The Guild of Master Craftsmen

Learning, Training & Information

The Guild of Master Craftsmen continually seeks to promote and support quality UK business, and to encourage more people to enter the skilled trades and crafts.

Very often, the most difficult part of thinking about learning a new skill or trade is finding out where to go to get all the information needed to get you started.

We hope that this website will make it easy for you to find helpful information about learning, training & apprenticeships. It will give you details about some colleges and societies across the UK who offer training courses in traditional or specialist trades and crafts, and it will provide you with the names of some helpful organisations within the industry that you might like to contact.

Click on each of the categories to find out more!

• Learning & Training Information
• Specialist Colleges & Societies
• Helpful Organisations

  Learning & Training Information                         Back to top
AIMHIGHER

Provides details of all Universities & Colleges throughout the UK, and gives direct access to their most up to date prospectus.		 To find out details of places of study near you Click Here.
BBC LEARNING

The BBC has an online information page for Learners, giving lots of helpful links on all aspects of learning and skill improvement.		 Look at their site Click Here.
CITY & GUILDS

City & Guilds is the leading vocational awarding body in the UK, awarding almost 50% of all National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ’s). They are a global organisation that provide unique internationally recognised qualifications, and work closely with industry, government & training organisations to identify the skills needed to support the UK economy.		 To help you find the right qualifications for your chosen trade or craft & your nearest college call 0207 294 2800 Click Here.
CONNEXIONS DIRECT

Offers help with career and training advice for young people.		 Visit their website Click Here.
CREATIVE & CULTURAL SKILLS

Creative & Cultural Skills is the Sector Skills Council for Advertising, Crafts, Cultural Heritage, Design, Music, Performing, Literary and Visual Arts. An industry-led organisation promising to have real influence over the supply of education and skills across the UK.		 To find out more information call 0207 089 5866 Click Here.
HNC / HND

A Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Diploma (HND) are higher education qualifications recognised throughout the UK, and are BTEC qualifications awarded by EdExcel.		 To find out more about HNC & HND Click Here.
LEARNDIRECT (Computeach)

Free and impartial information and advice on over 500,000 courses nationwide, designed to help the individual, businesses and employees in computer, office skills & self-development, all tailored so that you can learn at a time, place & pace to suit your needs.		 For more information phone 0800 100 900 Click Here.
LEARNING & SKILLS COUNCIL

For information on the latest Apprenticeship schemes for both employees and employers.		 For help and an information pack call 0800 0150 400 Click Here.
NQ ONLINE

NQ Online has information and resources on courses and qualifications for secondary schools and further education colleges in Scotland.		 For more information call 08700 100 297 or visit their website Click Here.
OPEN UNIVERSITY,THE

Learn something new or update your skills with The Open University. Part-time courses tailored to fit in with your other commitments, with 13 Regional Centres and 350 study centres across the UK and Ireland.		 To speak to an Adviser call 0870 900 0305 Click Here.
UCAS.COM

Access courses for the over 21’s – University studies without the need for A-Levels.		 To find out more information call 0870 112 2211 Click Here.
WORKTRAIN

Worktrain is part of the Department for Work and Pensions, and provides information on jobs, training, learning and careers. There is also a job search facility with Jobcentre Plus, help in finding voluntary work and information on finding local childcare.		 Visit their website Click Here.
William Morris Craft Fellowships 2008

Founded in 1987, the Fellowships are an advanced training programme in building conservation for young qualified craftsmen and women. The training is divided into three two-month blocks enabling fellows to return to their employment in between each block. Up to four Fellowships are awarded each year by The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, and the deadline for entries is January 1st 2008. 		For further details call 0207 377 1644 Click Here.
Train to Gain

Being rolled out across the country by the Learning & Skills Council, Train to Gain is a new service to help businesses improve their performance and ensure that their staff have the right skills they need. Visit their website for more information.		  Click Here.
  Specialist Colleges & Societies                            Back to top
CAMELIA BOTNAR FOUNDATION, THE

