Based in the suburb of Belmont, David Howlett’s Perth Wood School is a hive of activity, day and night.
Long-term and ongoing students visit during the day to make the most of a fully equipped workshop that comes with the added benefit of technical assistance and guidance. Others acquire knowledge and confidence by attending beginner courses that range from building boxes, tables and more through to workshops that focus on hand or power tool usage techniques.
On top of that, workshops led by local and international master craftspeople round out what is a diverse and tasty mix of educational opportunities for woodworkers of all skill levels. More than that, the school is a community unto itself, as students enjoy getting to know others with the same interest.
After completing a degree in Design & Technology at Curtin University, owner/manager David Howlett taught in high schools for 13 years before establishing his own school around nine years ago. ‘At first we had a smaller space’, David said, ‘but we had to move as things got busy pretty quickly’.
‘I still love teaching’, says David, who along with Workshop Manager Tracy Laird, a graduate of the Australian School of Fine Wood, delivers most of the workshop content. Even so, David still spends at least a third of his time completing custom furniture orders for private and corporate clients.
Introductory woodwork courses are popular and there are generally three scheduled per month. These are limited to eight students per group. ‘After this’, David said, ‘most return to do other courses or embark on a personal project’.
For more information see www.perthwoodschool.com.au or phone (08) 9277 5558