Tools for Life is a 12 week mentorship programme for people aged 16 to 24. The programme is ideal for people who are starting their working life, who are changing career paths or who are looking for new experiences.

Cost: FREE
Available places: 4

Start Date: Tuesday 31st March 2026

Gain the confidence in your abilities that will enable you to take your next step.

Man informed career decision. Take some time to explore some more options before taking a new direction

Build skills and knowledge and industry connections.

Stand out from the crowd. Enhance your CV, build a portfolio and obtain relevant references

You will learn how to:

Develop basic design and woodworking skills
Make and repair a variety of items
Use a variety of maker-spaces / workshops
Deliver a project in the community as a team
Create in ways that minimises your impact on the environment
Use practical skills help local communities and the natural environment
Manage and develop your own learning
Work independently and safely

We will provide:

A structured learning programme
Opportunity to build on skills and interests you already have as well as learn new things
Tuition and Mentorship from a professional craftspeople
Access tools and Workshop Space
All materials
Small group peer learning environment (up to 4 people)
Connection to professional makers from a diverse range of backgrounds, working in various contexts
1 year free membership to Edinburgh Tool Library
Snacks and drinks

Programme Details

Weekly Class: Tuesdays 10:00am-1:00pm

Duration: 12 weeks

Start Date: Tuesday 31st March

Group size: up to 4 people

Main Venue: Edinburgh Tool Library Workshop, Tennant Street, Leith

Accessibility: Detailed information of the accessibility of our venue will be published in the coming weeks. This venue is undergoing refurbishment and is not currently wheelchair accessible.

Your Mentor

James King is the workshop manager at The Edinburgh Tool Library. He has supported 5 groups through the Tools for Life Programme.

James also works as a specialist technician at the College of Art and Design at The University of Edinburgh.

Application Process

Friday 27th February, 6pm | Submit application before this date

Tuesday 3rd March | We will inform you if you have been chosen to join the programme

Tuesday 31st March | Week 1 of Programme

Step 1. Check if you meet all of these criteria

Aged 16-24
Living in Edinburgh
Available every Tuesdays 10:00am- 1:00pm for 12 weeks
Interested in woodworking
Able to travel weekly to Leith
Experiencing barrier to employment due to your personal circumstances or identity

Step 2. Contact Lorri

Lorri is the person who organises this programme. Before you apply, get in touch with her to let her know that you, or someone you know, is interested in joining the programme.

We want to make sure that our programme is the right fit for you before you spend time filling out your application.

Contact Lorri via email at lorri@etl.scot or via whatsapp on 07519 185 709

Step 3. Apply to take part in the programme

Apply Before: Friday 27th February, 6pm
Please complete the application form provided below.

We want to make this opportunity as accessible as possible. So, if you would prefer to submit your answers in an alternative format, such as a voice note or video, please contact lorri@etl.scot. She will provide you with further instructions.

Apply

Step 4. We’ll be in touch

Tuesday 3rd March
We will contact you to let you know if your application has been successful. We can provide feedback for any unsuccessful applicants on request.