1. education

Purpose Statement
Awarding Organisation: Open Awards
Qualification Number: 6004990X
Qualification Title: Open Awards Level 1 Award in Employment for the Creative and
Cultural Industries (QCF)
Date: 6 May 2015
Overview
The Open Awards Level 1 Award in Employment for the Creative and Cultural Industries
(QCF) is a vocational qualification which offers you a realistic introduction to a wide range of
creative disciplines linked with essential technical and business knowledge and
understanding. The qualification requires you to achieve units which are 100% vocational and
specifically related to Creative and Cultural Industries. You will combine both hands-on
experiences with theoretical knowledge and as a result develop your creative abilities and
confidence to progress to the next level of vocational learning and employment within the
industry. Examples of qualifications and employment that you may progress to are listed at
the end of this document.
The qualification is part of a suite of two qualifications at Level 1 which offer you choice
dependent upon your need:
The Open Awards Level 1 Award in Employment for the Creative and Cultural
Industries (QCF):
•
•
This qualification is smaller than the Open Awards Level 1 Certificate in
Employment for the Creative and Cultural Industries (QCF) and therefore does
not provide you with as many learning opportunities.
Progression opportunities would also be less whether they be to the next level
of vocational learning or into employment. It is likely that having achieved this
qualification you would be able to progress to a Level 2 Award. Progression to
employment is likely to be initially as a trainee on work placement.
The Open Awards Level 1 Certificate in Employment for the Creative and Cultural Industries
(QCF)
•
This qualification is larger than the Open Awards Level 1 Award in Employment for
the Creative and Cultural Industries (QCF) and therefore you would have more
learning opportunities.
•
Progression opportunities would also be increased whether to the next level of
vocational learning or into employment. It is likely that having achieved this
qualification you would be able to progress to a Level 2 Certificate. Progression to
employment is likely to be one in which you take the role of assistant rather than
taking full responsibility for the job.
The Open Awards Level 1 Award in Employment for the Creative and Cultural Industries
(QCF) is aimed at all learners who would like to pursue a career in the creative and cultural
industries. You may already be in employment or seeking employment but would find it
beneficial to develop creative and cultural skills to support you to progress in further
vocational learning in order to achieve your career goals. There are no age restrictions on
learner entry for this qualification and you do not need to demonstrate that you have
achieved other qualifications or have specific experiences. However, you may be required to
demonstrate that you have an interest in the creative and cultural arts.
The size of the qualification is defined by credits, to achieve the qualification you will be
required to achieve 6 credits and to commit to approximately 60 hours of learning. The size
offers you the flexibility to study to suit your personal circumstances, for example you may
wish to study over an intense or alternatively a prolonged length of time.
The qualification offers you the flexibility to choose one pathway from a choice of five, each
offering a focus upon a specific discipline. Within each pathway there is one mandatory unit
of 3 credits which you must achieve and a choice of optional units. All units are vocational
units.
The five pathways
are: Art and Design
To achieve the mandatory unit you will for example be required to:
•
Show that you understand basic visual language and demonstrate the use of
appropriate techniques using tools and equipment safely.
To achieve the optional units you will for example be required to demonstrate tasks such as:
•
•
Prepare a canvas for painting and use appropriate equipment and techniques to
produce a two dimensional form.
Translate a simple design into an accurate stained glass pattern and, using relevant
tools and techniques, produce a finished glass panel.
Craft
To achieve the mandatory unit you will for example be required to:
•
Show that you know how to develop ideas for a creative activity and produce a plan
for the activity. Follow the plan to execute the activity safely and comment on your
final work.
To achieve the optional units you will for example be required to demonstrate tasks such as:
•
•
Produce a basic surface pattern design which shows that you understand and can
use colour, texture, pattern, line and tone.
Produce basic drawings and models in clay following health and safety procedures
and using safe studio practice.
Music
To achieve the mandatory unit you will for example be required to:
•
•
Show that you can identify several pieces of music and the name and nationality of
the composer(s).
Listen to several pieces of popular music numbers, identifying the main
characteristics of each piece.
To achieve the optional units you will for example be required to demonstrate tasks such as:
•
•
Demonstrate music making skills by both singing a song and playing an instrument.
Develop a portfolio of original lyric ideas and identify and give reasons for the
potential usage of the ideas.
Photography
To achieve the mandatory unit you will for example be required to:
•
Demonstrate the use of a tripod at various heights ensuring that it is balanced and
that safe working practices are in place.
