Submitted by the Economic Development Council of San Juan County.

Islanders seeking new careers are invited to learn Woodworking Basics in a free class offered by the Economic Development Council. Jean Shearer and Nicholas Coldren, cabinetmakers, will be teaching an introduction to woodworking, July 7 through 28, on Wednesday evenings, at 5-9 p.m. at their makerspace – the Fellow Shop – on San Juan Island.

This course is intended to help people gain job skills and obtain economic stability. This course will teach tool use and safety, among other woodworking skills. These skills are foundational for those seeking to enter many trades, from construction to furniture making.

This program will be free except for a refundable registration fee and is open to San Juan County residents who plan to use woodworking skills for paying work. Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate that the course will help them enter a new career or seek employment. Enrollment is capped at seven students. Applicants must be 18 or over.

Instructors Jean Shearer and Nicholas Coldren have BFAs in Woodworking and Furniture Design from Rochester University, and extensive professional experience as cabinetmakers, boat builders, and finishers.

To learn more, contact the EDC at mickey@sanjuansedc.org. To register, visit https://www.sanjuansedc.org/trades/#upcoming.

This course is made possible by the San Juan Island Community Foundation; San Juan County; the Harvest Foundation; and other funders of the EDC’s Trades Training Initiative, including the United Way of San Juan County; the Port of Friday Harbor; the Town of Friday Harbor; the Washington State Dept. of Commerce; and other donors. To support EDC trades programs, please visit www.sanjuansedc.org/donate.