Printmaking — Open College Network Yorkshire and Humber Region trading as Certa QCF Employability & Work Skills Revision

    This element introduces learners to the foundational materials, techniques, and safe working practices of printmaking within a creative industries context.

    Topic Synopsis

    This element introduces learners to the foundational materials, techniques, and safe working practices of printmaking within a creative industries context. It develops practical skills in applying basic printmaking processes to produce simple prints, fostering both technical ability and awareness of industry-relevant health and safety standards. Mastery of these essentials supports progression into entry-level roles or further study in art, design, and media sectors.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Printmaking

    OPEN COLLEGE NETWORK YORKSHIRE AND HUMBER REGION TRADING AS CERTA
    vocational

    This element introduces learners to the foundational materials, techniques, and safe working practices of printmaking within a creative industries context. It develops practical skills in applying basic printmaking processes to produce simple prints, fostering both technical ability and awareness of industry-relevant health and safety standards. Mastery of these essentials supports progression into entry-level roles or further study in art, design, and media sectors.

    4
    Learning Outcomes
    3
    Assessment Guidance
    4
    Key Skills
    4
    Key Terms
    4
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    SEG Awards Certa Level 1 Award in Work Preparation for the Creative Industries

    Topic Overview

    The SEG Awards Certa Level 1 Award in Work Preparation for the Creative Industries is a vocational qualification designed to introduce you to the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to succeed in creative sector employment. This award covers essential topics such as understanding the creative industries, developing personal effectiveness, and preparing for job applications and interviews. It is ideal if you are considering a career in areas like art, design, media, performing arts, or music, and want to build a strong foundation for further study or entry-level roles.

    This qualification matters because the creative industries are a major part of the UK economy, employing over 2 million people. Employers look for candidates who not only have creative talent but also demonstrate reliability, teamwork, communication skills, and a professional attitude. By completing this award, you will learn how to identify your own strengths, set career goals, and present yourself effectively to employers. It also helps you understand the structure of the creative industries, including different job roles, career pathways, and the importance of networking and self-promotion.

    The award fits into the wider subject of Employability & Work Skills by focusing specifically on the creative sector. It builds on general employability skills such as time management and problem-solving, but tailors them to creative contexts. For example, you will learn how to build a portfolio, use social media for professional purposes, and prepare for creative industry interviews where you might be asked to present your work. This qualification is a stepping stone to higher-level qualifications like the Level 2 Certificate in Work Preparation for the Creative Industries or apprenticeships in creative roles.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Understanding the creative industries: knowing the different sectors (e.g., advertising, film, music, performing arts), key job roles, and how they interconnect.
    • →Personal effectiveness: developing self-awareness of your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, and setting SMART goals for career development.
    • →Job application skills: writing CVs and cover letters tailored to creative roles, and preparing a portfolio of work to showcase your skills.
    • →Interview techniques: understanding different types of interviews (e.g., panel, portfolio-based, practical), and practicing common questions and presentation skills.
    • →Professional conduct: demonstrating punctuality, teamwork, communication, and a positive attitude in work placements or simulated work environments.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Identify common printmaking materials and their purposes.
    • Describe the step-by-step procedures for basic printmaking techniques.
    • Demonstrate competent use of at least two printmaking processes to produce finished prints.
    • Apply safe handling and maintenance procedures for printmaking equipment.

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for correctly naming and describing the function of key materials such as inks, rollers, plates, and papers.
    • Credit should be given for clear, sequential explanation of a technique like monoprinting or block printing, including inking and registration.
    • Assessors should look for evidence of consistent pressure, clean transfers, and attention to design in the final prints.
    • Marks are allocated for demonstrating correct use of guards, personal protective equipment, and clean-up routines.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Prepare a portfolio of annotated samples showing material tests and technique trials to evidence progression.
    • 💡When demonstrating safe practice, verbalise each step during assessment to confirm understanding of hazards and controls.
    • 💡Pay close attention to health and safety checklists—these are often key gateway criteria for a pass.
    • 💡When answering questions about the creative industries, use specific examples of job roles or companies to show your understanding. For instance, mention roles like graphic designer, sound technician, or stage manager.
    • 💡For personal development plans, ensure your goals are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). Avoid vague statements like 'I want to be better at drawing' – instead say 'I will complete one digital illustration per week for two months to improve my Adobe Illustrator skills.'
    • 💡In interview preparation tasks, practice answering questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This helps you give clear, concise examples of your skills.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Confusing materials, for example assuming relief ink works for intaglio or using wrong paper type.
    • Applying uneven pressure with the baren or press, leading to patchy or blurred prints.
    • Neglecting personal protective equipment like gloves or aprons when handling oil-based inks.
    • Failing to properly clean and store equipment, causing damage or cross-contamination.
    • Misconception: You need to be an expert in a creative field before starting this award. Correction: This award is for beginners; it teaches you the basics of work preparation and does not require prior creative expertise.
    • Misconception: A portfolio is only for artists or designers. Correction: Portfolios are used across creative industries to show evidence of skills, including writing samples, project plans, or recordings of performances.
    • Misconception: The creative industries are easy to enter without formal qualifications. Correction: While talent is important, employers value qualifications that demonstrate commitment, professionalism, and transferable skills.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •No formal prerequisites are required for this Level 1 award, but basic literacy and numeracy skills are helpful.
    • •A general interest in the creative industries and a willingness to participate in group activities and discussions.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Material identification
    • Technique application
    • Safe equipment use
    • Creative process development

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