Btec diploma in toggin or nat institute?

[oskanoears]

Question for you folks;
iv been following some threads regarding the online photography courses and whilst they may have some merit they have no practical elements to the delivery nor are they externally verified accredited or certificated to support the robustness of the course
This means that with an online course your work only meets the standard of the person marking it and not a nationally recognised standard.

A btec is a nationally recognised qualification; is made up of credits that will map to hnd or degree and the qualification carries more generic weight in gaining employment...

As a training provider and having a pro photographic studio on site with a commercialy successful photographer, access to Cannock chase for landscape and wildlife teachings and a room with pcs for post processing tuition would this be something people would go for for the same 500 price tag as the online course.
Take into account it comes with a whopping 360 guided learning hours!
Details of the program contents can be found on the edexcel website or by googling QCF in photography.

Feedback would be really appreciated as this is something that I could put together and offer.

My vision is lots of practical + commercial application, real work experience in the studio where people will pay for your work along with workshops from the likes of John gray etc.

Please let me have your thoughts

Thanks in advance

Andy

 

[Doddy1974]

Sounds like a wonderful plan to me. The only thing that sticks out to me, is that people often do online/distant learning as it fits in with other commitments, and they can work from home at their own speed.

If I lived closer, I would definately be interested!!

 

[oskanoears]

Sounds like a wonderful plan to me. The only thing that sticks out to me, is that people often do online/distant learning as it fits in with other commitments, and they can work from home at their own speed.

If I lived closer, I would definately be interested!!

Thanks cathy that's very helpful feedback

Cheers Andy

 

[oskanoears]

Bump!

 

[DeeJay]

I would definitely be interested in this, but I live and work in London so unfortunately this would be far too far away from me.

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[oskanoears]

I would definitely be interested in this, but I live and work in London so unfortunately this would be far too far away from me.

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Thanks for the feedback deejay; it may be that I can deliver the course through e portfolio and the practical elements would be the traveling parts or look at replicating the idea in London and other areas; the feedback here is to gauge if people would value a btec nationally recognised program with lots of practical over a distance learning none accredited program for the same kind of money.
Thanks again for your thoughts.
Cheers Andy

 

[Mike Jackson]

I would have thought that a distance learning package with a series of workshops/practical sessions at intervals throughout the course. If you limit it to workshop based you will severely limit the numbers.

 

[oskanoears]

I would have thought that a distance learning package with a series of workshops/practical sessions at intervals throughout the course. If you limit it to workshop based you will severely limit the numbers.

Thanks mike, due to the nature of the framework it does require those guided learning hours/ taught hours as well as the assessment elements of the framework meaning time on the job and out shooting with a tutor are paramount to attaining the necessary standards to complete the course.

This allows the bit I'm keen to explore... A working studio with students taking and setting up shots under guidance etc in return for reduced rate/cost images for clients. Students will engage and learn every element of the process from directing The shoot to processing the shots.

Cheers Andy

Theoretically I can deliver the course anywhere in the country if it was justified by volume of interest to do so, it's just as a pilot I'd be restricting it to a local base.

 

[jomantha]

I have just done (well nearly finished) a c&G level1, I have learned as much from the other people on the course as the tutor - I was also guided here from there.

That is 3 hours a week evening and the course was so full, they had to put on an extra session.

£150, plus city and guilds fees.

I am looking to move onto next stage - whatever that may be, I would pay more for better setting, studio time, hands on different equipment (only use my own), etc. I know most of the others on my course (10 per evening) are looking to move up as well.

I am in south wales, too far for me, I wouldnt be interested in anything that invovled weekends away.

 

[jomantha]

This allows the bit I'm keen to explore... A working studio with students taking and setting up shots under guidance etc in return for reduced rate/cost images for clients. Students will engage and learn every element of the process from directing The shoot to processing the shots.
.

absolutely without a shadow of a doubt something I would love to do, I am hugely limited by what I can buy and time, being able to do things like that, on the course would be fabulous.

 

[oskanoears]

I have just done (well nearly finished) a c&G level1, I have learned as much from the other people on the course as the tutor - I was also guided here from there.

That is 3 hours a week evening and the course was so full, they had to put on an extra session.

£150, plus city and guilds fees.

