Post-Highschool Education?

**wabbit** · 02-23-2011, 06:54 PM

Hi all--

I am a woodworker in highschool, and I'm very passionate about designing and building furniture. I've won a few awards so far, and have done three years of highschool level classes, and right now, I'm working on an apprenticeship doing cabinet making. However, I'm unsure where to go next! I was wondering if anybody could tell me how they got into professional woodworking, if there are any schools (university, college, or otherwise) that I should be considering right now. Location isn't really an issue, as I'm not committed to staying anywhere right now. Any suggestions, help, or advice would be greatly appreciated! A lot of the men I've talked to don't seem to think that a young lady such as myself should be going into such a "rough trade," and so won't give me much advice.

I have no intention of letting myself be disuaded by ignorant old men, but I realise that I'm still young, and I need as much advice as possible!

Thanks!

**jtakes** · 02-24-2011, 04:08 PM

Wabbit,
You may want to take a look at the "schools" page of the Woodworker's Journal eZine: http://www.woodworkersjournal.com/Ez...c/Schools.aspx
While many of the schools listed provide workshop-length classes for people who are already launched in their careers (whether that be as woodworkers or something else - in which case, they may be doing woodworking as a hobby), there are also some colleges/universities/schools that provide post-secondary education of the type you're looking for. I'm sure they would be happy to provide a potential student information about their programs.
-- Joanna Takes
moderator, Women in Woodworking.com/senior editor, Woodworker's Journal

**wabbit** · 02-24-2011, 06:47 PM

Thanks so much, Joanna! I'll take a look at the schools, and see what I can find! (:

**JMOHNIKE** · 02-25-2011, 10:21 AM

As an ignorant old man, it sounds to me as if you have are off to a good start. I do know that women are better than men in some areas, when it comes to woodworking.
When it comes to working on the lathe and finising, women are better at it due to a better sense of feel, the finishes are much smoother and clearer.
I kind of relate woodworking to music. I have taught my sons how to play the drums, but only the basics. I teach the basics and let them develope their own style. Both of them would hear a drummer, and say they wanted to play just like them. I told them to develope their own style, then everyone would want play like them. Just keep learning from others take what you want, and leave the rest. Don't be afraid of making a misstake. Being afraid will only hinder the development of skills and style.
Go for it girl........It's your world, take advantage of it.

Good Luck
Joe M.

**Tom** · 02-25-2011, 05:07 PM

From another ignorant old fellow, been around wood for over 62 years, also teaching for 30 of those years. Established a cabinet making business, employed a young lady at the start of her appreniceship and also at the tail end of it. (She did very well) In that time I developed New routing Techniques that introduces Greater Safety awareness with the use of the router, material that all good instructors should take notice off, so fire away, what do you wish to know? Unfortunately there are a great number of people out there who do not want to take up the challenge and learn these new routing techniques. "Keep doing what you have been doing for years and you will still produce the same old projects" I have seen that quote around many times. Just as a matter of interest I returned to teaching at the grand old age of 73 teaching 'Blind' people woodwork and the only tool I asked them to use was the router, yes the router and in some instances they were totally blind. Sample of what one member of the class produced Jim had 10% vision in one eye.
I have submitted many of the processes I demonstrated over the years at the various woodshows in Australia on YouTube routing with Tom O'Donnell

**Pkorn** · 03-03-2011, 11:24 AM

I am writing from the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship. I just saw your post and wanted to suggest that you look at our website.[URL="http://www.woodschool.org"]
I would recommend a workshop or perhaps the Twelve-week Intensive program at our school. I would be happy to send you a catalog if you are interested in learning more about what we have to offer. I definitely encourage you to keep woodworking! Sincerely, Dorrie Higbee, Student Services Coordinator

**mrsladycrane** · 03-20-2011, 04:52 AM

I can tell you from personal experience that the head design professor in Appalachain State University's Art Department (in the mountains of NC) is an excellent woodworker. His name is Richard. You can contact him for more information on the direction their department is taking. He might also know of some other programs, if that one does not appeal to you.