Why NOCN Accreditation Matters: What It Means for Skilled Hands and Our Learners
At Skilled Hands, we believe that creativity should not only inspire — it should also empower, open doors, and create real opportunities. This belief is at the heart of everything we do, from our community craft workshops to the qualifications we deliver.
That is why becoming an approved NOCN (National Open College Network) Centre marked an important milestone in our journey.
But what does NOCN accreditation actually mean?
And why is it valuable for our learners, partners, and the wider community?
This blog post explains why NOCN matters, what it represents, and how it strengthens the impact of Skilled Hands.
What is NOCN (National Open College Network)?
NOCN is a UK awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual, the same regulatory body that oversees GCSEs, A Levels, and other nationally recognised qualifications. Being Ofqual-regulated means that NOCN qualifications meet national quality standards and are recognised across England.
NOCN specialises in:
Adult and community learning
Skills development and employability
Inclusive education pathways
Practical, outcome-focused qualifications
In short, NOCN bridges the gap between learning and progression, especially for adults who may not have followed traditional academic routes.
Skilled Hands as an Approved NOCN Centre
In 2023, Skilled Hands Craft Workshops became an approved NOCN Centre, allowing us to deliver nationally recognised, Ofqual-regulated craft qualifications.
This approval is not automatic. It requires:
Robust quality assurance systems
Trained and approved facilitators
Clear learning outcomes and assessment processes
A commitment to learner progression and safeguarding
For Skilled Hands, this accreditation validates the quality, structure, and impact of the work we have been delivering since 2018.
Our NOCN-Accredited Craft Workshops
Through NOCN, Skilled Hands delivers accredited workshops in:
Dressmaking
Bag Making
Soap and Body Care Product Making
Jewellery Making
Millinery (Hat Making)
These workshops combine hands-on practical skills with structured learning outcomes, ensuring that participants do not just enjoy the process, but also leave with a recognised qualification.
Why NOCN Accreditation Is Valuable for Learners
For many people, especially those returning to learning, confidence matters just as much as skills. NOCN accreditation provides:
✔ National Recognition
Learners gain a qualification that is recognised across England, not just a certificate of attendance.
✔ Progression Opportunities
NOCN qualifications can support progression into:
Further training
Employment
Self-employment and small business development
Funded programmes and future learning opportunities
✔ Employability and CV Building
Having a regulated qualification demonstrates commitment, discipline, and verified skills — all of which strengthen CVs and funding applications.
✔ Confidence and Validation
For many of our learners, gaining a recognised qualification is a powerful reminder that their skills are valid and valuable.
Why Accreditation Matters in Community Craft Education
At Skilled Hands, we are passionate about creativity — but we are equally committed to outcomes.
Accreditation ensures that:
Learning is measurable and purposeful
Workshops meet recognised standards
Funders and partners can trust the quality of delivery
Learners gain more than just an experience — they gain opportunity
This is especially important in community settings, where access to recognised qualifications can be life-changing.
Aligning Creativity, Wellbeing, and Opportunity
Crafting is deeply therapeutic. It supports mental wellbeing, reduces stress, and builds confidence. However, at Skilled Hands, we go one step further.
By embedding NOCN accreditation into our workshops, we ensure that:
Wellbeing is paired with progression
Creativity leads to tangible outcomes
Passion can evolve into purpose, income, or employment
This holistic approach reflects our mission to empower hands, craft dreams, and ignite futures.
What This Means for Partners and Funders
For organisations looking to work with Skilled Hands, NOCN accreditation offers reassurance and value. It demonstrates that our programmes are:
Quality assured
Outcomes-driven
Suitable for funded delivery
Aligned with employability and skills development agendas
It strengthens our ability to deliver impactful, fundable, and accountable programmes across Nottingham and beyond.
Looking Ahead
NOCN accreditation is not just a badge on our website — it is a foundation for growth, partnership, and deeper impact.
As Skilled Hands continues to expand its workshops and projects, this accreditation ensures that every learner has access to quality, recognition, and opportunity, alongside creativity and care.
Because at Skilled Hands, we don’t just teach crafts.
We build skills, confidence, and futures.
If you are looking for NOCN-accredited craft workshops in Nottingham, or would like to partner with a community organisation delivering nationally recognised creative skills training, we would love to hear from you.
