Fine Woodwork Diploma

City and Guilds Fine Woodwork Diploma
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.
Year 1 requires the completion of the ICA (Intermediate Construction Award) in bench joinery and a VR Woodmachining 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

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

£1,950 per term, or £5,850 per year.