Submitted by San Juan County Economic Development Council.

Islanders seeking new careers are invited to learn Woodworking Basics in a class offered by the EDC.

Jean Shearer and Nicholas Coldren, cabinetmakers, will be teaching an introduction to woodworking, on Wednesday evenings from Oct. 12 to Nov. 2, 5-9 p.m. at the Fellow Shop on San Juan Island.

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

The program will be free except for a $50 registration fee, and is open only 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.

Applicants must be 18 or over. Instructors Shearer and Coldren have BFAs in Woodworking and Furniture Design from Rochester University, and extensive professional experience. To learn more, visit the www.sanjuansedc.org. To register, contact the EDC at marti@sanjuansedc.org.

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, visit www.sanjuansedc.org/donate.