Mears Peterborough recently ran a free beginners carpentry course aimed at people who had never worked with wood before. The course helped learners develop their understanding of health and safety, using power and hand tools, measuring and cutting timber and following a design.The carpentry instructors put together a course schedule and worked with the participants to develop individual learning plans. For the practical lessons Mears carpenters designed a garden planter which students built and took home with them at the end of the course. Each lesson began with a presentation explaining the aims and objectives of the class, students then gradually built their planter with help and support from the professional carpenters.Tracey Wood, Customer Community and Academy Manager Mears Peterborough said: “This is a fantastic course giving local people the chance to develop real practical skills. Five people completed the course and many had never used hand or power tools before. By the end everyone was confident about using the equipment and very proud of their planters.One of our aims for the course was to provide people with practical skills which they can use in their everyday life, we also hope that it will improve their career choices.”David, who took part in the course said: “I really enjoyed myself, I have never worked with wood before and I wanted to learn a new skill. The instructors were great, they helped me to understand how to use the tools safely and encouraged me to keep at it and finish my planter. I have learnt so much and I’m confident I can put my new skills to use in the future.”Mears Peterborough will be running more courses throughout the year. To find out more and enrol please contact the local branch.