Background and objective: This study was conducted to examine changes in perceptions, job competency improvements, program preferences, and satisfaction among middle-aged women following their participation in National Competency Standards (NCS)-based flower design programs, who faced the dual challenges of re-employment and the recovery of self-identity amid the constraints of career interruption. Methods: An online survey was administered to middle-aged women (aged 40-65) who had participated in NCS-based floristry programs offered by lifelong education and vocational training institutions in the Seoul metropolitan area between June 30 and July 27, 2025. The questionnaire comprised 30 items rated on a five-point Likert scale and covered awareness of the NCS, job performance competency, program perception, component preferences, and satisfaction. Additionally, in-depth interviews were conducted with three selected participants to provide qualitative insights that complemented the quantitative data. Results: Survey results indicated that although overall awareness of the NCS reached 52.2%, understanding of specific elements—such as learning modules (42.6%), competency units (39.8%), and the level system (37.5%)—remained relatively low. Job performance competencies were highest in material preparation (89.2%) but comparatively lower in creative design areas (70-79%). Perceptions of NCS-based floristry programs were strongly positive, with high agreement regarding job suitability for middle-aged women (94.0%), enhancement of professional competency (94.0%), increased employment opportunities (93.6%), and psychological stability (97.0%). Participants who held relevant certificates reported significantly more positive responses across all items (p < .001). Preferences for program components were also notably high, particularly for practice-oriented training (97.2%), instructor expertise (97.0%), individualized guidance (97.0%), and a comfortable learning environment (98.8%). Overall satisfaction exceeded 90%, and both recommendation intention (96.0%) and intention to re-enroll (96.0%) received highly favorable evaluations. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that NCS-based floristry programs contribute not only to the development of technical skills but also to psychological recovery and enhanced social participation among middle-aged women. Furthermore, improvements to future programs are expected to enhance participants’ understanding of the NCS framework, expand training in advanced creative competencies, reinforce industry-practice linkages and further improve the learning environment and instructor expertise. Ⓒ 2025 by the Society for People, Plants, and Environment.
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