Summary description:
Learn custom woodworking through hands-on training and personal mentorship at Old Goat Custom Woods. This 16-week SkillBridge opportunity begins with approximately two weeks shadowing Matt or another experienced staff mentor to learn shop safety, equipment, workflow, and woodworking basics. Participants then develop skills through supervised projects matched to current shop work and individual interests. No prior woodworking, equipment, or software experience is required. Participants are encouraged to ask about skills they want to explore, including epoxy pours, digital design, CNC, laser engraving, sublimation, and finishing.
Job description:
The Custom Woodworker / Apprentice Carpenter learns to prepare materials, measure and lay out projects, assemble components, prepare surfaces, apply finishes, and inspect completed work under an experienced mentor’s guidance. Projects may include shadowboxes, awards, furniture, and custom decor.Participants begin by shadowing Matt or another assigned staff member for approximately two weeks, then progress to supervised tasks based on readiness, shop projects, and learning interests. Equipment use requires instruction, staff approval, and participant comfort.Learning opportunities may include CNC equipment, shop and xTool lasers, sublimation, heat press processes, and epoxy pours. Software exposure may include Aspire, LightBurn, xTool software, Adobe Creative Cloud, Trello, and Microsoft Office. Specific activities depend on available projects, materials, instruction, and participant interests.The standard plan covers 16 weeks at 40 planned training hours per week, with flexibility for approved military, medical, and transition appointments.
Located in Middleburg, FL, 15 Minutes North of Camp Blanding, 30 Minutes Southwest of NAS Jacksonville, 1 Hour Southwest of NS Mayport and 1.5 Hours Southwest of NSB Kings Bay.
Eligibility factors:
All Services
No prior woodworking, equipment, or software experience is required. Participants should demonstrate a willingness to learn, attention to detail, respect for shop safety procedures, and the ability to work cooperatively with a mentor and other staff and eventually become a self starter.Training involves hands-on shop activities, including standing, measuring, assembling projects, and handling materials. Participants should discuss any assistance or accommodation needed to perform these activities safely.Equipment may be used only after instruction, staff approval, and confirmation that the participant feels comfortable proceeding. Participants are encouraged to share their learning interests and ask questions throughout training.