I am looking to move onto next stage - whatever that may be, I would pay more for better setting, studio time, hands on different equipment (only use my own), etc. I know most of the others on my course (10 per evening) are looking to move up as well.

I am in south wales, too far for me, I wouldnt be interested in anything that invovled weekends away.

absolutely without a shadow of a doubt something I would love to do, I am hugely limited by what I can buy and time, being able to do things like that, on the course would be fabulous.

Excellent feedback thanks Sam

 

[DeeJay]

Thanks for the feedback deejay; it may be that I can deliver the course through e portfolio and the practical elements would be the traveling parts or look at replicating the idea in London and other areas; the feedback here is to gauge if people would value a btec nationally recognised program with lots of practical over a distance learning none accredited program for the same kind of money.
Thanks again for your thoughts.
Cheers Andy

Hi Andy,

I would still be interested even if I had to have a few weekends away. Or maybe even take a week off work, depending on the frequency and cost of course.

I would like the recognition of a BTEC or something similar otherwise I think I would spend my course money on books and better lenses really. That's not to say the "other" courses aren't good, just that I don't feel it would be for me and hence I haven't subscribed to one. Guess because I am in the computing industry, I recognise the importance of being accredited at the end of the course.

I'd love to be a photographer as my day job but am realistic in the fact that most toggers make money by Wedding or Portraits which don't really excite me enough to give up my day job, even if I was good enough!

I would just like to do a structured course lead by a professional to learn a lot more rather than buying more books to read really.

I would certainly be interested in any programs you choose to do or any "Beta testers" for a program if you choose to proceed with this.

 

[Snaxo]

Hi Andy,

I would still be interested even if I had to have a few weekends away. Or maybe even take a week off work, depending on the frequency and cost of course.

I would like the recognition of a BTEC or something similar otherwise I think I would spend my course money on books and better lenses really. That's not to say the "other" courses aren't good, just that I don't feel it would be for me and hence I haven't subscribed to one. Guess because I am in the computing industry, I recognise the importance of being accredited at the end of the course.

I'd love to be a photographer as my day job but am realistic in the fact that most toggers make money by Wedding or Portraits which don't really excite me enough to give up my day job, even if I was good enough!

I would just like to do a structured course lead by a professional to learn a lot more rather than buying more books to read really.

I would certainly be interested in any programs you choose to do or any "Beta testers" for a program if you choose to proceed with this.

Exactly this for me also.

This is a fantastic idea Andy and if the location were practical for me (I'm in Hertfordshire) I'd be there like a shot

(this is my first post btw - hello everyone )

 

[Bristolian]

Andy,

This is something I would definitely be interested in and would certainly like to hear more details, when you've got them.

 

[latercomer2]

I know nothing abuot the cost of photography courses but £500 for 360 hours of tuition (i presume thats what guided hours means?) can't be bad, particularly if you get to try out a studio setup and get PP tuition too.

 

[oskanoears]

Hi Andy,

I would still be interested even if I had to have a few weekends away. Or maybe even take a week off work, depending on the frequency and cost of course.

I would like the recognition of a BTEC or something similar otherwise I think I would spend my course money on books and better lenses really. That's not to say the "other" courses aren't good, just that I don't feel it would be for me and hence I haven't subscribed to one. Guess because I am in the computing industry, I recognise the importance of being accredited at the end of the course.

I'd love to be a photographer as my day job but am realistic in the fact that most toggers make money by Wedding or Portraits which don't really excite me enough to give up my day job, even if I was good enough!

I would just like to do a structured course lead by a professional to learn a lot more rather than buying more books to read really.

I would certainly be interested in any programs you choose to do or any "Beta testers" for a program if you choose to proceed with this.

Exactly this for me also.

This is a fantastic idea Andy and if the location were practical for me (I'm in Hertfordshire) I'd be there like a shot

(this is my first post btw - hello everyone )

Andy,

This is something I would definitely be interested in and would certainly like to hear more details, when you've got them.

I know nothing abuot the cost of photography courses but £500 for 360 hours of tuition (i presume thats what guided hours means?) can't be bad, particularly if you get to try out a studio setup and get PP tuition too.

Thank you for the feedback folks; the feedback on potential demand for a program like this is certainly encouraging to date.
Cheers Andy

 

[DeeJay]

Thank you for the feedback folks; the feedback on potential demand for a program like this is certainly encouraging to date.
Cheers Andy

When can we enrol, when can we enrol, when can we enrol???

