INTERMEDIATE COURSE

4-Week Course

Our 4-Week Course

Our 4-week intermediate course is aimed at anyone wanting to take their woodworking skills to a whole new level, with no previous woodworking experience required.

The course is delivered intensively over 4 weeks to small groups of two students per tutor. You will learn under Alan McGovern, a skilled cabinet maker with over 35 years of experience, and Fiona Gilfillan, a fine furniture maker and graduate of the School’s Professional Course.

You will build a small to medium piece of hardwood furniture, learning techniques that will take you from developing and laying out your design right through to building and finishing it. A variety of workshop tools and machines will be used, depending on your chosen design. Time permitting, you might have the chance to make other small pieces on this course.

This course will give you the skills and confidence to flourish in your woodworking hobby.

Many thanks to robinfrowley.co.uk for use of the above image.

With only two students per tutor at any one time, tuition is comprehensive and you will work closely with your tutor to complete your chosen design.

You will be taught skills as required by your design, including how to:

Lay out your design and make a cutting list from it
Use workshop machinery such as a table saw, planer, bandsaw, mitre saw and router to machine your materials
Make wood joints by hand and using machines
Sharpen hand tools, where used
Make mouldings using a table router
Make tapered legs
Build your piece allowing for wood movement
Time permitting, you may make other small pieces, such as a small box or a veneered panel, using other bench skills learned on the course.

The fee for the intermediate course is £3,900, with a £900 deposit payable to secure your place, with the balance payable one month before the start of the course. The cost of timber is included in this fee. All fees are non-refundable.

The upcoming course dates for 2024 / 2025 are:

13 Jan – 07 Feb 2025
17 Feb – 14 Mar 2025
24 Mar – 18 Apr 2025
04 Aug – 29 Aug 2025

If you would like to join us, please fill in the application form, stating your preferred start date.

Please note, this course is for adults aged 18 years and over.

Start your journey

This 4-week course is ideal for beginners looking to immerse themselves in the craft as well as hobbyists looking to expand their skill set. Whether you are planning a career change or seeking a creative craft in retirement, this course will give you the skills you need to start your journey.

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ARRANGE A VISIT

If you are looking to pursue a career in woodworking, get in touch to arrange a visit or a virtual call with the Principal.

TESTIMONIALS

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Read about other courses

30 WEEK COURSE

Our professional course is ideal for those looking to pursue a career in fine furniture design and making. With 30 students, starting each year in October, taught by an in-house team of tutors and a range of visiting experts.

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1 WEEK COURSE

Ideal for beginners, the introductory course covers a wide range of woodworking fundamentals. This is great way to get a taste of the teaching environment at Chippendale and is a popular choice for those interested in the 30-week professional course. Other 1-week courses include wood bending techniques, upholstery and restoration.

FIND OUT MORE

WEEKEND COURSES

These courses provide the most accessible route into woodworking. Over 2 days, students can learn how to turn a stool on one of our woodturning weekends. Or, carve a set of wooden spoons on our spoon carving course.

FIND OUT MORE