Blacksmithing & Metalwork

Duration: 1 year, full-time
Attendance: 3 days per week in College, 1 day per week in industry / work experience
Location: Plumpton College

Course Overview

Blacksmithing and Metalwork is an important skill, very much in demand in a number of industries.

This one-year programme, suitable for school leavers, will give students the skills needed to be able to work within the Blacksmithing and Metalworking industries.

The programme naturally provides progression on to the Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in Metalworking for those who have demonstrated a good level of forge work skills and allows these skills will be further developed.

Qualifications Gained:

NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Creative Crafts (Heritage & Traditional Crafts)
City & Guilds Level 1 Award in TIG Welding
Level 2 Diploma in Drawing
Level 2 Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Certificate in the safe use of Abrasive Wheels (angle grinders)
GCSEs in English and maths (for those without grade 4)

Work Experience:

Study programmes include a minimum of compulsory work experience hours achieved through one day a week or block placements. The amount of hours required is dependent on the study programme.

Careers Hub

We offer impartial careers guidance to all of our students, email careers@plumpton.ac.uk to explore your next step or to book an appointment – we’re here to help.

Industry Work Placement:

All students aged 16-18 on our Level 2 & Level 3 programmes will now have to take part in an exciting and compulsory 180 hour industry placement programme alongside completion of their vocational course. The programme will give you the chance to gain valuable skills in a real working environment whilst being paired with your ideal employer.

Our mission is to pair students with their ideal employer and to support them continuously during the placement.

There is flexibility on how students complete the placement; it can be during non-college weekdays, weekends, in blocks or over the holiday period. You will receive all of the necessary information during your interview, and if you have any queries in the meantime please contact workexperience@plumpton.ac.uk

Entry Requirements

Either:

You'll need to have achieved 2 or more GCSEs grades 9-3 (previous grades A-D)
Successful completion of a related Level 1 qualification plus GCSE English and Maths

Mature students without the above requirements will be considered

What is it like to be a student on this course?

I've now completed my Level 2 course and I'm in my final year of Level 3 Extended Diploma. I particularly enjoy drawing and designing and making useful things. My favourite part about Level 3 has been experimenting at the forge with new connection techniques.

Izaac Reed - Level 3 Extended Diploma Blacksmithing and Metalwork

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.

Bursaries & financial support

Course Fees

Students aged 16-18 on 31st August in the year of starting the course do not pay tuition fees.

Students aged 19-23 studying their Level 1, 2 or first Level 3 may be entitled to tuition fee waiver depending on criteria eligibility.

Students aged 24+ who are studying a second Level 3 course or aged 24+ who are studying their first Level 3 course will have to pay tuition fees, depending on the course.

Students on low income who can prove they earn less than £25,000 (from September 2024); are unemployed; or receive state benefits could be entitled to a tuition fee waiver.

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, which contribute to quality resources and equipment for their studies.

Course fees and funding

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 depending on the course studied.

Equipment & PPE

Work Experience

Work experience enhances your studies and is an important part of your course. It ensures you leave 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.

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