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Now in its 37th year, the Chippendale International School of Furniture has seen a surge in demand for its woodworking courses since the pandemic - and despite the rising cost of living, there's no signs of applications slowing.

The East Lothian-based not-for-profit school reports that, since 2019, places on both the professional furniture-making course and shorter complementary courses have continuously sold out as more people ditch corporate jobs in pursuit of creative careers.

On 10 October, Chippendale’s flagship Professional Course 2022/23 welcomed a new cohort of students from around the world to study fine furniture making in the school’s idyllic rural location over the next nine months.

Tom Fraser, School Principal, says the demand from people seeking to change careers is unrelenting, with many incoming students having swapped professional roles to carve a new path this year: “In recent years we've seen a spike in applications from people rethinking their priorities and seeking fulfilment from alternative career paths. The pandemic was a real catalyst for this, but the enduring demand for courses proves that the Great Resignation is still ongoing.

“Our courses appeal to those seeking the flexibility of a career that fits around their lifestyle, and which allows them to take control of their income. We're also still seeing the after-effects of the pandemic, with some students mentioning burn-out as a driver for change.”

Liz Murray, owner of Cook+Live+Dream, a specialist cookshop in Berwick-Upon-Tweed, took the Chippendale School’s four-week-long intermediate course in 2022, a year on from UK lockdowns.

Of the experience, Liz says: "I signed up for the four-week-long Intermediate Course in a carpe diem moment, needing a therapeutic break from post-COVID career doldrums. It was the most fulfilling and energising experience - such a beautiful setting, surrounded by talented and inspiring craftspeople.

“In practical terms, the course exceeded every expectation. I came with the goal of upping my furniture restoration game and finished with the courage and confidence to design and create my own pieces. I'll definitely be back for a top-up!"

Tom Fraser adds: "For those thinking about making a major career move, our shorter courses provide a taster of what a furniture-making career can offer. Our month-long Intermediate Course gives students a chance to experience life as a woodworker before they take the leap. The week-long and weekend courses are great tasters of the Professional Course.”

To cater to the increased demand for furniture-making knowledge, this year the Chippendale School has expanded its teaching team and added more places to its courses, as well as increasing the number of courses it runs annually.

Applications for remaining places on the intensive nine-month-long Professional Course 2023/24 can be made online.

Short courses take place throughout the year and include weekend, week-long and four-week courses. Covering furniture making, upholstery and woodturning, all information can be found here.