DIY Joinery Skills: Wednesday Beginners - autumn

23/09/2026 - 02/12/2026

Duration : 10 weeks

| Arts & Craft

Join our Carpentry for Beginners course which teaches essential woodworking skills, including how to safely use and maintain hand tools while mastering key joinery techniques such as Half Lap, Mortice and Tenon, Dove Tail, T Halving, Bridle, and Dowel joints.

 

Brief Description:

This course provides a structured introduction to timber craftsmanship, guiding learners through the development of ten essential woodworking joints: half‑lap, T‑halving, cross T‑halving, finger joint, dovetail, mortice and tenon, bridle, corner bridle, and two variations of the dowel joint. Students will first build confidence by practising each joint individually, gaining a clear understanding of their construction and purpose. These joints are used in everyday joinery projects. The programme culminates in a final, advanced joint that requires learners to apply the full range of skills and knowledge acquired throughout the course, demonstrating their ability to integrate techniques and work to a higher level of precision
You will be shown how to use the tools correctly and how to sharpen/maintain carpentry hand tools.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

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

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course you will have the opportunity to:
• Identify and name common carpentry tools
• Know how to maintain carpentry tools
• Learn how to use them safely
• Produce woodwork joints

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

If you choose to wear Steel Toe Capped Boots (which we recommend), costs start at approx. £20 from hardware stores.
The wood for the joint practice and 6 joint frame will be provided.

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. You are advised to wear steel toe cap boots in the workshop. Wood for the joints and frame project will be provided.

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

DIY Improvers, upholstery or similar.

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.

‹ To overview
DIY Joinery Skills: Wednesday Beginners - autumn

Course details

Location

Coleridge Community College, Radegund Road, Cambridge CB1 3RJ

Time

6.30 - 8.30 pm

Fees

£190 (£126 concessionary price)

Booking notes

To book onto this course, please either call the office on 01223 712340 or email office@adultlearning.education

Tutor

Domenico Petrelli

Domenico has worked in Italy as an art teacher for 3 years before moving to the UK. Domenico has a vast amount of experience working with drawing and sculpture, clay and wood.

Keep up to date

Never miss a learning opportunity again.

Adult Learn and Train would like to keep you up-to-date with up and coming courses. We cannot do this without your permission. Complete the short form to ensure you receive information by email through-out the year.

Sign up here

United Learning Hub

United Learning comprises: United Learning Ltd (Registered in England No: 00018582. Charity No. 313999) UCST (Registered in England No: 2780748. Charity No. 1016538) and ULT (Registered in England No. 4439859. An Exempt Charity). Companies limited by guarantee.
Registered address: United Learning, Worldwide House, Thorpe Wood, Peterborough, PE3 6SB.

Financial Accountability and Freedom of Information

United Learning