Woodwork, upholstery, carving and interiors

Beginners woodwork

Who the course is for

The course is designed for learners with little or no woodworking experience. The course covers working with hand tools to make the common wood joints that form the basis of most items.

Course location

Thomas Calton Centre, Alpha Street, SE15 4NX. The woodwork room entrance is on Alpha Street; as you come through the gate to the car park, follow the sign to the woodwork and upholstery workshop to the left.

What you’ll learn

• how to use hand tools to make joints
• how to sharpen and maintain tools

How the course is taught

• demonstrations by the tutor
• you'll be directed to the internet sites of the clips used together with other reference sites to support the demonstrations and to show alternative methods 
• handouts will be given out and details of reference to books will be made in class

Materials you’ll need

• a pen, an HB pencil and a rubber
• a notebook/folder
• a camera or camera phone (these are useful for recording your progress)
• strong, thick-soled shoes (as you'll be working in a workshop) don't wear sandals or thin-soled shoes

The workshop is fully equipped with all the woodwork tools that you will need.

After the course

You will be able to apply your learning to simple woodwork projects. Past learners have gone on to start their own businesses, progress on to City and Guilds, Furniture degree courses and teaching Woodwork.

How to enrol

Complete an enrolment form online

Find out how to enrol, locations and more about our services.

Course details

Contact information

Southwark Adult Learning Service 

• email adult.learning@southwark.gov.uk
• telephone 020 7358 2100 or 020 7358 2101

Page last updated: 27 March 2024