Professional Services

Power Tool Training: Promote Safety and Improve Skills

Working with power tools and machinery is a vital skill across many industries, from construction and cabinetry to education and the arts.  Regardless of your role, safety should be a top priority.

Our practical, hands-on training programmes, open to participants of all genders, equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to use common hand-tools, power tools and machinery safely and effectively.  Tailored to suit different roles and experience levels, training combines practical skill development with industry best-practice safety principles.

Whether you are an educator responsible for supervising learners or an apprentice developing your trade skills, our training helps build safe habits, improve competence, and create safer working environments.

Educators & Technicians

Woodwork in Educational Environments.

Training Overview

Our training programme supports new or the ongoing professional development of educators and technicians responsible for woodworking classrooms and workshops. It is designed to build confidence, strengthen safety practices, and provide skills that can be directly applied in an educational setting.

We equip participants with the technical knowledge and teaching strategies needed to safely supervise students, demonstrate tool use, and maintain an effective workshop environment.

What You’ll Learn

Part I: Safe Tool Operation & Supervision

Gain a solid understanding of how to safely use and supervise a wide range of common woodworking tools. This includes recognising tool-specific risks and learning how to communicate these hazards clearly and effectively to students.

  • Hand & Power Tools: Proper handling, grip, and control to ensure safe and effective use
  • Table Saws & Mitre Saws: Safe blade adjustment, correct cutting techniques, and kickback prevention
  • PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): What to use, when to use it, and how to enforce good habits
  • Tool Safety Checks: What to look for to ensure equipment is in good working order
  • Workshop Management: Organising workspaces and promoting a culture of safety and responsibility.
Part II: Workshop Safety Systems & Operational Controls

This part focuses on the practical systems required to safely operate and maintain a woodworking environment where tools and machinery are regularly used.

We cover:

  • Workshop Signage & Safety Communication: Clear visual systems for PPE, hazards, and operating rules
  • Equipment Registers & Inventory Systems: Tracking machines, tools, and accessories in use
  • Pre-Use Safety Check Systems: Repeatable routines for checking equipment before operation
  • Tagging & Fault Reporting Systems: Identifying, isolating, and documenting unsafe or damaged equipment
  • Electrical Safety Awareness: Understanding PAT testing requirements and responsibilities for workshop equipment
  • Tool Storage & Return Systems: Ensuring equipment is stored correctly and accounted for after use

Training Approach

We believe the most effective training is tailored to your needs.  Wherever possible, we begin by spending time with the educator or technician to understand their workshop, experience level, and specific challenges.  From there, we deliver targeted training that is practical, relevant, and immediately useful.

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Apprentices & Pre-Trades Learners

Trades Safety and Skills Training

Training Overview

Whether you are starting an apprenticeship, undertaking pre-trades training, or looking to build confidence using tools and machinery, our training is tailored to your experience level, goals, and areas for development. Skills are practical and can be applied immediately on site or in the workplace.

We focus on developing safe work habits, technical capability, and practical problem-solving skills to help apprentices become confident, competent, and safety-conscious tradespeople.

What You’ll Learn

Part I: Safe Tool Operation & Workplace Safety

Learn how to safely use a range of common woodworking tools and machinery while developing an understanding of workplace health and safety expectations.

  • Table Saws, Mitre Saws & Circular Saws: Safe setup, cutting techniques, and kickback prevention
  • Hand & Power Tools: Correct handling, operation, and maintenance
  • PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Understanding requirements and developing safe habits
  • Tool Safety Checks: Identifying faults and ensuring equipment is safe to use
  • Workplace Safety: Hazard awareness, risk management, and safe work practices
Part II: Fundamental Woodworking Skills

Develop core skills needed to work accurately, safely, and efficiently in a trade environment including:

  • Measuring and marking out accurately: using reliable methods to reduce errors and rework on site
  • Selecting the right tools for the task: understanding efficiency, suitability, and safe use in real work conditions
  • Working with timber and sheet materials: recognising how different materials behave and how this affects cutting and assembly
  • Improving accuracy and workmanship: developing repeatable techniques that produce consistent, professional results

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Pricing

All training includes a short consultation prior to delivery to understand your goals, experience level, and the tools or environment involved. This ensures each session is practical, relevant, and tailored to your needs.

Schools & Education Providers

One-on-One Training
$140 per hour (minimum 2 hours)
Individualised professional development focused on safe tool use, supervision, and effective workshop practices.

Group Training (up to 4 participants)
$180 per hour (total session rate)
Practical, hands-on training for small teams, supporting shared skill development and consistent safety practices.

Private Industry (Apprentices & Employers)

One-on-One Training
$180 per hour (minimum 2 hours)

Group Training (up to 4 participants)
$240 per hour (total session rate)

Materials

Standard consumable materials are included. Where training involves higher material use or project-based work, materials requirements will be confirmed during consultation and may incur an additional charge.

Location

Training is normally delivered at the WomenzShed workshop in Henderson, Auckland. On-site training at schools may be available by arrangement. Travel time and mileage may be charged for off-site delivery.