The Creative Dimension Trust
TCDT provides free, high-quality workshops and work experience that develop essential hand skills, confidence, and career pathways for talented young people, led by world-class craft specialists. Working mainly with schools in deprived or isolated areas, TCDT ensures at least 80% of participants come from underserved backgrounds and addresses critical skills gaps left by budget cuts, STEM-focused curricula, and excessive screen time. Since inception, we have engaged with close to 700 schools and taught more than 110 different specialist skills.
Workshops
TCDT offers workshops, where tuition and materials are free, to young people who show potential in forging a career pathway where precise hand-eye co-ordination is prerequisite. Our workshops are open to 14-19-year-olds. Age ranges can vary so please see individual workshop pages for details. For workshops that run for three days or more, students receive grades of Working Towards, Pass, Merit, or Distinction, along with written evaluations to guide their next steps.
Insight Days
Insight Days give students aged 16–21 a unique opportunity to explore how some of the UK’s most successful creative businesses operate. Groups of students visit internationally renowned companies, see production processes up close and learn how creative businesses are structured.
Work Experience
Typically lasting three to five days, these immersive one-to-one or small-group placements provide first-hand experience in areas such as craft, engineering, luxury goods, and architecture. Work experience opportunities are typically open to students aged 16–21 but please see individual work experience pages for further details.
Schools
TCDT sends expert tutors directly into schools to deliver hands-on workshops. Students go straight from lessons into creative sessions held outside of curriculum time – no travel, no extra logistics, just accessible inspiration. Workshops consist of five after school sessions lasting 1 ½ hours for ten students aged 14-19 and up to three of their teachers, equipping them to bring these practices back into their classrooms. Students are selected by the school.
This workshop has helped me gain information about more art-based career opportunities as well as providing me with a wealth of skills and artworks that will benefit me in the future.
Student, Hand Painted Illustration
I found confidence when working with my hands and I am now confident producing a piece of art. I am proud of the pieces I left the workshop with.
Student, Stained Glass
I’ve learnt new skills that I’ve always thought were difficult and that I would struggle with. As well as confidence that I can do something I enjoy as well as something I can find work in.
Student, Jewellery Making
Contact Us
We welcome messages from supporters, partners, and anyone interested in helping us make a difference. Whether you’re interested in supporting our mission, collaborating with us, or making a donation, your involvement helps talented young people from underserved backgrounds develop vital skills and explore creative careers. Join our community to help us provide world-class workshops, work experience, and opportunities that transform lives.