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Date Published: 07/08/2025
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Why Choose a Working In Craft Course?
Kent Adult Education's Work Skills and Careers Craft courses are more than just classes - they're stepping stones to a fulfilling and sustainable career in the creative industries. Here's what makes them stand out:
- Expert Tutors: Learn from experienced professionals who bring real-world insights and industry knowledge.
- Hands-On Learning: Courses are project-based, giving you the chance to apply your skills in practical, meaningful ways.
- Career Support: Access guidance from the National Careers Service to help you transition from learning to earning.
Let's explore the exciting range of Working In Craft courses available at Kent Adult Education.
Explore Work Skills & Careers Craft Courses
Working In Clothesmaking and Sewing
Fashion is not just about trends - it's about craftsmanship, creativity and technical skill. Kent Adult Education's Clothesmaking and Sewing courses are ideal for those looking to enter the fashion or costume industries, start a tailoring business, or simply master the art of garment construction.
Courses Include:
Working In Fashion and Costume
Explore the world of fashion design and theatrical costume. Learn how to:
- Design and sketch garments
- Understand historical and contemporary costume styles
- Work with different fabrics and embellishments
- Construct garments for stage and screen
Working In Garment Construction
This course focuses on the technical side of fashion. You'll learn:
- Sewing machine operation
- Seam finishes and garment assembly
- Fabric selection and cutting techniques
- How to follow and adapt commercial patterns
Getting to Know Your Sewing Machine
Perfect for beginners, this course demystifies the sewing machine. Topics include:
- Threading and tension control
- Stitch types and their uses
- Basic maintenance and troubleshooting
Pattern Cutting
Learn how to create your own patterns from scratch or adapt existing ones. You'll cover:
- Body measurements and block drafting
- Dart manipulation and garment shaping
- Pattern grading and fitting adjustments
These courses are ideal for aspiring fashion designers, costume makers, tailors and home sewers looking to turn their hobby into a business.
Browse Clothesmaking & Sewing courses
Working In Ceramics
Ceramics is both an art and a science. From functional pottery to sculptural pieces, this course area allows you to explore the tactile and expressive possibilities of clay.
Courses Include:
- Slab Building: Learn how to construct forms using flat sheets of clay
- Throwing Skills: Master the potter's wheel to create bowls, mugs and vases
- Coiling and Pinching: Explore hand-building techniques for organic and decorative forms
You'll also learn about glazing, firing and surface decoration. These courses are ideal for aspiring ceramicists, studio potters and anyone interested in working with their hands.
Explore Pottery courses
Working In Jewellery
Jewellery making is a timeless craft with modern appeal and Kent Adult Education's courses offer a hands-on introduction to this intricate art form.
Courses Include:
- Cutting and Piercing: Learn how to shape metal using saws and files
- Soldering and Stone Setting: Master the techniques needed to create professional-quality pieces
- Design and Finishing: Explore how to design collections and apply surface finishes
These courses are perfect for those looking to start a jewellery business, sell on online platforms or pursue further study in metal arts.
Browse Silversmithing & Jewellery courses
Working In Cake
Cake decorating is both a culinary and visual art. Whether you want to become a professional cake designer or simply impress at family events, these courses offer the skills you need.
Courses Include:
- Wired Sugar Flowers: Learn how to create lifelike floral decorations using sugar paste
- Fondant and Royal Icing Techniques: Explore piping, covering and sculpting methods
- Themed Cake Design: Create cakes for weddings, birthdays and special occasions
These courses are ideal for aspiring bakers, event planners and anyone with a sweet tooth and creative flair.
Browse Sugarcraft and Cake Decorating courses
Working In Carpentry
Carpentry is a valuable skills with applications in construction, furniture making and home improvement. Kent Adult Education's Carpentry courses focus on both traditional and modern techniques.
What You'll Learn:
- Tool safety and usage
- Measuring and cutting wood
- Joinery techniques (dovetail, mortise and tenon)
- Finishing and assembly
Whether you're looking to enter the trades or start a bespoke furniture business, this course provides a strong foundation.
Browse Woodwork courses
Working In Weaving
Weaving is a meditative and rewarding craft that connects you to centuries of textile tradition. This course introduces you to:
- Loom setup and operation
- Yarn selection and colour theory
- Pattern design and texture creation
- Finishing techniques for wearable textiles
Ideal for textile artists, fashion designers and anyone interested in sustainable, slow fashion.
Browse Weaving courses
Working In Bookbinding
Bookbinding is a rare and valuable skill, especially in the world of conservation and fine arts. This course teaches:
- Book structure and anatomy
- Rebacking and spine repair
- Leather and cloth binding
- Decorative techniques (marbling, embossing)
Benefits of Joining a Working In Craft Course
Recognised Qualifications: Many courses offer Level 1 or 2 awards, including City & Guilds certifications, which are respected by employers and educational institutions.
Expert Instruction: Learn from tutors who are active professionals in their fields, bringing real-world experience to the classroom.
Practical Skills: Courses are hands-on, with projects that mirror real-world tasks and challenges.
Career Support: Access to the National Careers Service helps you explore job roles, write CVs and prepare for interviews.
Creative Community: Join a network of like-minded learners, collaborate on projects and gain inspiration from your peers.
Career Pathways and Progression
Completing a Working in Craft course can lead to a wide range of career opportunities, including:
- Fashion Designer or Tailor
- Interior Designer or Home Stager
- Ceramic Artist or Studio Potter
- Jewellery Designer or Silversmith
- Cake Decorator or Bakery Owner
- Carpenter or Furniture Maker
- Textile Artist or Weaver
- Book Conservator or Artisan Binder
Further Study Options:
- Level 3 Diplomas in Art, Design or Craft
- Foundation Degrees or BA (Hons) in Creative Arts
- Apprenticeships in Fashion, Carpentry or Jewellery
- Business courses for creative entrepreneurs