Immersion Program

Total immersion woodworking program, classes and workshops in the Green Mountains.

Jump the curve with the program that gives you the resources, the latitude and the technical support you need to make progress.

Whether you are looking to start a career or business, or are ready to get serious about a long held passion for furniture-making and woodworking, our Immersion program could be just right for you. An intensive start-up, access to the machine shop right away, and a realistic approach to the world of furniture-making is what makes us different. Ongoing support through your design projects, with an educational philosophy that values efficiency without sacrificing quality will help you get where you want to go. We prioritize access to the machines from the beginning so our students can explore their passions right away, all the while making sure that instructors are on hand to answer questions and provide guidance, encouragement and technical expertise.

Enroll when you are ready.

We accept students when they are ready but encourage students to start at the beginning of the fall, spring or summer semester. Return to our home page to view our current calendar of important dates. Successful candidates for our program possess an enthusiasm that will propel them forward in their pursuit of mastery of the craft, and generally prefer to work with their hands. Our students get the most out of their education by self-motivating, asking questions, and coming to the shop with a readiness to explore the field.

If after a review of your application we agree that you are ready and that the Immersion Program is right for you, we will work together to schedule your start date and discuss housing arrangements. We will have a bench and a room ready for you when you arrive. If you are fairly new to woodworking, we recommend starting up at the beginning of fall, spring or summer semester. If woodworking is completely new to you, we strongly recommend you come and partake in a four-day Introduction to Furniture-Making class to determine if the craft and our school are a good fit for you.

Be supported while you learn what you want.

Students enrolled in Vermont Woodworking School's Immersion Program will study under Designer Craftsman Robert Fletcher in our 10,000 square foot historic barn turned woodworking facility. Bob is supported by an excellent instructor team. For more information about our instructors, visit our staff page.

Upon your arrival, we will go over some basics including drafting, shop safety, and an introduction to or a review of the fundamentals. In the first week or two, you will build a quick introductory project, and then you will be on your way, drafting your first of a series of independent projects. You will be mentored, and encouraged to challenge yourself and do your best work. You will be empowered with the information you need to be successful at achieving your goals. Along the way, you will have the option of participating in many techniques based classes and workshops offered by resident instructors and members of the Guild of Vermont Furniture Makers.

In addition to a great deal of time in the shop, students are encouraged to participate in field trips set up for the enrichment of their education. For example, students will be welcomed into the wood shops run by members of the Guild of Vermont Furniture-Makers. During these visits, the Guild members will share their philosophies, and the keys to their own successes.

In addition, we will take frequent wood-buying trips to area mills where we will learn about the different wood species available, wood selection and purchasing, and the nuances of building relationships with wood suppliers for the best results.

We also have a relationship with nationally renowned Shelburne Museum. We are currently collaborating on offering a joint class on the history of American furniture and will be connecting our students with learning opportunities at the Shelburne Museum. For more details, contact Vermont Woodworking School Co-Founder, Carina Driscoll.

Learn from those who know.

Our students are mentored by Master Designer Craftsman Robert Fletcher, and a group of talented faculty and staff. Robert is a co-founder of the school, with over 35 years of furniture-making and woodworking experience. In addition, the Vermont Woodworking School is allied with the Guild of Vermont Furniture-Makers. You will be able to take techniques classes with these talented individuals as part of your learning progression here at the Vermont Woodworking School.

Live here.

We have two student apartments on the property including a four-bedroom apartment in the farmhouse with a shared bath, kitchen and laundry. We also converted our two silos into a four-bedroom apartment with shared bath, laundry, kitchen and living room. Students who live on property and are enrolled full-time are afforded the opportunity to access the shop in the evening and weekend hours. The property is equipped with wireless internet. Housing costs between $450 and $550 per month depending on room assignment. Contact us for housing availability. For students visiting on a short-term basis, we also have access to discounted rates at local bed and breakfasts. Visit our accommodations page for more information.

Stay as long as you’d like,

return at your leisure.

The minimum commitment to participation in the Immersion Program is twelve-weeks. In your first twelve weeks, you will learn the fundamentals and be well equipped to work successfully on your own. Many of our students choose to renew their time here until they have reached their desired level of competency. For a listing of some of our recent participants, visit our graduates page. The recommended length of participation in the program is one year. One year is an adequate length of time to participate in all desired Furniture Elements courses, and woodworking workshops, as well as to complete a noteworthy portfolio of work. With the members of the Guild of Vermont Furniture Makers to guide you, there is plenty to learn. Students who renew for additional consecutive twelve-week periods will receive a discounted tuition.

Program Fees:

Below are the 2009 fees for students enrolled directly with Vermont Woodworking School in the Immersion Program. For tuition rates and information about Certificates, Associates Degrees or classes for offered for college credit, contact Gillian Homsted in Admissions at Burlington College at 802-862-9616 or e-mail ghomsted@burlington.edu.

Full-time twelve-week program - $4,900.

(40 hrs/wk shop time/instruction and coordinated after-hours access)

Extend immediately at a rate of $3,700 per additional twelve week period, or extend immediately at a rate of $350 per week.

Full-time twenty-four week program is $8,600.

Full-time thirty-six week program is $12,300.

Full-time forty-eight week program is $15,900.

Part-time twelve-week program - $2,900.

(20 hrs/week shop time and instruction)

Extend immediately at a rate of $2,175 per additional twelve week period; or extend immediately at $200 per week.

Part-Time Semester Program - $3,600 per semester

(22 hrs/week shop time and instruction)

For students enrolled on a semester basis (approximately 14 weeks)

Full-Time Semester Program - $6,000 per semester

(40 hrs/week shop time and instruction)

For students enrolled on a semester basis (approximately 14 weeks)

Return within a year at rate of initial enrollment regardless of any fee increases.

Payment plans are available.

The Immersion Program is Vermont Student Assistance Program Non-Degree grant program eligible. The program is also an official Workforce Investment Act Approved Training.

Required Equipment

In order to make the program more affordable, we only require a short list of items for participation in the program. Our shop is equipped with countless hand-tools and machines for student use. Students are encouraged to purchase their own tools along the way as they identify their particular areas of interest. Please bring the following items or plan to purchase them from the supply closet shortly after arrival:

•set of chisels

•orbital palm sander

•eye & ear protection

•block plane (additional hand planes if you have them)

•6" rule

•accurate carpenter square

•tape measure

•dove-tail saw or pull saw

•mortising gauge

•marking gauge

Apply

To inquire or begin the application process contact Carina Driscoll at (802) 849-2013 or e-mail info@vermontwoodworkingschool.com. You may also download, complete and mail the:

Immersion Program Application.pdf