Traditional trade skills, craft skills, hands-on skills.

Skills are listed alphabetically along with training and workshops opportunities.

The courses listed below are suggestions only for conservation skills development. The AICCM does not have any financial or other interests in any of these courses. The Education and Training Committee strongly recommends that you undertake personal research into these courses.

Please check this page regularly as more information is made available regarding the skills listed below.

If you know of any workshops or classes in traditional trade skills that may be of interest to other members, please contact the Education and Training Committee via AICCM or add them to the list below.

Some courses may be temporarily unavailable due to Covid.

 

Skills Training Opportunities
Audio visual

(Although not a traditional trade skill, the courses shown here may be of interest

 

Northeast Document Conservation Centre

An online course organised by the Northeast Document Conservation Centre, covering the core topics in caring for and reformatting audio-visual collections. This course prepares participants to be effective collections stewards for audio-visual materials. Contact: info@nedcc.org

This organisation also runs online courses in Digital Preservation and Photograph Preservation and has a large variety of online webinars.

https://www.nedcc.org/preservation-training/fundamentals-of-av-preservation or

https://www.iasa-web.org/category/tags/iasa-organisation/iasa-committee/training

 

 

Graduate Certificate in Audio Visual Archiving through Charles Sturt University. The only online degree preparing you to work across audio visual professions. https://study.csu.edu.au/courses/library-information-studies/graduate-certificate-audiovisual-archiving

 

Book repairs/book making  

Book Conservation Bindery-Adelaide

A selection of fundamental and advanced book and paper conservation workshops held at the Book Conservation Bindery in Adelaide. For further details contact Karen Vidler at bcsbindery@gmail.com or go to http://www.bookconservationservices.com/services/training

 

ALIA

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) occasionally runs Conservation and Bookbinding courses. Check the website below for upcoming events.

https://www.alia.org.au/events

 

Sydney Community College-Bookbinding for Beginners

The intention of this course is to re-introduce you to the ancient craft of hand bookbinding. This course is the official introductory course of the NSW Guild of Craft Bookbinders. It is held at the Guild’s professionally equipped Ralph Lewis Bindery in Garry Owen House, Writing NSW, Callan Park, Rozelle. For further information see https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/course/BBFB#view-classes

 

RMIT University Melbourne-Bookbinding Introduction

Learn traditional Eastern and Western bookbinding methods. Undertake practical exercises guided by an experienced teacher to complete a minimum of three hand bound books. You will complete progressive hands-on projects of increasing difficulty. Tools and equipment in the bindery are available to use as needed for projects.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/study-with-us/short-courses/courses/s320176-bookbinding-introduction#overview

 

 

Box making Stay Tuned!
Ceramics  

Ceramics Courses at TAFE Western Australia North Metropolitan

A selection of ceramics courses available for different skill levels.

https://www.northmetrotafe.wa.edu.au/courses/industries/creative-industries/visual-arts

 

TAFE in all major cities offer a variety of ceramics courses.

Clock/watch making/repairs  

TAFE NSW Clock making/repairing courses

Currently the only clock and watch making course available in Australia is in NSW at the TAFE Ultimo campus. https://www.tafensw.edu.au/course/-/c/c/MEM31010-01/Certificate-III-in-Watch-and-Clock-Service-and-Repair

Watch and Clock Makers of Australia

https://wca.tidyhq.com/public/contact_us

Australian Antiquarian Horological Society

https://aahs.org.au/

Master Clock and Watch Makers of WA Inc.

http://www.wcawa.org.au/

 

Dress making Stay Tunes!
Frame making/Picture Framing  

Picture framing essentials

https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/course/PTFE

This two-day workshop is a comprehensive introduction to the world of picture framing. Whether you are looking to work in the framing industry or plan to make frames at home, this course will expose you to all the information, resources and suppliers you need to pursue your framing goals.

 

Framing Classes and Framing Courses in Melbourne at

Framed By You (03) 9742 7772

http://www.framedbyyou.com.au-classes/

“Framed By You has been providing DIY framing courses for beginners and enthusiasts for over 20 years. The focus of our Framing Class is to provide our students with the fundamental skills and knowledge required to do your own framing.”

 

The Framing School

http://www.theframingschool.com.au/default.aspx

Phone   0488 988 044
Email  June@theframingschool.com.au

The objective of the courses held at The Framing School is to cover the technical, practical and creative aspects of professional framing. This is achieved through gaining a thorough understanding of the theory behind successful framing practices as well as undertaking a variety of hands-on projects to demonstrate the necessary techniques.

The curriculum also offers specialised topics which embrace technological advances in the framing industry, with courses in computerised mat cutting, visualisation software, digital imaging and fine art printing.

Certificate III in Picture Framing

https://www.rta.edu.au/picture-framing

This qualification provides a trade outcome in Picture Framing. It has core unit requirements that cover common skills for the Furniture Making industry, as well as specialist field of work.

 

Furniture making/repairs Stay tuned!
Gilding  

Art Guilding Australia

http://www.artguilding.com.au

Offering a range of gold and silver gilding courses from beginners to advanced.

99-101 Buckingham Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010

Tel: 0293103007

 

Gilding Workshop at Sydney Community College

https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/class/gilding.workshop.class-5

“…This shiny, fun and informative course will introduce you to the basic skills you need to use contemporary gilding in your art or decorative art projects. Learn how to apply copper, silver and Dutch gold leaf, using different techniques and finishes….”

 

Glass blowing  

Glass Blowing Courses

Mobile Hot Glass

https://www.mobilehotglass.com/workshops

Single and Group Workshops-Brisbane

These workshops are for people living or visiting South East Queensland who would like to learn & do furnace glassblowing. The studio will accommodate 3 students/day or 4 team working glassblowers per day, so at least 6 people for a weekend of fun glass firing. There are two classes-one for beginners and one for studio glass blowing. Classes are run according to demand, so why not get a group together!

Melting Pot Glass-WA

https://www.meltingpotglass.com/workshops/

Australian hot glass artist, Gerry Reilly, creates handmade blown art glass from his renowned Melting Pot Glass Studio in Margaret River Wine Region.

They have since developed a new approach to their hot glass practice, with an emphasis on open studio sessions, commission appointments, hot glass experience workshops including small group bookings.

A large range of glass blowing courses are available from beginners to advanced.

Glass Blowing and Mosaic Classes-Melbourne

https://classbento.com.au/glassblowing-and-mosaic-classes-melbourne

“Put on your safety goggles and learn how to mould objects with flame at fun glassblowing classes in Melbourne. Or for something a little less heated, gather coloured glass, beads and broken ceramics and piece together your own dazzling mosaics at mosaic classes in Melbourne. Glassblowing and mosaic projects are some of the most intricately beautiful crafts that you can try and one of the best things to do in Melbourne – but many of us don’t have the setup at home or the materials to get started. With the help of Melbourne’s top glass artists, you’ll be making professional glass works of art in no time.”

Some of the courses available are “Simple Glass Fusion” to “Lead lighting”. These courses are offered at a variety of locations.

Please check available and times on the above website.

Blue Dog Glass-Melbourne

https://bluedogglass.com.au/classes/

“Blue Dog Glass offers classes to suit absolute beginners, occasional craft makers and professional artists. Our teachers are experienced practitioners and our small class sizes allow a personalised learning experience. We also have specialist glass masterclasses and workshops taught by renowned Australian and international artists. With so many classes on offer in glass and other media you’re sure to find one to inspire your creativity!”

Class Bento-Sydney

https://classbento.com.au/glass-blowing-taster-session-0

Glass Blowing Taster Session (Redfern)

“Discover a fabulous new skill: blowing and sculpting glass in the flame. The class is taught by Glass Artist Mark Eliott. Mark will take you through the basics of glass blowing in this two-hour introduction in his studio.”

This two-hour taster session will cover:

  • The basics of glass blowing using a “oxygen-propane” torch
  • Using both clear and coloured “borosilicate” glass rods and tubes (you’ll learn various types at the workshop!)
  • Techniques such as sculpting, joining, stretching, blowing, and colour mixing
  • Safety talk on using the glass blow torch

Use the above web address to make a request for a class.

Studio Glass Workshops

https://www.studioglassworkshops.com/beginners

“Our beginner studio glass workshops are designed to provide an introduction into the key processes involved in kiln formed studio glass.

All our one-day beginner glass workshops are done in partnership with Sydney Community College. To book a beginners course please click below to register through the Sydney Community College website.

If you have not yet had experience with kiln formed studio glass and/or cutting glass then it is essential you undertake this one day course prior to continuing with the rest of the program.”

Hot Glass Workshops with Glass Manifesto-Tasmania

https://www.glassmanifesto.com/hot-glass-workshops

Furnace workshops and other kinds of hot glass!

“Glass Manifesto is running a series of amazing workshops which will range in skill level from beginner through to intermediate skills. It is hot, exciting, overwhelming and fun.

Unless otherwise stated all workshops are tailored towards the absolute beginner – no experience necessary. Most workshops are a one day experience. All supplies, refreshments are included. Due to demand we offer these classes on a first paid-first in basis. ”

Please contact Anne anne@glassmanifesto.com for more information!