A charitable foundation set up to help and educate children and young people under 21 years who have special needs, so as to develop their physical and mental capabilities for a better life and as members of society.		 To find out more information Click Here.
CANNOCK CHASE TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Offers a new specialist Construction School to train students from 16 years upwards in all building and construction skills.		 For more information & to obtain a current prospectus Click Here.
CAPEL MANOR COLEGE

Specialise in horse studies and animal care.		 To find out more information Click Here.
CHICHESTER COLLEGE

Offers a broad spectrum of BTEC, GNVQ, NVQ and assorted Trade skill courses.		 For more information & to obtain a current prospectus Click Here.
FERRERS CENTRE FOR ARTS & CRAFTS – FERRERS GALLERY LTD

Based in Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, Ferrers Gallery owner Rachael Chambers is running day courses on marketing techniques for visual artists and crafts people looking to turn their passion into a business.		 To find out more information email ferrersgallery@hotmail.co.uk. Click Here.
GUILDFORD COLLEGE (Merrist Wood Campus)

Offers courses in Animal Care, Arboriculture, Countryside Management, Equine Studies, Floristry, Garden Design, Golf Studies, Sports Turf, Horticulture and Landscaping.		 To find out more information Click Here.
LONDON COLLEGE OF FASHION

Courses ranging from fashion design and technology, management and marketing to communication, promotion and image creation.		 For more information & to obtain a current prospectus Click Here.
NATIONAL HERITAGE TRAINING GROUP, THE (NHTG)

The NHTG provides help and assistance with all aspects of recruiting, training and qualifying the UK’s construction workforce in traditional building skills.		 Call them on 01159 217 562 or visit their website Click Here.
SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF ANCIENT BUILDINGS, THE (SPAB)

Offer specialist vocational courses for professionals & homeowners.		 To find out more information and details of courses Click Here.
SOUTHAMPTON CITY COLLEGE

Offers a broad spectrum of BTEC, GNVQ, NVQ and assorted Trade skill courses.		 To find out more information Click Here.
WEALD AND DOWNLAND OPEN AIR MUSEUM

Offer courses throughout the year in Traditional Crafts and Skills.		 To find out more information and details of courses Click Here.
WEST DEAN COLLEGE

Specialist courses in visual arts, applied arts, crafts, photography, music, gardening and garden design.		 For more information & to obtain a current prospectus Click Here.
WILMINGTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOR BOYS

Specialist Engineering College for boys aged 11-18 years.		 For more information & to obtain a current prospectus Click Here.
Y FAENOL CONSERVATION CENTRE

Based in Bangor, North Wales, and running a variety of courses relating to conservation and restoration of buildings.		 To find out more information and details of courses email info@Vaynol.co.uk. Click Here.
Boat Building Academy

Based in Lyme Regis, Dorset the academy offers various courses in traditional boat building, leading to a level three City & Guilds qualification.		 For more information, please contact the academy on 01297 445 545 or visit their website  Click Here.
Falmouth Marine School

Specially designed courses resembling a real working environment, students are expected to build their own Cornish lugger and launch it within the first year!		 Contact Falmouth Marine School, Cornwall on 01326 310 310 for more information Click Here.
Pembrokeshire College, Haverfordwest

2 year, full-time courses in boat building leading to City & Guilds levels one, two & three		 Contact Pembrokeshire College on 0800 716 236 or look at their website  Click Here.
International Boat Building Training College

Based in Lowestoft, Suffolk the college offers a full-time one year practical boat building course.		 For more information contact the college on 01502 569 663 or visit their website  Click Here.
SHE Management (UK) Ltd

Based in Maidstone, Kent this Health, Safety & Environmental management company run NEBOSH courses in Occupational H & S and Fire Safety, and CITB Site Safety courses. Courses run every second month throughout the year next dates 6-10 November 2006.		 For more information about SHE's full range of courses and available dates call 01622 618 613 or visit their website Click Here.
PORTSMOUTH HIGHBURY COLLEGE

