579 Basic courses in Edinburgh

A NEW one-day watercolour painting workshop for beginners run by local artist and printmaker Lou Davis in our Edinburgh City Centre workshop space. Join artist Lou Davis for a whole day learning to paint in beautiful fluid watercolours. Lou uses watercolour to create simple and approachable patterned and abstract pieces that allow you to get acquainted with this medium in a way that helps you focus, shut out the outside world and simply create. In this workshop, you’ll learn everything you need to get started painting beautiful and relaxing projects using watercolour. We’ll cover a number of projects throughout the day, that will take you through the basics of watercolour from colour mixing and making different brush strokes, learning about paper types and water control, through to mixed media techniques: adding textures, working with masking fluid and embellishing your pieces with pens and metallic paints. This workshop is perfect if you’re new to watercolour and offers a really beautiful way to explore the medium, it’s also good if you’re experienced in watercolour and are interested in using your painting and drawing time to relax and de-stress. All materials for this workshop will be provided, and the price includes morning and afternoon refreshments from local suppliers. You are welcome to bring your own lunch, or there are several cafés and takeaway options nearby. Earth conscious credentials We are mindful of the effect we have on the environment, and do our best to minimise our impact. You will take the lovely watercolours you have created home with you on the day, and workshop correspondence and notes are sent to you electronically. Favourite feedback We love to hear what you think about our workshops. Here's a favourite review for previous watercolour painting workshop with Lou. A totally peaceful and mindful three hours spent being guided and inspired by Lou…Just going with the flow. Enjoying the process. And being quite surprised by the results. Lynn is a wonderful host at The Arienas Collective…Thanks Lynn and Lou for a mindful morning. [Judith] More information The Arienas Collective workshops, courses and events are run from a welcoming and supportive environment within a Georgian mews home in Edinburgh’s City Centre New Town. We invite you to join us, leave any day-to-day worries behind and immerse yourself in being creative. Spaces on our workshops and courses are limited so that our creative team of artists and makers can offer you the hands-on help and support you need to make the most of your time with us. Our taster and introductory workshops focus on teaching creative skills and methods you can continue practising at home, using affordable materials and equipment. Where more expensive equipment is required we will mention this in the workshop description. All the equipment and materials you need are included in the price, unless stated otherwise. Light refreshments from local suppliers are provided. On full day workshops you are welcome to bring your own lunch to eat inside or out. There is also a wide range of independent sit-in or takeaway delis, cafés, and restaurants, plus a range of supermarkets all within a 5-10 minute walk. Accessibility The workshop space is on the first-floor of our Georgian mews home and unfortunately we do not have lift access. Blue badge holders can park outside our front door on the single yellow line by arrangement. Allergies The workshop space is in our open plan living space and is not nut free. Please let us know about any skin or food allergies before booking. We offer a dairy-free milk and gluten free snack alternative. Minimum number no refund policy To ensure we can always pay our creatives a fair fee, we require a minimum number of bookings for each workshop and for this reason bookings are non-refundable. Should we have to cancel due to low numbers, we will offer you the option to swap to an alternative date or workshop, or to request a refund. We do our very best to avoid cancellations. Since we often get late bookings, we keep our workshops on sale for as long as possible. We realise that some of you travel from afar, so if you book a space and have not yet received an email confirming your workshop is going ahead and need to make plans for your trip, please get in touch before booking any travel or accommodation so we can update you on booking numbers. Or check in before booking. Private workshop bookings Most of our workshops are also available to book for: private get-togethers with family and friends; themed wedding and birthday celebrations; corporate team building and well-being purposes; and in-store retail events for your customers. If you’d like to know more please Email Lynn. Age restrictions Our workshops are planned with adults in mind. Many are suitable for teenagers, but some may require under 16s to be accompanied for insurance purposes. Please check with us before booking.

Learn to carve wood starting with this nice little project of a Dala horse. The basic shape has been formed using a bandsaw so you will add detail and learn about carving following the grain of the wood. You will learn safe wood carving techniques using the Mora 120 & 106 wood carving knives, or other Mora knives more suitable for children. Some of these safe carving techniques are the same as those used for carving a range of other treen such as spoons. This is a less strenuous carving project than making a spoon so is also ideal for beginners. We will also cover sharpening knives as this is key to safe carving. Other tools are also available to use and try out. What's included in the price? Tea, coffee and biscuits included. Two Dala horse blanks included, and others available to buy at discount prices. Training in a range of safe carving techniques used for this and other treen. Tools you will need to use during the day. Tools care and sharpening information. Tools available to buy. A PDF of knife grasps to remind you of safe carving techniques.

The City & Guilds 2365 Level 3 Course is the natural progression for anyone who has completed the Level 2 Diploma 2365 course or related level 2 courses. On completion of this course you will then be able to undertake the Level 3 NVQ thus becoming recognised as a fully qualified electrical engineer within the industry with the ability to apply for JIB (Gold Card) membership upon successful completion of the AM2 Assessment. Further information on the Level 3 can be found here: C&G 2365 Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations — Optima Electrical Training (optima-ect.com)

In the past, popular thought treated artificial intelligence (AI) as if it were the domain of science fiction or some far-flung future. In the last few years, however, AI has been given new life. The business world has especially given it renewed interest. However, AI is not just another technology or process for the business to consider - it is a truly disruptive force.

The QA Level 1 Award in Fire Safety Awareness (RQF) is a regulated and nationally recognised qualification designed for those who want to increase their awareness of fire safety in the workplace.  Candidates will learn basic fire safety principles in order to ensure they are keeping themselves and others in the workplace safe at all times. They will also learn what to do in the event of an emergency and the simple measures that can be taken to control the risk of fires.  With subjects covered in just half a day, this course is an ideal way to ensure that all employees have a good understanding of fire safety, whilst minimising disruption to your organisation’s day to day activity.

