Details of the youth training programme

Details of the members development programme

Details of the demonstrator training programme

Training

The AWGB offers training programmes in three specific areas.

 Member Training

 Demonstrator Training

 Youth Training

Member Training Programme

Programme Aims – To develop and offer a varied training programme that will be accessible to the membership.

Programme Objectives – To arrange training days by professional woodturners at venues throughout  the regions. Develop a varied programme to include specialist subjects from foundation to advanced.  Training Workshops with professional woodturners specialising in a particular subject area, are arranged at venues throughout the country, at either the professional’s premises, or at a venue hosted by a branch or other suitable premises. The events are advertised on the AWGB website and in Revolutions, members are invited to apply for one of four to six places per tutor at each event. In addition to the organised workshops, members have a choice of making an application for a particular technique, and that could be with a nominated professional turner. The application will form the basis of a ‘Member Training Workshop’ that would be advertised to enable other members to apply for places. Workshops are offered on a ‘no charge’ basis, with perhaps the participants making a voluntary donation to the development fund. Workshops are spread as evenly as possible across the regions; however demand, and finding a suitable venue in some areas, may have an influence on where the workshops are to be held. It is important that the membership is aware that every member may apply for training, and that every effort will be made to accommodate their requirements within the funding budget available.

Demonstrator Training Programme

Programme Aims - To provide a consistent training programme that will encourage competent turners to present effective demonstrations at their clubs, and local shows, with the aim of promoting the craft of woodturning.

Programme Objective – To make available a training programme that is accessible to the membership. To develop and improve the communication and presentation skills of the participating candidates.

Youth Training Programme

Programme Aims – To give young people who are under 19 on January 1st of the membership year the opportunity to experience training in woodturning.

Programme Objectives – To arrange training events at venues throughout the country. To develop a programme to include health and safety, basic techniques and continued development. The AWGB Development Fund and the Worshipful Company of Turners (WCT) sponsor the Youth Training Programme.

Youngsters attending a Youth Training event will receive free junior membership to the AWGB up to and including the age of eighteen. Training workshops are held at either a professional turner’s workshop, or at a venue arranged by a club. The number of students at each event varies, but there is a maximum of two students to each trainer giving tuition.

Application forms for the training programmes are available on the website or from the Training & Development Officer, whose contact details are published in Revolutions

Development

In addition to the training programmes there also three categories of grant available to members.

 Subscription Grants

 Equipment Grants

 Seminar Bursaries

Subscription Grants

It is appreciated that many people are attracted to the possibility of venturing into the world of woodturning. However, they would welcome the opportunity of joining the AWGB to find out more about woodturning before making any further commitment. In such cases the AWGB is prepared to assist. A grant at this level would ideally be focused on those fairly new to woodturning and in particular to younger applicants. Entry would be subject to the approval of the Executive Committee following consideration of a written application. The successful applicant would be supported by a one year’s subscription to the AWGB. Continuation of support will be reviewed on a yearly basis and any recipient should provide the Executive Committee with a brief statement outlining their experience throughout the year, and should indicate whether they  are sufficiently interested to continue such involvement. Many branches operate a similar scheme where they offer a year’s free subscription to any member who has been granted the AWGB membership grant.

Equipment Grants

Clearly it is in the interest of the Association that the Executive Committee supports members and assists in the development of their skills. On establishing a positive interest in woodturning those moving forward are invariably aced with some capital expenditure. This may be prior to any real opportunity to explore different techniques and settling in their own minds how far they wish to take their first impressions of the world of woodturning. The Executive Committee have made provision for the loan of lathes and tools for deserving members of the AWGB. Grant of a loan facility would be subject to the approval of the Executive Committee. A written application should outline the interests, experience and particular needs of the individual. The recipient would be expected to provide to the Executive Committee an indication of the progress made subsequent to the provision of the grant. Each loan would be reviewed at yearly intervals and renewal would be based on a clear indication of the value of continuing support.

Seminar Bursaries

Attendance at the AWGB Seminar is of considerable benefit to those wishing to further develop their woodturning  skills. The Seminar provides a unique opportunity to meet a wide range of professional woodturners and to learn more about specific techniques. Equally important is the facility to hear more about the National Association and establish links with the wider woodturning community. Applications would be supported by a written brief outlining the members experience to date (a minimum of 2 years), future interests and the value perceived in attending the Seminar. Those receiving a Seminar Scholarship would be encouraged to report on their time at the event for publication in Revolutions or alternatively in a recognised woodturning publication.

Members wishing to take advantage of any of these schemes should contact either the Training & Development Officer or their Regional Representative. All contact details will be found in Revolutions.