Course overview
Take your first step into the creative industries with this practical,
entry-level programme. Through hands-on projects in floristry, metalcrafts and
photography, you’ll develop new skills, grow your confidence and explore
potential career and study pathways.
Designed as an introduction to creative vocational learning, this course
helps you discover what inspires you before progressing onto further training or
employment opportunities.
Through a series of engaging projects, you’ll gain experience across three
specialist areas:
- Floristry
- Metalwork
- Photography
You’ll experiment with a variety of materials, techniques and creative
processes while developing practical skills, confidence and employability. The
programme provides a low-pressure introduction to vocational learning, helping
you discover where your interests lie before progressing onto further study,
training or employment.
By the end of the course, you’ll achieve an NCFE Level 1 Award in Creative
Craft and have a portfolio of work showcasing your skills and creativity.
Why Choose This Course?
- Explore three exciting creative disciplines before committing to a
specialist course - Develop practical, hands-on skills in professional learning
environments - Build confidence, independence and teamwork skills
- Gain a nationally recognised qualification
- Create a portfolio of creative work
- Learn from experienced industry professionals and tutors
Discover progression opportunities into further education, apprenticeships
and creative careers
Modules
The qualification is made up of three mandatory units that guide you through the creative process, from developing ideas to producing and evaluating finished work.
Unit 1: Explore Craft Resources
In this unit, you’ll develop an understanding of the materials, tools and equipment used across different craft disciplines. You’ll experiment with a range of resources and learn how their properties influence creative outcomes.
Topics include:
- Understanding different craft materials and their characteristics
- Working safely with tools and equipment
- Exploring techniques used in floristry, metalwork and photography
- Selecting appropriate materials for creative projects
- Health and safety within craft environments
Unit 2: Explore Craft Ideas
Creativity starts with inspiration. In this unit, you’ll investigate the work of artists, designers and makers, using their ideas to inform your own creative projects.
Topics include:
- Researching creative practitioners and their work
- Generating and recording ideas
- Experimenting with different concepts and approaches
- Discussing ideas with tutors and peers
- Responding to feedback
- Selecting and justifying final creative concepts
Unit 3: Create, Present and Review Final Craft Item
This final unit allows you to bring your ideas to life through the creation of a finished craft project.
Topics include:
- Planning a creative project
- Selecting tools, materials and equipment
- Producing a final craft item
- Presenting work professionally
- Reflecting on your creative process
- Evaluating challenges and successes
- Creating an action plan for future development
The course combines practical workshops, creative projects and supportive guidance from tutors. You’ll spend time working within:
Floristry
- Create floral designs while learning colour, texture and design principles.
Metalwork
- Explore traditional and contemporary metalworking techniques using specialist tools and equipment.
Photography
- Develop creative photography skills, experiment with visual storytelling and learn basic image creation techniques.
Alongside technical skills, you’ll build transferable employability skills including communication, teamwork, planning and problem-solving.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is entirely portfolio based.
You’ll be assessed through:
- Practical craft activities and projects
- Evidence of experimentation and skills development
- Research and idea generation work
- Planning and development records
- Presentation of final outcomes
- Personal reflection and evaluation
There are no formal examinations.
Your tutor will support you throughout the programme, helping you gather evidence and successfully complete each unit.
Work experience
Industry placements enhance your studies and are an important part of your course. They ensure you develop the key skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary to be successful in your chosen industry, resulting in you leaving college ready for the world of work. It is compulsory to undertake an element of work experience when studying a Level 1, 2, or 3 course. The number of hours you must complete will depend on your level of study.
Course Level:
- Level 1 – Minimum of 30 hours of industry placement
- Level 2 – Minimum of 75 hours of industry placement
- Level 3 – Minimum of 150 hours of industry placement (per year of your course)
- T Level – Minimum of 315 hours of industry placement
Bursaries
Financial support could be available to you depending on your household income, eligibility criteria, and level of study. A bursary, which is money given directly by the Government, could help fund bus travel, accommodation, course equipment, college meals, or educational trips.
Course Fees
Students aged 16-18 on 31st August in the year of starting the course do not pay tuition fees.
Adults aged 19+ may be entitled to a tuition fee waiver on certain courses (where the Government pays the tuition and assessment fee) if any of the following apply:
You are aged between 19 and 23 and:
- This is your first Full Level 2 or Full Level 3 qualification.
- You are undertaking English and Maths up to and including Level 2.
- You are unemployed or economically inactive and your gross annual income is below £26,800.
- Your course is part of the Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (and you meet the earnings threshold)
You are aged 24+ and:
- You are studying a Level 1 or Level 2 course and are unemployed, economically inactive, or earning below £26,800 gross annually.
- You are undertaking English and Maths up to and including Level 2.
- Your course is part of the Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (and you meet the earnings threshold)
All students pay a standard facility fee of £150 to use communal, non-educational facilities.
Material fees apply to Floristry, Blacksmithing and Metalwork, Agricultural Engineering, and Motor Vehicle students.
Equipment & PPE
Students on a 14-16, Level 1, 2, 3, or Foundation Learning course may be required to purchase equipment such as a uniform, PPE, or kit before starting their course. Material fees are applicable depending on the course studied.
Start dates
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