ABOUT US
Welcome to Women On The Tools – a place where you can come to learn, grow, and master a wide range of tools and DIY skills.
We know all about the barriers that come with trying to get on the tools as an adult. We get the fear of picking up a tool and trying to use it without fully understanding how it works. We know the anxiety that can come from stepping into these unfamiliar areas, or of feeling unwelcome.
We too, have experienced the curse of ‘assumed knowledge’ – when those who spent their childhoods in workshops and tool sheds (or were allowed to take shop in school) simply assume that everyone has the same level of knowledge or understanding, and as a result, have struggled to get the right training and instruction, not to mention losing the confidence to ask questions in the first place.
We know the hardest part is just starting.
Everyone should all be able to see power tools and not feel intimidated, that’s why we ALWAYS start with the basics. We prioritise teaching styles that work best for adult women, and take the time to decode all those unfamiliar tool terms, acronyms, and “shop-talk”.
But our mission goes beyond teaching how to build a bookcase or plaster a wall. It’s about dismantling gender stereotypes and removing the barriers to accessibility. It’s about building a vibrant community of learners and makers brimming with confidence, as well as creating a supportive and inclusive space where everyone feels comfortable asking questions, discussing their needs and voicing their concerns.
We are a team of DIY experts and tool veterans, and we are here for you – with no expectations – to provide whatever resources and support you need, when you need it.
No barrier is too big, and no mistake is final.
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 linguistically diverse backgrounds 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 almost 30 years in workshops and 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 accessibility issues, such as tools and machinery that were too big to comfortably use, PPE that didn’t fit, and lots of assumed knowledge about the tools and processes. 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 practices and processes.
In less than two years, WOTT has grown from a spark of inspiration to where we are now, offering an extensive range of courses. Recently, we’ve expanded to include Memberships, allowing you to bring your own projects into the big shed and use our space, tools and expertise, continuing our mission of empowerment through skill-building and community support.
Wait a minute! 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.
We are always looking to further our commitment 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 and gender diverse folk will have a range of safe, inclusive spaces to learn skills and gain confidence, depending on their wants and needs.
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!
Our Founder
JC has dedicated her life to mastering a variety of tool skills. She began her formal training at the WA Academy of Performing Arts, where she learnt carpentry, welding, and a host of other skills, graduating in 1995 as a set builder and props maker. Over the last 30 years, she has worked extensively in the field, initially in other people’s workshops and eventually setting up her own – building, problem-solving, and teaching skills.
A natural teacher, JC has taught formally at TAFE and University, and informally, on-the-job, to anyone eager to learn.
Understanding the challenges many people (mostly women) face on the path to independence, JC decided to create Women On The Tools as her passion project. She envisaged a place where women could learn essential skills from the ground up, have access to the necessary tools, and rely on expert support and guidance.
Women On The Tools is the culmination of JC’s lifelong commitment to teaching and empowering others. Join us and learn from a true expert who is passionate about breaking down barriers and fostering a community of skilled, confident women.
Our Team
We know we don’t know everything! For that reason, we invest the time to find folks who have the skills that you want to learn. That means, alongside our carpentry, welding and home maintenance courses, we offer Masterclasses in metal art, motor vehicle maintenance, bricklaying, paving and reticulation, delivered by experts in those areas.
We work collaboratively with these specialists. They design their own independent Masterclasses based on their expert knowledge, and we host them here, at the big shed. For us at WOTT, it’s all about building relationships, and developing a community of people who understand what’s needed to get people in sheds and on the tools. We want to connect you with these people and their businesses.
And we’re always on the hunt for more! You ask, we go hunting! (if you don’t see what you’re keen to learn on our website, get in contact and let us know what you want)