Art and Design Skills - Level 2 Traineeship

Essentials

Duration: 1 Year Full-time
Start date: 2nd September 2024
End date: 6th June 2025

Course fee: FREE (Eligibility criteria may apply)

The NI Traineeship provides a high-quality vocational education and training programme those who aspire to work within a specific sector.

Full details of the programme is available in our Traineeship page.

Course Content

This Art and Design course is for people seeking to learn the core skills required within the art & design industry.

During the year, you will learn the following;

• Painting & Drawing skills
• Graphic Design principals and practices, both analogue and digital
• 2D and 3D Design techniques
• Colour theory and practice
• Photography and associated software skills
• Working to creative design briefs

The course will also focus on practical working methods, such as effective research and decision-making techniques, to create an awareness of modern, professional creative industry production processes, from initial brief and concept right through to final product design and manufacture. Emphasis is on practical, hands-on skills development and less theory, making learning fun and delivered in workshops, projects, individual and group work as well as welcoming guest speakers/artists, visits and collaborative projects with other classes at the campus.

Along with the Pearson BTEC Art & Design Skills, you will study units from the OCN Vocational Skills qualification to supplement your Level 2.

You will also study Essential Skills Literacy and Numeracy, should you not already hold GCSE Maths and English, at point of entry.

The course will also help learners to develop presentation & communication skills essential within the contemporary art and design world & creative industries in general. Learn relevant design skills from our talented and experienced lecturing team.

Course Update

Please note that due to ongoing major campus construction projects courses at Ballymena may be relocated to alternative suitable locations as required.

You must:

• Have a minimum of a Level 1 qualification defined as 4 GCSEs at grades D-G including Maths and English grades D-F or equivalent. However, most areas will require higher grades in Maths and English.  See our Traineeship page for specific grades for each vocational area.
• Attend an information session.  

On completion of the Traineeship, you can progress to a Level 3 further education course or a Level 2 or 3 Apprenticeship (possibly with your work placement employer).  This can lead you to Higher Education options.