CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

A man working on a wooden sculpture in a workshop, sculpting with a hammer and chisel.

Metalworking

This program provides students with the essential skills to harness the malleability of metals, transforming them into high-quality artistic and functional pieces.

Through precision, technical mastery, and creativity, students develop expertise in casting and shaping metals laying a strong foundation for a successful career in metalworking.

Our certificate programs

The programs are designed to provide technical specialized training across two semesters: basic semester and specialization semester.

The basic semester is a prerequisite for pursuing any specialization within the metalworking trade.
During the first semester, students acquire foundational knowledge of the craft. The second semester focuses on advanced techniques, allowing for the improvement of skills and expertise.

Each semester consists of 432 hours, totaling 864 hours per program and integrates a combination of technical and theoretical coursework, taught by highly qualified instructors.

The training is conducted in person, ensuring hands-on learning experience and feedback closely connected to the realities of the trade.
Students may focus on one of the following areas of specialization: Turning and Assembly, Casting, Plate Sinking and Raising, Decorative Techniques.

2026 Course Details

- Turning and Assembly
  7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
- Casting
  5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
- Registrations close on November 30th
- Classes begin on January 19th.
$2.072.000 pesos COL
Applies to registration made before November 30th, 2025
Monday to Friday
- Turning and Assembly
  7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
- Casting
  5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Upon completion of the program, students receive the Technical Labor Certificate in Metal working, with the related specialization, approved by the Bogotá Secretariat of Education under Resolution 170017 of November 27, 2024.

Our programs offer an exceptional opportunity to build a career in artisanal excellence.

Through a hands-on approach guided by expert instructors, students gain in-depth knowledge and unique opportunities within the world of traditional crafts.

The programs are the gateway to a successful career with artisanal excellence. Discover all that you can achieve, secure your place today and set your career in motion!

A man is using a torch to work on a copper vase in a workshop.

Curriculum

Basic metalworking

A woodworking shop with wooden workbenches, stools, tools, and a large window with natural light.

During the basic semester, students learn the fundamental aspects of metalworking and develop the core skills necessary to advance into specialized levels.
Students begin their training by studying planimetry and the graphic representation of metal objects.
This foundational knowledge enables them to visualize and design structures with precision, ensuring accurate dimensions, proportions, and characteristics before fabrication.
Throughout the cycle, students learn to identify various metals and understand their physical, chemical, and mechanical properties.
This knowledge is essential for selecting the most suitable materials based on strength, malleability, and their applications in different processes.
The program introduces the fundamental processes of metalworking, covering techniques such as casting, cutting, and bending.
Additionally, it explores traditional forming methods like hammering and flatwork, which are essential for creating precise and aesthetically refined pieces.
Harmony and detail are essential elements of metalwork. In this module, students explore decorative techniques such as chiseling and finishing applications, enhancing each piece with a unique and sophisticated character.
The program also explores various metal joining methods, which are vital for creating functional and well-structured pieces. Students study different welding techniques and formulations, ensuring secure assembly and long-lasting durability.
This basic semester provides a solid foundation in metalworking, offering both technical and artistic training to prepare students for mastery of the craft.
The Basic Metalworking Program includes:
- History and Contextualization
- Graphic Representation
- Metal Theory
- Metal Transformation
- Fundamentals of Finishing
- Cutting Techniques
- Foundations of Raising
- Planning for the Trade
- Welding
- Foundations of plate sinking
- Foundations of Chiseling

Specialization semesters

Advanced semesters provide hands-on training for specialization in specific knowledge, techniques, and skills. These focus on micro-processes, quality standards, and key references to enhance the precision and excellence of each technique.

A person is sculpting a realistic piece of art that resembles a shiny, metallic pink lips with a mirror-like surface, using a small tool.

Metalworking program specializations

After finishing the basic cycle, students continue the program by selecting one of the following areas of specialization.

Plate Sinking and Raising

Casting

Decorative Techniques

Turning and Assembly

Casting

Learn more

Metal casting establishes a profound connection with materials and their transformative potential—from solid to fluid and back to solid.

This process, demanding patience and skill, represents the mastery of elemental forces: metal, fire, and molten metal. Learn to cast and shape metals to leave your mark through enduring objects, blending ancestral traditions with modern innovations.

A worker pouring molten metal from a crucible into a mold in a foundry, with sparks and bright orange glow from the molten metal.

The program begins with a theoretical understanding of metal, covering essential concepts such as melting points, temperatures, and alloys.
Through technical drawing and graphic representation, students develop the ability to structure and design precise pieces.
This module explores the lost-wax casting methodology, including wax carving, burnout, and mold making. Mastering these techniques allows for the reproduction of highly detailed models with exceptional quality.
This component provides an in-depth exploration of mold creation and replication using the sand-casting technique. This method allows for the production of well-defined structures with practical applications across various fields.
The specialization concludes with the application of polishing techniques and finishing methods, ensuring both technical excellence and aesthetic refinement. These skills enhance precision, adding shine, texture and definition to each creation.
This program provides comprehensive training in the craft of metal casting, equipping students with the expertise to produce metal pieces with both technical mastery and artistic sensibility.
Additionally, students will gain proficiency in operating key equipment used in metal casting, such as furnaces, rotary tools, crucibles, vacuum systems, and injectors.
Program includes:
- History of Metal Casting and Its Role in Jewelry Making
- Planning and Metal Theory
- Mold Design and Casting Techniques
- Lost-Wax Casting
- Sand Casting
- Alternative Casting Methods
- Finishing Techniques for Cast Metal Pieces

Plate sinking and raising

Learn more

Shaping metal provides deep insight into its transformation, revealing how each material responds to impact, heat, and pressure. Learn to sculpt detailed forms and functional objects while connecting with both traditional and contemporary processes—balancing resilience with malleability.