To achieve the optional units you will for example be required to demonstrate tasks such as:
•
•
Demonstrate basic photography skills by using suitable photography tools and
equipment in a safe working environment.
Develop a photographic portfolio based upon a chosen theme which considers both
visual language and technical processes. Present and evaluate the portfolio.
Performing Arts
To achieve the mandatory unit you will for example be required to:
•
Make creative contributions to the development of a group performance piece which
addresses a given brief.
To achieve the optional units you will for example be required to demonstrate tasks such as:
•
•
With help and guidance develop and perform in a dance piece using physical
expression and style.
Perform in a musical theatre production and identify own involvement within the
overall production and the strengths and weaknesses of own contribution.
What could this qualification lead to?
On achievement of the Open Awards Level 1 Award in Employment for the Creative and
Cultural Industries (QCF) you will be competent to apply the skills you have acquired to
progress to: further vocational learning at level 2 including Apprenticeships; employment
within the industry; further vocational learning opportunities within employment.
Below are examples of qualifications in specialist areas which you could progress to and a
brief overview of the content of each qualification:
Level 2 Award in Art and Design (QCF)
•
You will gain an understanding of the key elements of employment within the art and
design industry and how to build an art and design portfolio to evidence your skills
and knowledge.
Level 2 Award in Creative Craft (QCF)
•
You will gain an understanding of how to investigate the nature of enterprise skills
and explore their importance to gaining employment through creating, presenting and
evaluating craft items.
Level 2 Award in Photography (QCF)
•
You will gain an understanding of either film or digital photography and the
importance of imaging and lighting.
Level 2 Award In Skills for Performing Arts
•
You will gain an understanding of what it is like to work in Performing Arts with a
focus upon one chosen area combined with transferable skills related to the
workplace. The choice of area includes: Dance; Music; Sound Production; DJing;
Musical Theatre.
Below are examples of Intermediate Apprenticeships which you could progress to and a brief
overview of the content of each Apprenticeship:
Community arts apprenticeships:
•




You will help:
to organise and publicise events and exhibitions
with financial record keeping, customer care
with touring and resident artists/ groups/ bands/orchestras
with the management of the building and general office work including using a range
of IT software
Design apprenticeships:
•
The nature of your apprenticeship will depend on your employer but you could work
in one of 4 major areas:
 graphic and multimedia design in the media industry
 interior design as well as construction-related industries including kitchen and
bathroom design
 fashion and textile design in the clothing and fabric manufacturing industries
 product design in the manufacturing industries, from packaging to furniture design
Music business apprenticeships:
•
As an intermediate level apprentice you will train as a marketing or promotions
assistant, or assistant publicist, you will support promotional activities and marketing
campaigns in the music industry, using social media and social networks.
Technical theatre apprenticeships:
•
Intermediate level technical theatre support apprentices will train as a lighting
technician assistant. You will be responsible for liaising with the lighting director, the
designer, the floor manager, the producer and sound technician to agree lighting
design. You will co-ordinate and handle equipment, assemble lighting equipment for
special effects, programme consoles and operate a follow spotlight.
Examples of other Intermediate Apprenticeships within the sector of Creative and Cultural
Skills include: Creative and Digital Media; Cultural and Heritage Venue Operations; Live
Events and Promotions; Photo Imaging; Set Crafts; Sound Recording, Engineering and
Studio Facilities.
Examples of jobs within specific sectors that you may progress to:
Trainee exhibition designer
•
You would continue your training by working alongside an exhibition designer who
turns ideas into engaging displays that tie in with an overall theme or to promote
products in their best light. This involves using a combination of graphics, props,
multimedia, lighting and sound to make the most of the exhibition space
Trainee fashion designer:
•
You would continue your training working alongside a designer who creates new
materials, styles, colours and patterns for fashion brands and labels.
Trainee photographer:
•
You would continue your training by working alongside a photographer in the
preparation of photo shoots of people, places, products and events.
Trainee prop maker:
•
You would continue your training by working alongside a prop maker who creates
realistic-looking objects for use in theatre, film and television.
References for who supports the qualification:
The Open Awards Level 1 Award in Employment Skills for the Creative and Cultural
Industries (QCF) is a well-supported qualification attracting learner registrations from
Approved Premises, HMP’s and Private Training Providers, including Blackburne House
Education, North Yorkshire County Council and The Manchester College.