From the basics of learning how to use a layout square to building fine furniture, the Woodworking student will be instructed in bringing wood to life in all of their creations. Special emphasis will be placed on reclaimed and sustainable wood sources to ensure students learn viable practices that protect Belize’s natural resources.

Openings: 20 students
Duration: 4 semesters
Requirements: English verbal and writing skills, basic math skills
Skills taught:

• measurements and angles
• tool safety and usage
• wood identification and qualities
• joinery techniques
• parquet
• intaglia (intricate carving)
• inlay
• laminate
• finishes and care

Semester 1
First semester students will learn to safely use woodworking tools to saw, shape, sand, and join wood into boxes, clocks, and small items for the tourist trade. Students will also explore potential sources for reclaiming wood to use in their creations.

Semester 2
By the second semester, this hands-on, apprenticeship type of instruction will lead the student into parquet (gluing little pieces into patterns which fit together in geometric shapes); inlay (gluing a pattern into a space cut in another wood piece so the two are evenly leveled); laminate (joining wood together in layers for strength or beauty) and wood carving.

Semester 3
Our third semester student will begin using the aforementioned skills in the construction of large furniture applications. Students will be working in groups on projects such as bed frames, upholstered chairs and sofas, executive desks, conference tables, and cabinets. The emphasis now will shift to wood selection, design, fine finishing skills, and attention to detail. The student will also be taught to draw plans with exact measurements so the piece may be replicated.

Semester 4
The last semester, the shop master and guest artists will demonstrate techniques to incorporate cloth, leather, stone, metal, and glass, in producing unique products and designs. At this point, our nearly graduated wood artists will design and produce one “masterpiece” utilizing the skills gleaned from Way Too Cool’s Woodworking Program of study.