This spring, we welcomed the first cohort of women and non-binary makers to our six week ‘Workshop Experience’ course, an immersive learning programme designed to open doors into woodworking and furniture making for people historically excluded from the industry.
We set out to create more than just a skills course. We wanted to build a space where confidence, connection, and capability could grow side by side.
Through hands-on timber machining, small-batch production, masterclasses in creative techniques like marquetry, and rich conversations with guest makers, tutors and industry leading women, participants developed not only their technical skills but renewed a sense of direction and possibility:
“So much confidence. I have gained an idea about the type of maker I want to be and (importantly) who I want to work for. I have a sense of who I am, where I’m at and where I want to be, which I didn’t have before. This came about through exposure to people, places and projects that affirmed my abilities and raised me up!” – Ari
Structured learning was balanced with flexibility; teaching was underpinned by care and community. Each participant completed a variety of complex projects, including a commission of a limited edition product for Ercol, celebrating the use of Grown in Britain certified timbers.
Real impact, real change
The impact of the course didn’t stop at the workshop door. Of the seven participants:
- Two are now working as makers in bespoke solid timber furniture making.
- Three have enrolled in further training or higher education in the craft.
- One is returning to the final year of a furniture design degree with greater clarity and confidence.
- One is exploring a freelance career, building a practice on their own terms.
These outcomes reflect more than individual talent. They also reflect what happens when people are met with trust, tools, and given meaningful training and opportunities.
What we learnt
Listening to students and reflecting as a team, we’re carrying forward vital lessons to refine and strengthen the next iteration of the course. Staff and student feedback aligned around many themes:
The course should remain challenging, structured, and professional. Participants want to be stretched, and we’ve seen how much is possible in a short time when expectations are clear. Recruitment matters, too. Carefully composing a cohort with aligned goals and skill levels helps build stronger peer dynamics and deeper shared learning.
Clarity is key. Students want detailed information about what to expect, and we’re responding with improved pre-course materials, clearer communication, and shared learning agreements. There was also real appreciation for the balance of structured teaching and flexible space for exploration, something we’ll continue to hold onto.
And perhaps most importantly, participants asked for more ways to stay connected beyond the six weeks: access to workshop space, mentoring, a pathway into paid work, further training. This is a request we take seriously.
Looking ahead
This course is part of the Woodworking and Gender Project, reshaping who gets to take part in woodworking, who feels at home in workshop spaces, and who sees themselves thriving in the industry. The project is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Conran Foundation, The Mila Charitable Trust, Benchmark Furniture Ltd, Vastern Timber Ltd. Thanks to their generous support, and the courage, commitment, and talent of this first cohort, we know what’s possible.
We’ll be building on everything we’ve learned to ensure the next course is even more impactful, and that the ripples of this work continue to grow.
“The quality of teaching on this course is incredible! Sylva will very quickly help build your confidence in a workshop space, encouraging you to learn, be hands on, make mistakes and refine your skills. It’s been such a wonderful experience with brilliant people that I will never forget.“ – Mary
