The teams at Axminster Tools are built from industry professionals, craftspeople and passionate woodworkers. We work hard to ensure their knowledge is freely accessible - and now, we want to take that one step further. We're offering an exciting opportunity for one aspiring woodworker to come and spend the day with our tutors.
Receiving a place on the Skills Development Programme in 2023 was Kam Longia from Gloucestershire. A few years ago, Kam took the plunge and left a corporate high flying career behind, to pursue a passion for woodwork.
He went on to join the Nailsworth Community Workshop, a not for profit organisation and community space for all that, that offers affordable, community led craft workshops.
Discover Kam's story and hear all about his experience with our tutors at Axminster Tools HQ in this video.
The programme will be tailored to the individual, depending on which skills they wish to focus on. Our team of woodworking tutors will work with the winner to come up with a day long course that could cover one in-depth skill or a combined session covering a range of woodworking skills.
The skills development programme will take place at the Axminster Tools headquarters, in our designated workshops kitted out with all the very best tools and the latest machinery. Axminster is a small, Devon market town, not far from the picturesque coastal towns of Lyme Regis and Sidmouth. We will cover the cost of accommodation for anyone who has to travel for more than two hours.
Colwin has been a woodturning tutor with Axminster Tools since 1998 and a professional turner for over 30 years. His interest in woodturning started at school where he first had the chance to use a lathe and he has been turning ever since.
Jason was introduced to woodturning at the age of 12. By 15 he attended a woodturning course with Cecil Jordan where he discovered the art of turning a wooden box. He pursued his interest in woodwork and gained a BA (Hons) degree in Furniture Design & Management. He worked for several years making furniture and bespoke kitchens, allowing him to hone and develop his skills.
Ben's eye for all things creative is second to none. He's never happier than when he's demonstrating and encouraging people to unlock their own creativity. Known for his pyrography, carving and pen turning skills in particular, Ben has a vast knowledge of all things woodwork.
PLEASE NOTE: We are not currently taking applications for the programme - please check regularly on our social media channels for announcements relating to the launch of the next round of applications.
Criteria: There are no restrictions, however, applicants will need to describe how attending the programme will benefit their future woodworking career or support their existing career.
To help us get to know you we would like you to submit a short video application, no longer than five minutes. Tell us your name, your age, when you became interested in woodworking, what experience you have and how the Axminster Tools Development Programme will support your woodworking career. We would also love to see some examples of your work if you have any and hear if there are any skills, in particular, you wish to work on.
If you are unable to record a video you may submit a written application. Please answer the same questions above and include relevant supporting materials e.g. images. Applications for the Skills Development Programme close on 7th July 2023 and the first programme will take place in the summer/autumn of 2023.
Alongside the Skills Development Programme and as part of our commitment to supporting woodworking communities, we're also launching a brand new £2,000 Axminster Tools Community Grant.
