City and Guilds Fine Woodwork Diploma
Places are avaliable for September 2010 intake
Please Call 0208 522 1705 for information
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Is the course for me? The Fine Woodwork Diploma is a two year, full time course designed to give students a wide range of woodworking skills that will ultimately lead to employment or self employment. It is a practically based course with a strong emphasis on making; this includes some joinery in the first year, but is heavily centered on furniture making. Students have a free reign in terms of designing their own work and are taught design and business studies as well as hand and machine skills. The course has strong links with both high end bespoke and commercial making and is the process of setting up exchange programmes with Sweden and Japan. The department has a policy of continuing to improve the course facilities and the programme. In 2008 we set up a visiting lecturer Master class, the idea being to introduce students to top makers with many years experience in their craft who will give a fresh insight into making a living from their work. We are very fortunate and privileged to call on makers like Robert Ingham, Martin Grierson, James Ryan and Andrew Varah. Year 1 requires the completion of a Level 2 Diploma in Bench Joinery and a wood machining qualification. You will develop essential drawing skills, learn how to work with hand tools and portable power tools. Working mainly with soft wood, you will make basic joints, a casement window, a half glazed door, a 1/3rd scale stair case and hand rail, a softwood cabinet, ICA test frame plus introductory furniture projects that will lead on to the second year.
Year 2 is devoted to furniture making. All projects increase in complexity enabling the student to attain high standards of workmanship. Projects include; chairs, bedside cabinets, table and a wide range of general furniture products.
Ultimately your advanced skills will lead you toward making ‘student centred’ projects incorporating your own ideas and reflecting your personal interest in furniture and furniture design. A certain amount of private study is essential to augment your practical and design skills. |
What does the course involve? You will learn in Year 1: - Health and Safety
- Basic joints
- Hand tools
- Store materials and equipment
- Erect and dismantle basic working platforms
- Work efficiently
Year 2: - Health & Safety
- Advanced joints
- Advanced machining
- Drawing and design
- Make set furniture pieces (C&G test piece)
- Use portable power tools
- Make your own designed pieces
- Produce setting out details
- Finishing and Polishing
- Mark out joinery
- Exhibit your work (New Designers, Islington)
- Produce joinery products
- Business Studies
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How will I learn? You will learn in a variety of ways: - Hands on practical working with wood and wood based products
- Classroom work; Theory, drawing and design.
- Dedicated tutorial time with your year instructor
- Visits to galleries, workshops and museums
- Private study
- Self motivation
The Fine woodwork Diploma opens up many opportunities for you to develop your woodworking skills to a very high standard. You will have good access to College facilities, dedicated tutorial time with your year tutor and will meet professional visiting tutors who can give advice about woodworking, design and business matters. |
What will I need for the course? - Motivation and enthusiasm
- A strong interest in problem solving
- A passion for wood based crafts
Steel toe boots or shoes (when in the workshops). All other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be supplied as and when required. Drawing and marking equipment will also be supplied as and when required. All hand and Portable Power Tools will be supplied, but you are encouraged to bring your own hand tools provided they meet the Health and Safety requirements and are in good working order. |
What options are open to me if I successfully complete the course? This is a nationally recognised qualification that prepares you for work in the bench joinery or furniture industry. We are constantly building links with employers throughout the country and your tutors will encourage you to seek work experience during the College holidays. |
What qualifications or experience do I need to get on the course? The Fine Woodwork Diploma is a diverse and dynamic course. It appeals to students across the age and experience spectrum. We do not ask for specific qualifications though good communication skills and basic maths are desirable. Total commitment to work and study are essential for you to achieve the required standards in all areas of the course. After we have received your application we will invite you for an informal interview and a tour of the College. We ask you to bring with you, evidence of previous work, photographs, drawings and models. |
Length and start date of the course: 2 years full time, over 6 terms. The Fine Woodwork course stars in September. |
Cost
Please contact College administration for prices |