Short Courses in Glass Blowing at the Jam Factory-Adelaide

https://www.jamfactory.com.au/short-courses#glass-short-courses

Individual Glass Blowing Course

“Experience an intensive one-on-one session in the glass studio,
learn traditional glass blowing skills in gathering, forming and design to make your own glass piece.”

Price: $520 per person
Time: Saturday or Sunday / 8am – 12pm or 12.30pm – 4.30pm
Duration: 4 hours
Dates: Workshop bookings are taken from February to October.
Ages 16+

GLASS WORKSHOPS WILL RESUME FROM 26 FEBRUARY 2021

BOOKINGS/ ENQUIRIES:

Contact Jam Factory Administration on (08) 8410 0727 or contact@jamfactory.com.au.

Heritage building skills Stay tuned
Indigenous Art/Objects Stay tuned!
Jewellery making Stay tuned!
Lead lighting Stay tuned!
Leather work Stay tuned!
Metal work Stay tuned!
Painting Stay tuned!
Photographs  

Care and Identification of Photographs

https://gawainweaver.com/workshops/

Online Workshops:

Care and ID ONLINE is a seven-week online course offered twice per year. The course is structured around weekly topics that are taught through video lectures, quizzes, and other learning materials that students absorb at their own pace, while a weekly online video chat allows for questions, feedback from the instructor, and demonstrations of print ID techniques. Cutting-edge online teaching tools are used to make this online course as similar as possible to the in-person workshop experience.

Upcoming Dates and Registration:

  • February 15 – April 4, 2021: Care & ID ONLINE Workshop
    REGISTER
  • June 7 – July 25, 2021: Care & ID ONLINE Workshop
    REGISTER
  • October 4 – November 21, 2021: Care & ID ONLINE Workshop
    REGISTER

These courses run every year. Please refer to the above website for more detailed information. A scholarship is also offered to 2 or 3 students every course and well worth applying for.

Registration Includes:

  • 7-week online course
  • Basic Photographic Sample Set
  • 60x LED handheld microscope
Plastics Stay tuned!
Printing Stay tuned!
Screen printing Stay tuned!
Shoe making  

Five day intensive shoe making course

https://andrewmcdonald.com.au/pages/shoemaking-course

The 5-day course is designed for the beginner student (no experience necessary) who wants to experience every facet of the shoemaking process. Students are expected to research at least 3 styles of shoe/boot they would like to make. These shoe styles or designs will become their project for the course. Upon completion of the course, the student will have made and designed one pair of shoes.

 

Certificate IV in Custom-Made Footwear

https://www.rmit.edu.au/study-with-us/levels-of-study/vocational-study/certificates/certificate-iv-in-custommade-footwear-c4389

“In the only dedicated footwear course in Australia, you’ll develop the technical and practical skills to produce custom-made (bespoke) footwear.”

Spinning  

The Hand Weavers and Spinners Guild of NSW Inc.

https://www.nsweave.org.au/

“… to bring together, for their mutual benefit, people who practice any of the arts of hand weaving, spinning and associated crafts; to foster and encourage the crafts by instruction, discussion and exhibition of work …”.

Courses include ‘Printing with Eucalypts’, ‘Begin Spinning’, ‘Weaving’ and ‘Hand Dyeing’.

Support making Stay tuned!
Time-based media Stay tuned!
Weaving  

The Hand Weavers and Spinners Guild of NSW Inc. https://www.nsweave.org.au/

“… to bring together, for their mutual benefit, people who practice any of the arts of hand weaving, spinning and associated crafts; to foster and encourage the crafts by instruction, discussion and exhibition of work …”.

Courses include ‘Printing with Eucalypts’, ‘Begin Spinning’, ‘Weaving’ and ‘Hand Dyeing’.

Woodworking  

Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking

The Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking (MGFW) is a woodworking educational facility located in Blackburn.
The MGFW provide ongoing morning, afternoon and evening woodworking classes for beginners right through to experienced woodworkers. Our classes are small, enabling each student to get one on one instruction from our qualified instructors. The Guild is committed to preserving and advancing craft traditions in furniture making. A pdf of courses is available at http://www.mgfw.com.au/about/

 

 

Art & Life Workshops

Art & Life Workshops provide an eclectic range of hands-on craft classes from paper making, ceramics and embroidery to sourdough breadmaking and lino cut printing. The classes are designed to introduce people to new skills and have fun. Although not coming from a conservation perspective, there are some skills workshops here that may compliment current conservation work. https://www.work-shop.com.au/events/grid/