Workshops
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Overview
We know how different life can be for different women. Whether you’re currently juggling an endless list of responsibilities, needing to do something just for yourself, looking to learn a new skill, or simply wanting to be part of a group of like-minded women, that’s we offer different workshops to suit a range of life-stages, interests and commitments.
If you work full-time, our evening or weekend workshops will probably suit you. If you’re a MUM (Multi-skilled Unpaid Miracle worker) or a lucky retiree, maybe our weekday workshops will be better.
Either way, not only do we have small group sizes to create the space for personal interactions and support between both instructors and attendees, our pace of instruction and support aims to give everyone the confidence needed to use a wide range of woodworking hand-tools, power-tools and machinery to make, create, fix and repair.
Wellington Region: Trial Workshops in Ōtaki
We’re excited to share that WomenzShed is trialling in-person workshops in the Wellington region, with sessions currently running in Ōtaki.
This pilot is an important step in expanding access to women-focused woodworking education beyond Auckland. Places are limited while we test this new location.
If you’re based in Wellington or nearby, this is your chance to:
- Attend a WomenzShed workshop in person
- Build practical woodworking skills
- Support the expansion of our programme into new regions
Testimonials
I found this course absolutely brilliant. I have always been interested in carpentry, but had no idea how to go about it, or which tools to use when. I have gained so much knowledge in just 5 weeks, and given me confidence to give things a go. Being able to use all the different machines and tools was fantastic, and the tutors were brilliant in starting from basics for us. Thanks so much Nikki and the team, this is the best thing I have done in years.
Anonymous
Workshop attendee
Can't speak highly enough of how great Nikki was and the content of the course. Wish there were more of these across Aotearoa!
Anonymous
Workshop attendee
I bought tools with the intention of having my dad teach me how to use them but he passed away before we had the opportunity. I was looking around at courses I could take and when I saw there was a women's course it just was perfect.
Anonymous
Workshop attendee
Nikki was an excellent teacher. I liked the class size. I'm coming back for Practice and Progress [now called Building 'Shelf-Esteem'] as soon as I can! Thank you Nikki and all involved. I'm telling lots of people about this opportunity you have created.
Anonymous
Workshop attendee
I have completed the introduction session in 2022. It is definitely the best workshop I have ever had. It helped me to be more confident with basic tools and also intrigues me to learn more about woodworking. Although I made a lot of mistakes during the processes, the face-to-face learning experience is so rewarding (many skills and details that you couldn't get from "Youtube University"!) Nikki is a very good teacher. She is very patient and supportive, giving a lot of detailed instructions that a brand-new beginner needs to know. I will recommend womenzshed to all my friends who want to make something by themselves. BTW I've already booked the next advanced session in 2023 although it would take me one hour driving from Hamilton. Looking forward to meeting all the SHEddies again!
Anonymous
Workshop attendee
Being so supported by Nikki and the other women in the workshop is what I enjoyed the most. That made me feel so confident and we all stepped up to the new challenges. And making something for the Urban Ark, so there was a useful purpose.
Anonymous
Workshop attendee
The level and style of instruction - a really lovely way of teaching - it was detailed enough, and covered what it needed to in a short enough time that we could stay focused. The repetition was great so that I could get comfortable with tools that scared me. It was clever to give us basic wood to work with so that we could relax about trying things out. I appreciated that we were encouraged to take things apart and reassemble them, ie tools and changing out blades etc and trying new hand tools. Having a teacher and support teacher was great too.
Louise
Workshop attendee
I thoroughly enjoyed working with the facilitators and learned so much about correct use of tools. Now I understand grinders, routers and the different saws. Many useful measuring tips, etc, along the way. I can now sharpen my plane blades correctly and set the blade on the skill saw. All hit and miss before. Thank you for a fun, valuable course. Look forward to further courses.
Annie
Workshop attendee
This workshop delivered everything I hoped for, thanks to the energetic, supportive, fun and knowledgeable crew. It was delivered in a very down to earth way, with something for everyone. The small group learning was a perfect way to pick up skills and get to know people. I left every session smiling!
Justine
Workshop attendee