Anselm's Angle
Short Woodworking Courses at Chippendale
While we do not offer short woodworking courses per se, we do accommodate individuals and couples who wish to do short woodworking courses out of term time (from June to October). For instance, over the past two weeks we have had a fine art graduate in the workshop building herself a wooden kayak. She has enjoyed an individually-tailored, bespoke woodworking course and has completed a beautiful, fully-functional project despite having no previous furniture making experience.
The Benefit of Short Woodworking Courses
We believe there are two situations in which short woodworking courses are beneficial. They are great if you have no woodworking experience and wish to undertake a particular project. They are also good for professionals wishing to take a refresher course covering a particular subject.
In the first instance, a short woodworking course may help give an individual confidence. We operate in a very friendly and patient environment. Students are able to go at their own pace and are able to see a project through to completion. Or, as in the case of our current student, it may simply make for a great present, for exactly the same reasons. Alternatively, someone may have a burning ambition to make a single item, but not have the experience to build it. In this case a short woodworking course would also be appropriate.
The other use for a short woodworking course is as a specialist refresher course. If someone has undergone professional training (such as our intensive woodworking course or an apprenticeship), then we highly recommend those who wish to specialise or further develop their skills in a particular area to take part in a short course here and there. As in any career, undertaking some form of professional development from time to time can only prove advantageous.
The Drawbacks of Short Woodworking Courses and why you should consider an Intensive Woodworking Course…
However, if you are thinking about doing a short woodworking course and you are not either a complete beginner or a professional woodworker, then I would suggest you ask yourself what you want to get out of it. In my humble opinion (and you are free to disagree), unless you fall in to either of the two categories above, short woodworking courses are essentially just procrastination. Once an instructor has had time to gauge the competence of the average hobbyist, the weekend is likely to have run out. What practical experience can one hope to achieve over a single week unless you are honing skills you already have? On the flip side, if you are looking to reach a professional standard, then how can you hope to learn the necessary skills in such a short period of time?
We get plenty of hobbyists through our doors and we also cater to people with career change needs. Our woodworking courses are about giving a solid grounding in many woodworking techniques, but I feel we can only give a solid grounding if students are able to repeat new skills over time in the sort of learning environment we offer.
Anselm Fraser