Brief Description:

A course centered around learning the basics of home DIY, and the beginnings of joinery. You will be learning and practicing with a range of hand tools, DIY knowledge and skills, and how to make various wood joints. You will finish with two final pieces – a small stud wall model, and a wood frame of the joints you have learned.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

This is a course for beginners. No previous experience is necessary.

Learning Outcomes:

DIY – Make a miniature stud wall, learn how to fix some common household problems, and gain
confidence with a range of household tasks

• Get training, tips and practice in a range of hand tools
• Working with plasterboard
• Testing out a range of plasterboard fixings
• How to fix a hole in plasterboard
• Fitting skirting and caulking

Joinery – Learn 6 different joints and make a final piece demonstrating all joints
Learn skills/tools

• Gain skills in using hand tools and how to make neat wood joints
• Make a final piece demonstrating all the joints you learn

Extra activities:

• Hammer in nails
• Match and examine different screw sizes – what would they be used for
• Cut internal corner from skirting
• How to fix a screw hole that is too big

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment:

Wear sensible shoes/boots. No sandals/ open toes allowed in the DIY room. If you choose to wear Steel Toe Capped Boots, costs start at approx. £20 from hardware stores.
The wood for the joint practice and 6 joint frame will be provided.

Please do not buy a battery drill but if you do have one, you will find it beneficial to bring it with you to class.

For the first session you will need to bring:

A pencil and notepad. No sandals, or open-toed shoes are allowed in a workshop setting. Hair must also be tied back.  Wood for the joints and frame project will be provided.

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

Your tutor will advise you.

The Adult Learn and Train office is also able to give course information or search for alternative courses for you.

Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or maybe look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sundays, you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more.