Full time Furniture Maker's Course

Dates:
24 January – 2 December 2011
Fees:
$28480 GST included
Non refundable deposit: $6300
These amounts apply only if the full time course is paid in full by 1 January 2011. Prerequisite: None – full time course application is considered on an individual basis

Over a period of ten months this highly intensive and exciting programme gives students the opportunity to complete the Centre for Fine Woodworking's Full time Furniture Maker's Course for a fully comprehensive experience in fine woodworking and furniture making. Outlined below is a full break down of the course content:

The full time course explores each area of development thoroughly and in a logical sequence. As the course progresses and more skills and experience are acquired, the student is able to combine and integrate techniques to create their own individual design and style.

As the full time programme is not NZQA accredited it does not offer a formal qualification; we are judged on the quality of our students' designs, their craftsmanship and artistry illustrated in their graduation portfolio. The student to tutor ratio is very low, maximising the amount of time spent in the workshop creating furniture. The quality and reputation of this course is now recognised internationally.

Unlike many other woodworking schools, the full time course is accessible to absolute beginners as they have full access to the school's workshop and facilities. There is no prerequisite skills or experience to enrolling in the full time course and application is considered on an individual basis.

Initially, students are given the use of a tool kit with the expectation that during the first few months they purchase, make and acquire their own hand tools. We envisage that the additional cost of tools would be approximately $2000 for some new and second hand refurbished tools. When comparing our costs to other schools, where you normally have to bring your own toolkit, it should be taken into consideration that a number of our courses have a set project in which the standard material costs are included. It is only in the open-brief courses where students have the freedom to design, develop and create their own projects, that material costs are additional. The course outline above endeavours to make this as transparent as possible so that you can gain an overall sense of the time, costs and commitment required to complete this course.

Full Time Course Application Process
Although we are committed to an open entry policy, we do give priority to students who commit to the complete full time furniture maker's programme. We are, at times, oversubscribed in the number of applications for the full time programme and request your application includes a statement explaining what draws you to fine woodworking, what you imagine you will achieve whilst here, and what your aspirations are for the future. However, if you are considering only attending individual components of the furniture maker's course, we will try to accommodate your needs wherever possible. Our office staff will work with you on a case–by –case basis – so if you cannot commit to the full time course, please tell us your requirements and we will try to work out an arrangement that is mutually beneficial.

We also realise that there is the additional cost of accommodation whilst attending the course, and again we are happy to work with you in finding somewhere to stay which suits your budget whilst here in Nelson.

Please note that during the courses classes are generally held as normal on public holidays.