Member Training Workshops

AWGB members can apply for a workshop which has been pre-arranged or to request a workshop on a specific subject. We try to offer a varied programme but if a topic is suggested and there is enough interest in a region then the Association will try to organise a suitable workshop.

Workshops are usually presented by professional woodturners. There will be no fixed charge but members are encouraged to make a voluntary donation to the development fund which goes towards putting on more workshops.

Every AWGB member may apply for training, and every effort is made to accommodate your requirements within the budget available.

Course Title	Venue	Date	Trainer	Candidates Skill Level	Number of Candidates
Colouring with Spirit Stains	Staffordshire	27th January 2026	Robert Till	Intermeadiate	2
Routing on the Lathe	Camarthenshire	23rd February 2026	John Blake	Intermeadiate	2
Taming the Skew	Dorset	10th March 2026	Colwin Way	All Levels	4
Thread Chasing	Simon Hope workshop Essex	8th of April 2026	Simon Hope	Advanced	4
Improving Tool Control and Finishing Cuts	Scotland	25th April 2026	Darren Crisp	Beginers/Intermeadiate	4
Embelishing with Colour	Turners Retreat	19th May 2026	Mick Hanbury	intermeadiate	4
Womens Beginers Day	West Berkshire	12th June 2026	Liz Pearson	Beginers	4
Pen Turning	Yorkshire	24th June 2026	Dan Smith	All Levels	3
Textures with Power	Lancashire	27th July 2026	Chris Parker	All Levels	4
Thin Wall Turning/Piercing	Turners Retreat	7th August 2026	Mick Hanbury	Intermediate/advanced	4
Basic Beginners colouring	Simon Hope workshop Essex	7th September 2026	Stewart Furini	Beginners	4
Basic Hollow Forms	Croesy ceiliog	17th October 2026	Nigel Miles	Intermediate	4
Taming the Skew	Dorset	3rd November 2026	Colwin Way	All Levels	4
Colouring with Spirit Stains	Staffordshire	2nd December 2026	Robert Till	Intermediate	2

Application
To apply please complete the ‘Training Workshop Application‘ Web Form or alternatively click here to get an application form and send it by post to the co-ordinator address shown on the form.

Guidelines for skill level
Gauging experience or skill level is difficult to quantify. Someone who one has turned twice per week for a year will have much more experience than someone who has turned once per month for a year. In both cases they could say that they have one year’s experience. When gauging your own experience, use the below as a guideline to see where you fall within the respective skill level of the target skill of the workshop, and adjust as appropriate. This will help you make sure you get the most from the courses.

Basic
People in this category are familiar with the six main tools and have undertaken a few projects. They understand how the lathe works and can work safely in the workshop. They turn a few times per month and have done so for 0-2 years.

Intermediate
Intermediate turners typically display a broader array of skills and understanding of the difference facets of woodturning. They have developed their techniques with the tools and produce consistent and repeatable work. They may have had some experience demonstrating or teaching newer members, but are still working on new techniques and more difficult projects. They turn regularly and have done so for 3-5 years.

Advanced
People who may identify as experienced are those whose work is often lauded. They are seen as a ‘go to’ person and someone who produces work that is regularly in podium positions for competitions. They may regularly demonstrate and mentor intermediate turners. They are confident with their techniques, and may use other art forms as inspiration for new techniques. These people are ready to be taught new techniques that demand the highest of coordination and skill to execute well. When they are not turning they are thinking about turning and typically have over 5 years’ experience.

For more information contact:  development@awgb.co.uk