Did you know that incorrect manual handling is one of the most common causes of injury at work?  The QA Level 2 Award in Principles of Manual Handling (RQF) is a regulated and nationally recognised qualification, designed to cover the basic principles of manual handling.  This theory-based qualification is ideal for all employees as it provides candidates with an awareness of safe manual handling practices and the risks of unsafe manual handling.  With subjects covered in just half a day, this course is an ideal way to reduce the risk of workplace manual handling injuries, whilst minimising disruption to your organisation’s day to day activities!  Please note that this qualification does not include practical sessions. Those requiring practical training should undertake the QA Level 2 Award in Safe Moving and Handling (RQF).

The course will introduce you to some of the most enduring photographic portraits and provide discussion on why they remain so seminal. The course includes an introduction to lighting and composition techniques for portraiture, as well as providing guidance on shutter speed, aperture, lenses, and other visual controls. You will use studio flash lighting to explore basic techniques in formal and informal portrait photography – though all of the techniques taught are transferrable to natural and other lighting media. There will be time for participants to photograph under three standard lighting set-ups. Some digital SLR photography experience is recommended. Morning The morning session centres on discussion of the work of some classic portrait photographers and standard techniques employed. The discussions will include elements of composition, pose, gesture, format and technique. Afternoon The afternoon session will cover practical studio lighting, standard lighting set-ups, direction of sitters, and time permitting also a brief introduction to some of the editing capabilities of Adobe Photoshop. Project Days are designed for those who are already familiar with digital photography processes but who want to pursue a particular aspect or develop more specific skills in one or more areas. This course is the perfect follow-on from our Digital SLR training courses and will support you in building upon your existing knowledge of DSLR camera skills and becoming a better photographer in general. It will help you to work confidently on your own creative projects and develop the artist in you.   Courses are subject to minimum enrolment. Please register early, within five days of the start date, to reduce the likelihood of course cancellation. Please read our cancellation policy before booking. Students, anyone over the age of 65, and those in receipt of any form of benefits can claim the concessionary price, offering a 10% discount on the full course price. Valid proof of eligibility must be produced on the first day of the course. Please use the code CONCESSION when prompted at checkout.

TQUK Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (with VR Practical Sessions) This is our most popular course. This TQUK Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work course is designed to provide learners with the essential skills and knowledge to handle emergency situations in the workplace effectively. Ideal for those responsible for first aid in low-risk work environments, the course offers a blend of theoretical instruction and cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) practical sessions to enhance hands-on experience in a safe, controlled environment. Throughout the course, learners will develop a solid understanding of first aid principles, including how to assess and manage various emergencies such as injuries, shock, burns, and medical conditions like heart attacks or strokes. The integration of VR technology allows participants to immerse themselves in realistic scenarios, reinforcing their ability to apply first aid techniques with confidence. Key topics covered include: - Responsibilities of a First Aider - Assessing the Scene for Safety - Basic Life Support (CPR) and AED Use - Managing Unconsciousness, Bleeding, and Shock - Dealing with seizures and burns - Infection Prevention and Control The VR practical sessions simulate real-life emergency situations, providing learners with the opportunity to practice their skills in a virtual environment. These sessions ensure a dynamic and engaging learning experience, enabling learners to feel prepared for real-world emergencies. Upon successful completion of the course, learners will receive a TQUK Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work, certifying their competence in delivering first aid in the workplace. This course is suitable for employees across all industries, including those working in low-risk environments, office settings, or those requiring a basic first aid qualification for regulatory compliance. **Duration:** 1 day (6-8 hours, including theory and VR practical sessions) **Certification:** TQUK Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (valid for 3 years) **Prerequisites:** None

We deliver Workplace PAT Testing Courses across most of the UK to assist businesses with Compliance. We also work with Bridges into Work and ReACT in association with Careers Wales and the Welsh Government to offer work based skills which some Candidates could be eligible for Government funding.

Employing a mix of practical exercises and critical reflection, this introductory day course provides an overview of fundamental techniques for recording and editing voice, ambiences and sound effects for podcasts, video/film and art installations or just for fun. The course uses industry standard software and introduces a range of popular, high quality microphones and portable recording devices. The course has enough flexibility to be steered by the individual interests of the participants, but you will generally cover; the properties of sound, microphone selection and placement, gain structure, effective planning, noise limiting and reduction, sound editing, dynamics, sound processing and spatial effects. If desired, we can look at a variety of techniques for improving sound quality and recording audio from video conferencing, as we all find ourselves working and interacting in this manner every day. Computer experience is required. Morning Microphone Selection – why and when to use Applications, characteristics, limitations Microphone type – Dynamic, Condenser, Lavalier, Shotgun, Boundary, Stereo, Binaural Polar Patterns – Omni, Cardoid, Attenuated and others Practical microphone placement and technique Critical distance, proximity effect, shielding, simple acoustic treatments, filtering Lavalier microphone – positioning, preventing distortion & rustles Booming – positioning, preventing microphone bumps Stereo Mics – phase issues Afternoon Editing techniques (fades, looping) Building a mix Basic sound processing, noise reduction and dynamics (channel strips, EQ and compression) Insert effects (modulation, filtering, distortion) Send effects (delay, reverb) Automation (of volume, panning etc) Bussing (sending signals to multiple fx) Mastering effects (limiting) Exporting and file types   Courses are subject to minimum enrolment. Please register early, within five days of the start date, to reduce the likelihood of course cancellation. Please read our cancellation policy before booking. Students, anyone over the age of 65, and those in receipt of any form of benefits can claim the concessionary price, offering a 10% discount on the full course price. Valid proof of eligibility must be produced on the first day of the course. Please use the code CONCESSION when prompted at checkout.