 

[Trev4]

I just came across your thread Andy and would like to add that it seems a great idea, and very local to me. Now that I am retired it wouldnt be an advantage to me other than to increase my knowledge for my hobby. I would like to wish you good luck if you do proceed with this venture, and hope that its well supported. Regards, Trev

 

[Reidy36]

Hi Andy,

Sounds like a great idea. Like some of the above, i have watched the threads about the online courses, and for the fact you are offering actual man hours at the same price is great.

My issue would be getting those hours in, as although i work a standard day, no day is standard and couldn't really commit to a set night a week or anything like that, i could possibly like others have said, take some holiday and do bits like that.

Have you considered the distance learning side of it? I understand that we would need so many hours with you, but if for example you did instructional dvd/youtube or something like that, the students could do the exercises in their local area (i have a few nice parks so would be great in there), and then at the hadns on time, you improve us (I have no idea how the course works so just thinking out loud).

 

[DeeJay]

Andy, as said before and above I think this would be a really great idea. It would almost be like a kind of mini apprenticeship type of thing.

If you needed any help or a test group I would be more than willing to help / participate. Feel free to pm me or continue on here if you would like another pair of hands or some help.

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[oskanoears]

Andy, as said before and above I think this would be a really great idea. It would almost be like a kind of mini apprenticeship type of thing.

If you needed any help or a test group I would be more than willing to help / participate. Feel free to pm me or continue on here if you would like another pair of hands or some help.

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Hi deejay, your actually spot on it's totally built on an apprenticeship/diploma frame work.

Il certainly bear you in mind for a pilot!

 

[oskanoears]

I just came across your thread Andy and would like to add that it seems a great idea, and very local to me. Now that I am retired it wouldnt be an advantage to me other than to increase my knowledge for my hobby. I would like to wish you good luck if you do proceed with this venture, and hope that its well supported. Regards, Trev

Hi Andy,

Sounds like a great idea. Like some of the above, i have watched the threads about the online courses, and for the fact you are offering actual man hours at the same price is great.

My issue would be getting those hours in, as although i work a standard day, no day is standard and couldn't really commit to a set night a week or anything like that, i could possibly like others have said, take some holiday and do bits like that.

Have you considered the distance learning side of it? I understand that we would need so many hours with you, but if for example you did instructional dvd/youtube or something like that, the students could do the exercises in their local area (i have a few nice parks so would be great in there), and then at the hadns on time, you improve us (I have no idea how the course works so just thinking out loud).

Thank you trev.

Reidy; in terms of the distance learning element of this yes I believe it could be possible but that may make the course a little to samey as the others out there at the moment; I'm approaching this from two angles a) what the course needs in it to meet the funding requirements on what's called the LAD ( the learning aims data base) as a business this is where in basic terms I ensure I can pull down government funding for the program, this requires a minimum of 16 hours on the job where your competency can be assessed. b) my blood type is nikon, photography is my passion and thus I want to build a course that offers all the things I'd want as a photographer.... Think hogwarts for photographers!
This means expanding the program beyond the framework to add in star workshops, the business end of photography and most importantly vast amounts of hands on experience in a working business run by the students under guidance, which i hope will result in that first job of your own is not a nervous yes and what the hell do i do about being paid and what contracts, insurance etc do i need but a confident " yes, sure I have some forms for you to complete, my rates are as follows and I look forward to seeing you at the shoot! Safe in the knowledge you can bag the shoot without thinking about it because you've done it 50 times already with a safety net.

To get this right and for it to be deliverable as planned is going to take time, listening to feedback from you guys and then managing the expectations of all parties involved.

Thanks all again for taking the time to throw in feedback on this... Nothing is right or wrong here and understanding what people want in the program and understanding how they want the training is key to it's success..
Cheers Andy

 

[widdler]

I know nothing abuot the cost of photography courses but £500 for 360 hours of tuition (i presume thats what guided hours means?) can't be bad, particularly if you get to try out a studio setup and get PP tuition too.

Most definitely sounds like good value. I teach (a completely different subject btw) courses for the same figure that only have 35 guided learning hours on average.

I'm looking to do something like this also, so will be keeping an eye on this thread.