ASSISTANTSHIPS
Assistant Becca Massanari (left) helping a student in the Basic Woodworking course, Summer 2003.
Assistant Jordan Gehman hard at work!
Assistant Lisa Kaliczak (left) with an Intermediate Furniture Making student, 2008.
Assistantships give emerging woodworkers opportunities to work closely with Workshop instructors in a professional teaching environment. The hours are long and the learning and career opportunities are invaluable.
Benefits
- Working with, and learning from, outstanding professionals in a wide variety of woodworking disciplines
- Teaching experience
- Housing available through the school for $150/week
- Assistants receive a modest salary of approximately $400/week
Qualifications
The most important qualification is a friendly, helpful personality. After that, we look at your woodworking experience, commitment, and personal goals. We want to be sure the assistantship will be of maximum value to you.
Duties
The work done by Assistants is essential to the successful outcome of the Workshops. Responsibilities include:
- monitoring student safety in the machine room
- running errands
- helping students one-on-one with their work
- building jigs and fixtures
- attending lectures and demonstrations
- shop and machine maintenance
- keeping bathrooms clean on a daily basis
- preparing materials for faculty demonstrations
- setting up and taking down special events
- participating in daily shop clean up and weekend changeovers
Schedule
Work hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., plus as much as a full day over the weekend.
In addition, Assistants help out with two evening events each week: the Monday night faculty slide show and the Thursday night potluck.
Dates
Assistantships are available for periods of six to ten weeks from June through October.
Application
To apply please submit the following:
- Your resumé
- Digital images of your work
- A letter stating your reasons for applying and your goals as a woodworker
- The names and telephone numbers of three references
- An indication of when you are available between June 6 and October 23
Applications should be e-mailed by March 15, 2010 to assistantship@woodschool.org.
Notification will be sent by April 1, 2010.
Read a blog by a recent Assistant.
Video by a recent assistant: