SSERC offers one-day woodturning course for educators Feb 25 or 26, 2026

SSERC will offer a one-day woodturning course for educators on Feb 25 or Feb 26, 2026, designed to develop practical knowledge of lathe functions, machining operations and the safe use of wood-turning machines. The professional learning calendar listing was published on Feb 6, 2026, and the session targets teaching staff looking to expand practical woodworking in schools.

The course focuses on core machine skills that matter in a classroom setting: how lathes operate, common machining processes and the safety practices needed to run wood-turning activities. For Design and Technology teachers and technicians, those elements form the baseline for planning supervised pupil sessions, matching equipment to age and ability, and setting up risk-minimised demonstrations and projects.

SSERC frames the day as professional learning rather than a hobby clinic, with an emphasis on workplace-style competence that can be translated into school workshops. That practical orientation makes the course relevant for schools updating their workshop provision, community education centres that run junior clubs, and departments seeking formal CPD for staff who will manage turning activities.

The listing gives two date options, so departments with tight timetables can choose the day that fits their CPD calendar. Being a one-day format, the course aims to concentrate essential theory and hands-on demonstration so staff can return to their classrooms with clear next steps for introducing lathe work. The content scope - lathe functions, machining operations and safe machine use - also supports the documentation schools need for training records and health and safety files.

To take part, check SSERC's professional learning calendar for registration details and available places. Schools should factor transport, release time and workshop access into plans if they intend to follow the training with in-school sessions. Technical staff who attend can act as the in-house resource for colleagues and help with equipment checks, consumables planning and lesson sequencing.

For teachers and technicians who want to bring turning back into the curriculum or start a new club, the course offers a concentrated, practical step towards safer, better-informed practice. Reserve a place via the SSERC listing soon to secure one of the Feb 25 or Feb 26 sessions and make this turning point count for your workshop program.