For decades, university has been sold as the ultimate golden ticket to career success. But is it the right path for everyone? With 40% of graduates expressing regret about their decision to attend university, it’s no surprise that many school leavers are now considering taking their lives in different directions.
At Chippendale, we’ve watched countless young adults transform their hobbies into rewarding careers. Our 30-Week Professional Course was designed to help students not only perfect their woodworking skills but also learn the ropes of setting up and running their own successful furniture making business.
Read on to discover why the Chippendale International School of Furniture could be the perfect alternative to university!
Hands-on learning from day one
If the thought of stuffy lecture halls and endless essays makes you shudder, woodworking offers a refreshing alternative. At Chippendale, you’ll dive straight into hands-on learning from day one.
On our 30-Week Professional Course, you’ll dedicate up to 1,400 hours at the workbench, crafting real furniture and honing your woodworking skills. But it’s not just the craft – we also teach the business essentials, such as pricing, marketing, and customer service, giving you the tools to run your own successful small business.
One of the greatest benefits of hands-on learning is the opportunity to grow through your mistakes. Here, errors aren’t failures – they’re valuable lessons. Every project is carefully designed to strengthen your skills, build resilience, and enhance your problem-solving ability.
And you’ll create plenty! Across both our Professional Course and our new 10-Week Course, you’ll work on a variety of thoughtfully planned projects. By the end, you’ll have crafted beautiful furniture, restored vintage pieces, and developed the confidence to take on even the most challenging woodworking endeavours.
Not just a number
At Chippendale School, our small class sizes mean you’re never just a name on a list. Our tutors take the time to get to know your unique needs and skill level, offering guidance tailored specifically to you. In this close-knit environment, you’ll quickly form meaningful connections with both your peers and teachers. We are incredibly proud of this strong community we have created which extends long after you’ve left.
On our 10-Week Course, with a student-to-tutor ratio of just 8:3, you’ll always feel fully supported. No matter your background or experience, our tutors will provide hands-on guidance every step of the way.
Support after Graduation
Many students come to us after attending university or art school, feeling unsure of how to turn their education into a career. At Chippendale, we recognise how important post-graduation support is. Which is why we offer graduates access to Myreside Studios – a fully equipped workshop space right here at the school. It’s designed to help Chippendale graduates kickstart their businesses within a supportive, creative community.
Myreside Studios takes the pressure off investing in expensive tools, machinery, and materials, while also offering the chance to work in a vibrant woodworking community surrounded by like-minded makers.
Many of our alumni have gone on to build successful furniture-making businesses such as 25-year-old Chlomo Hutcheson who, after completing our Professional Course in 2023, co-founded Rowan & Rose with his sister. The dynamic duo creates exquisite, handcrafted pieces that are shipped all over the world. Read more about Chlomo’s journey here.
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Ready to turn your passion into a career? Explore our courses and take the first step toward a hands-on, fulfilling future in woodworking.
