Woodwork and DIY courses
Leeds Wood Recycling runs a range of classes for adults. We have three levels, so people can build their skills and confidence. Get those jobs and projects at home finished, by developing confidence in your own woodworking ability!
Our DIY Basics – Understanding home electrics
This one-day, theory-based workshop is designed to introduce you to the first principles of DIY electrics. You’ll learn how to demystify domestic electrical theory, understand basic ‘like for like’ replacements such as switches and socket plates, and gain a clearer understanding of how your home’s electrical systems work. While this course does not provide certification or authorisation for electrical work, it equips you with essential knowledge, tools, and safety guidance to help you make informed decisions and stay within legal DIY limits.
Introduction to Woodwork – Hand Tools Level 1
For absolute beginners – Have a go at using the tools that are commonly lying around the house that you have no idea how to use!
The course is a mixture of theory and practical learning. You will learn how to use a range of hand tools that can commonly be found in your home and learn to identify the most suitable woods for a project.
Participants will gain an understanding of all the basic terms & techniques required. You will create a small project to put into practice the skills you will learn.
Cutting – How to use a handsaw
Measuring and marking
Identifying Woods
Screws – how to choose the right screw for the job
Drilling – How to use a drill and the appropriate drill bits
Finishing and sanding
Introduction to DIY – Using wall fixings How to put up a shelf and more!
This course is the beginners guide to putting things like shelves on walls. You will learn to identify different kinds of walls and learn how to use the correct fixtures on them. This will include learning about hammer drills, masonry bits, rawl plugs and plasterboard fixtures. There will also be a discussion about avoiding cables and pipes. The course will end with using a spirit level to fit a shelf.
Introduction to Woodwork: Hand Tools Level 2
A one day course developing the skills you have learned from our ‘Introduction to Woodwork – Hand Tools 1’ course, as well as expanding tool knowledge and skills.
The course is designed to build on the skills and techniques you have learnt in our Introduction to Woodwork – Hand Tools 1 course. Please make sure you have completed our Hand Tools 1 course as we like to ensure everybody is at a similar skill level. We do this to make sure all participants get the most out of the day and can learn as much as possible.
Our story
In 2019 – 2020 we worked with Leeds Community Foundation to run a series of basic woodwork courses to help combat isolation and loneliness in Leeds. The courses took many forms. When the pandemic first hit, we diversified to the online world – delivering timber and tool boxes to peoples’ doors so that they could participate via zoom! Also, working in partnership with Slunglow – “The Holbeck” we delivered courses via Livestream.
What we learned was that there is a need for social, accessible basic woodwork classes, so we decided to set up a programme of work for people, designed to teach absolute beginners the fundamental skills, techniques & principles of woodworking.
The Courses
We welcome participants with no experience! Courses are largely project led, and are designed to teach you how to use the hand tools and tools most commonly found around the house, but using wood waste that would otherwise go to landfill. New courses are being created all the time, so get in touch! Let us know what you want to learn, or what you think you could teach! We love new ideas!
Our social Aims
We offer up to 2 free places per course as a thank you to our long-term volunteers and members of staff, who make up over 50% of our running workforce. We believe in investing in people. Growing and sharing skills empowers people who are marginalised from the job training market by giving free experience and training, helping to make positive changes in peoples’ lives.
So, it’s good to know that by enrolling on a course with us, you will be welcomed into a friendly learning environment while supporting your local community!
We promise to continue diverting wood waste from landfill and continue to support marginalised individuals creating a supportive community.
For more information on our courses contact courses@leedswood.co.uk
LWR TERMS AND CONDITIONS COURSES
“The course was excellent, it’s the third course I’ve done with you guys now… I actively recommend your courses to people I have talked to since, they have completely transformed my woodworking and DIY experiences!”
