on bigger scale events, such as weddings.

Three words that describe you – Kind, Creative, Organised

Floristry Team

Expert: David Berger – TAFE NSW