Person using a hammer and a tool to shape a metal pipe on a workbench.

The program starts with hands-on exercises that introduce specific metal object construction. Through this approach, students develop a strategic understanding of materials and techniques, ensuring precision in project execution.
Raising techniques explore essential processes such as annealing, pickling, and forging. These methods allow the creation of highly detailed and durable pieces, including bowls, vases, and other decorative and utilitarian objects.
Flat metalwork is a fundamental technique in silversmithing, allowing artisans to shape metal components for both traditional and contemporary applications.
Students refine their hammering and shaping skills, mastering techniques adaptable to diverse styles and creative applications.
Mastering the design and fabrication of tools for metal manipulation is a key aspect of learning the trade.
This module offers a dedicated space for creating custom instruments that enhance precision and efficiency in the forming process.
The program concludes with an exploration of finishing techniques that improves both the aesthetics and functionality of each piece.
Students learn methods to refine texture, shine, and durability, ensuring polished and professional results.
Course modules includes:
- History of Plate Sinking and Raising
- Planning for Plate Sinking
- Tools for Plate Sinking and Raising
- Plate Sinking Techniques
- Planning for Raising
- Hammering Processes
- Finishing Techniques for Metal Volumes

Turning and assembly

Learn more

The lathe is intrinsically linked to precision, enabling the shaping of metals through matrices to create symmetrical, detailed forms—essential for producing ornamental pieces. Assembly, in turn, is the art of combining components to provide structure and character to each creation.

Explore these techniques and master the accurate manipulation of metals, achieving flawless finishes and balanced proportions.

A craftsman wearing gloves operates a metal spinning lathe, shaping a golden metal disk

The program begins with an exploration of various methodologies for planning the shaping of metal pieces.
Students study the principles of embossing using the metal lathe, ensuring proper structuring and development of each object.
A key component of the program involves crafting wooden matrices, which serve as the foundation for metal lathe work.
This process encourages experimentation with various materials while enhancing precision in shaping symmetrical and well-structured forms.
The course provides an in-depth study of metal component assembly methods, exploring techniques such as welding and fitting.
Processes like annealing and pickling are integrated to enhance the quality of volumes and ensure solid, well-defined pieces.
Students develop the ability to transform individual materials and assemble complex structures from multiple components. This training enables the creation of both functional and decorative objects with precise finishes and high-quality standards.
Program subjects include:
- History and Reference Studies
- Planning for Metal Lathe Work
- Wood Lathe Techniques
- Metal Lathe Techniques
- Planning for Assembly
- Assembly and Welding
- Finishing Techniques for Metal Volumes

Decorative techniques

Next Opening July 2026

Mastering chiseling and engraving opens the door to a tradition that has adorned metals for centuries. Through these techniques, metal comes to life with each strike and each incision, transforming metalwork from a functional craft into a form of artistic expression.

Discover the power of patience, precision, and creativity as you develop the ability to shape metal surfaces into intricate, textured works of art.

Artistic tools on a weathered wooden workbench, including scissors, hammers, drafting compasses, metal rods, and a stencil, used for crafting and design projects.

The program begins with detailed project planning, from initial sketches to the structuring of decorative patterns.
This process ensures a clear understanding of proportions, textures, and effects before working directly on metal surfaces.
To master the techniques, it is essential to understand and create the proper tools.
This subject teaches students to construct chisels and engraving tools, refining their use based on engraving styles and desired textures.
In the chiseling module, students explore metal manipulation through controlled strikes, creating depth and texture. Both traditional and contemporary methods are applied to develop pieces with strong visual impact and ornamental richness.
Engraving is a technique that brings detail and expression to metal.
This module focuses on mastering the manual engraving tool, allowing students to craft precise, sharp, and customized designs that reflect individual identity and style.
The program culminates in the application of finishing techniques that enhance both aesthetic and technical quality. This module explores various methods for polishing, protecting, and enriching metal surfaces.
Course modules includes:
- History of Decorative Metal Techniques
- Planning for Chiseling
- Chiseling Methods
- Planning for Engraving
- Engraving Tools and Techniques

Metal work masters

Reinaldo Verú

A goldsmith and EAOSD graduate with over 16 years of experience. Reinaldo specializes in casting, forging, sawing, and chiseling. He collaborates with designers to produce intricate pieces, showcasing his dedication to craftsmanship.
Cesar Cárdenas

With 31 years of experience, Cesar excels in chiseling, sawing, and finishing. His passion lies in transforming metal into expressive, creative objects and sharing his expertise with students at EAOSD.
José Castañeda

A master craftsman with 35 years of experience, José blends family traditions with technical expertise in assembly, welding, and turning. He emphasizes creativity and precision in his teaching.
Jorge Gómez

A master goldsmith with 45 years of experience, Jorge is renowned for his contributions to restoring iconic monuments and teaching advanced metalworking techniques.
Camila Laorni

A jeweler with 20 years of experience, Camila specializes in soldering, hammering, and enamel work. Her work with Colombian jewelry communities highlights her commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship.

Eliana Buitrago, EAOSD Alumni

An active student of the Metalworking program, Eliana discovered a path to resilience and creativity in the craft. Her journey reflects the transformative potential of artisanal education.