Women On The Tools
Women On The Tools is a place to get hands-on with tools and machinery, learn great skills from the ground up, and call on experts for support and guidance.
We run courses on everything from Carpentry to Welding and Home Maintenance. We aim to help people who haven’t spent time in sheds and workshops learn skills, gain confidence, have fun, and (most importantly) make stuff!
We don’t assume knowledge or experience. Our introductory courses start with the fundamentals. You don’t just get to practice the skills – we want you to take something tangible to take home! That’s why every course is focused on making something for you, by you. All you need to do is decide which courses you want to do.
Courses are held in our fully equipped workshop, and taught by our experienced and friendly staff. All equipment and materials are supplied. Just bring yourself and your friends, or make new ones.
Our Story
Our story began in October 2022, sparked by the vision of our founder, JC (Janet Carter). Over time, JC noticed two things: one, many women, disabled folk, and people with cultural and linguistical diverse backgorunds had little experience with tools or basic DIY skills…and two, that this actually stemmed from a lack of opportunity, rather than a lack of interest.
With over 25 years on the tools, JC found that she was often in environments where she walked and talked differently to everyone else. Whilst she was welcomed and included in these spaces, there were still issues, such tools and machinery that were too big to comfortably use, PPE that didnt fit, and assumptions of assumed knowledge. Over the years, JC has become more and more convinced of the need for a dedicated space where people like her could learn practical skills in an accessible and inclusive environment.
Pooling her talents, education, and experience, she created a unique approach to teaching the ‘heavy’ skills of Carpentry, Welding and Home Maintenance —one that focused on more inclusive industry practices and processes.
In less than two years, WOTT has grown from a spark of inspiration into what is know affectionately known as “the big shed” – offering an extensive range of courses. Recently, we’ve expanded to include a new Workshop Membership, continuing our mission of empowerment through skill-building and community support.
Wait a minute, but you’re a for-profit business? Isn't that a barrier for some?
Yes it is. We understand that some of our courses are out of reach for people with low incomes. We also respect that our Shed in Fremantle can be a long way to travel for many.
But we are not a “Women’s Shed” because we offer many things that a Community Shed does not….and as a result, we are not registered as one, and we do not get any funding. So we are doing this entirely on our own.
But we are always looking to further our committment to removing barriers, so we are not excluding people through finances and travel. We have, and continue to build collaborations and programs with support agencies, such as family and domestic violence, long term unemployment services, and NDIS.
We are also continuously working behind the scenes with Women’s and Community Sheds to help them establish their headquarters and offerings.
We dream that between WOTT, Women Sheds, and support agencies, women will have a range of safe, inclusive spaces to learn skills and gain confidence, depending on their wants and needs.
So come and join us!
If this sounds like your sort of adventure, we invite you to enrol in a course, become a member, or contact us with any questions you might have.
Start your journey with us today and experience the joy of learning in a space where everyone is welcome.
Let’s get On The Tools!