Full and part time courses in a range of subjects for school leavers, apprentices, adults and businesses.		 Call them on 023 9231 3373 or visit their website Click Here.
Manchester Academy

An 11-18 High School in the centre of Manchester, specialising in Business and Enterprise studies. For further details, visit their website		  Click Here.
  Helpful Organisations                                          Back to top
BUSINESS LINK

Practical advice for existing businesses, and those just starting up. Helpful information on finance and grants, employing staff, taxation and much more.		 Call 0845 600 9006 or visit their website Click Here.
Chartered Institute of Building, The (CIOB)

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is the leading professional body for managers in construction in the UK and internationally. The CIOB lead the way in establishing, promoting and maintaining standards of excellence in the construction industry for the benefit of customers, clients, and contractors.		 Contact them on 01344 630 700 or visit their website Click Here.
Construction Skills, (CITB)

The CITB provides assistance in all aspects of recruiting, training and qualifying the construction workforce, and work in partnership with both industry and government to improve the competitiveness of the industry as a whole.		 To find out more information visit their website Click Here.
CORGI

The Council for Registered Gas Installers – CORGI is the National Watchdog for Gas Safety in the UK, regulating installers and leading standards in safety in the gas industry.		 Contact them on 0870 401 2200 or visit their website Click Here.
ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD (ECITB)

Has a wide range of information available about careers and training in the UK engineering construction industry.		 Visit their site for more details and information on forthcoming courses and events Click Here.
ENGLISH HERITAGE

English Heritage is keen to promote a greater understanding of the historic environment, and have produced a range of online and offline resources to help you learn more. There is also a Job page available if you are already skilled and interested in working for English Heritage.		 Call them on 0870 333 1181 or visit their website Click Here.
GLASS QUALIFICATION AUTHORITY (GQA)

Information on training and qualifications for the Glass and Glazing Industry in the UK.		 Call the GQA on 0114 272 0033 or visit their website Click Here.
INSTITUTE OF PLUMBING & HEATING, THE (IPHE)

A registered educational charity whose prime objective is to improve the practise and principles of plumbing and heating engineering in the public interest.		 To find out more information visit their website Click Here.
INSTITUTION OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS (IEE)

A charitable organisation supporting professional development and registration for those already in the trade. Services for professionals, recent graduates and students – including a database of vacancies as well as advice, information and support.		 To find out more information visit their website Click Here.
NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, THE

The National Trust for Scotland is the conservation charity that protects and promotes Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage, and is one of the largest conservation charities in Scotland. Their Education Department helps learners of all ages to access the Trust and its resources.		 Contact them on 0131 243 9312 or visit their website Click Here.
NATIONAL TRUST, THE

Has a dedicated Conservation, Heritage & Learning page for those looking for information on conservation and traditional skills. There is also a Job Search facility available if you would like to work for The National Trust.		 Call them on 0870 458 4000 for more information or visit their website Click Here.
UK NARIC

The National Agency for the Department for Education and Skills (DFES) and the official information provider on the comparability of international qualifications from over 180 countries worldwide.		 Call them on 0870 990 4088 or visit their website Click Here.
WOMEN & MANUAL TRADES

The National Organisation for tradeswomen and women training in the trades. Practical help and information for women wishing to enter the trades, and those already working as skilled tradeswomen.		 For more information Call 0207 251 9192 or Click Here.
START TALKING IDEAS

This government-backed initiative has been set up to help young people and organisations share similar ideas and interests; to promote creativity, help communities and create a climate that is good for business & the economy.		  Click Here.
LONDON METROPOLITAN ARCHIVES

The LMA holds archives relating to all aspects of London life and records for the City of London Corporation. Collections cover almost a thousand years of history from 1067 to the present day. 		Contact the LMA on 0207 7332 3820 or visit the City of London website on  Click Here.

Disclaimer
The information shown on this page is for reference purposes only, and the Guild does not accept responsibility for the availability and content of courses, training provided, or the information available on the websites shown.

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