CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Stacked wooden bowls, with a darker wood bowl on the bottom and a lighter wood bowl on top, placed on a light wooden surface.

Woodworking

Studying a certificate wood program is like embarking on a magical journey where raw wood transforms into exquisite masterpieces. You'll uncover ancient woodworking secrets, shaping each piece with your hands and revealing its hidden beauty.

This program invites you to unlock your abilities, work with nature's finest materials, and craft wonders that will be cherished for generations.

Our certificate programs

The programs are designed to provide technical training throughout two semesters: Basic semester and Specialization semester.

  • The basic semester is a prerequisite to any of the specializations within the woodworking program.

  • During the first semester, students acquire foundational basic knowledge of the craft. The second semester focuses on advanced techniques, allowing the students to refine their skills and expertise.

  • Each semester consists of 432 hours, totalling 864 hours per program and integrates a combination of technical and theoretical coursework, taught by highly qualified instructors.

  • The training is conducted in person, ensuring hands-on learning experience and feedback closely connected to the realities of the trade.

  • Students may focus on one of the following areas of specialization: Cabinet making, Wood Carving, Lathe work (wood turning), Wood inlay, Upholstery

2026 Course Details

    • Woodcarving

      7:00AM-to 11:00AM

    • Upholstery

      7:00AM-to 11:00AM

    • Cabinetmaking

      5:30PM-9:30PM

    • Registrations close on November 30th

    • Classes begin January 19.

  • $2.160.000 pesos COL

    Applies to registration made before November 30th, 2025

  • Monday to Friday

    • Woodcarving

      7:00AM-to 11:00AM

    • Upholstery

      7:00AM-to 11:00AM

    • Cabinetmaking

      5:30PM-9:30PM

  • Upon completion of the program, students receive the Technical Labor Certificate Woodworking, with the related specialization, approved by the Bogotá Secretariat of Education under Resolution 170017 of November 27, 2024.

Our programs offer an exceptional opportunity to build a career in artisanal excellence.

Through a hands-on approach guided by expert instructors, students gain in-depth knowledge and unique opportunities within the world of traditional crafts.

The programs are the gateway to a successful career with artisanal excellence. Discover all that you can achieve, secure your place today and set your career in motion!

A woodworking workshop with various tables, power tools, wood planks, and a vintage chair. Brick walls and shelves filled with woodworking supplies.

Curriculum

Basic woodworking semester

In this semester students learn the fundamentals of the trade and develop essential skills in planning, graphic representation and use of tools and machinery.

During this semester the students focus on creating both functional and decorative joinery. This is complemented by hands-on workshop experience, learning to identify materials, to use machines and tools for production and identify the best natural finishes. 

Students will have the opportunity to learn participating in the following classes:

Woodworking classroom with workbenches, stools, tools, and wooden projects, illuminated by natural light through a window.

  • Introduction to wood craftsmanship

  • Sketching

  • Tool sharpening

  • Manual processes

  • Wood species

  • Natural finishes

  • Planimetry

  • Processes with machines

Specialization semesters

The specialization semesters  are practical training programs designed to deepen knowledge and skills in specific areas, incorporating a focus on micro-processes, quality parameters, and key references to foster strong quality awareness in each artisanal Technique.

A person polishing a wooden box with a white cloth, the box features an intricate inlay design of a landscape scene, on a workbench in a woodworking shop.

Wood program specializations

After finishing the basic cycle, students continue the program by selecting one of the following areas of specialization.

Cabinet making
Wood carving
Lathe work
Wood inlay
Upholstery

Cabinetmaking

Learn more

Discover the art of woodworking alongside master artisans! This hands-on program will help you uncover in wood a powerful source of inspiration, mastering techniques that bring each piece to life with skill and precision. Learn, experiment, and unlock a future filled with exciting possibilities. 

The cabinet making program is structured in two phases:

Planification phase

In this phase, exercises are planned to combine the use of machines with manual processes. The focus is on furniture production tailored to user needs, considering ergonomics and anthropometry, while also mastering joinery and applying natural finishes.

Exploration phase

This phase immerses more into advanced methods, optimizing joinery and finishes, and incorporating more complex machining techniques. 

The goal is to create furniture pieces that are both aesthetically harmonious and functionally appropriate. This structure ensures students develop a comprehensive understanding of the craft, blending traditional techniques with modern innovations.

Hands planing a piece of wood with a hand planer in a woodworking shop.

The program covers:

  • Cabinet making history and study of references

  • Ergonomics +anthropometry I and II

  • Production plans, I and II

  • Tool sharpening, I and II

  • Cabinetmaking, I and II

Lathe work (Woodturning)

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Woodturning is a traditional craft technique that allows artisans to create a wide variety of objects, accessories, and decorative pieces. 

By spinning the wood and using specialized cutting tools, unique and functional items such as containers, table and kitchen accessories, and furniture components can be designed. This technique offers endless possibilities to shape wood and craft pieces that blend beauty with functionality.

The woodturning program is designed to progressively build knowledge and sharpen skills, ensuring precision and quality in crafting functional objects. Step by step, you'll master techniques that transform raw wood into expertly crafted pieces with purpose and style.

A person shaping a wooden piece on a lathe, with wood shavings flying during the woodworking process.

  • Gain expertise in both the theory and practice of woodturning, with a strong emphasis on sharpening techniques and craftsmanship.

    Mastering these essential skills ensures precision and quality in the creation of bowls, salad servers, and other functional and decorative pieces.

  • Explore specialized techniques such as eccentric (multi-center) turning and segmented turning, allowing you to craft high-quality, visually striking pieces that showcase precision and artistry.

  • Discover the importance of natural finishing methods, understanding how they enhance the beauty of wood while providing protection for the final piece. With the right approach, each creation achieves a perfect balance between aesthetics and durability.

    The curriculum includes the following courses:

    • Cabinet making history and study of references

    • Woodturning Planning

    • Tool sharpening for woodturning tools

    • Woodturning between centers

    • Woodturning hollowing

    • Off-center woodturning

    • Segmented woodturning planning

    • Machining components for segmented woodturning

    • Segmented woodturning

Woodcarving

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Discover the hidden beauty in every block of wood. Learn this ancient art alongside master artisans, using hand tools and machinery to highlight the details of sculptures, decorative objects, and much more.

The woodcarving training program at the woodworking trade emphasizes the planning and execution of practical projects using manual techniques supported by machinery.

Person carving a decorative pattern into a wooden surface with a chisel

  • Participants will learn to identify and use various carving tools, understanding their function and proper handling.

    They will also develop the ability to recognize different types of wood and apply technical processes to work with the material effectively.

  • High- and low-relief carving techniques are explored, integrating both geometric and organic processes.

    The program also delves into the creation of three-dimensional pieces, allowing participants to refine their craftsmanship and artistic expression.

  • The program emphasizes the application of proper finishing techniques to enhance and protect the final work, ensuring a comprehensive mastery of wood carving.

    Participants will study the following topics:

    • Carving history and study of references

    • Bidimensional and tridimensional carving planning

    • Preparing the wood for carving

    • Tool sharpening

    • Bidimensional and tridimensional carving

    •  Geometric wood carving

    • Wood finishes

Wood inlay

Next Opening July 2026

The wood inlay program is structured into progressive learning modules, where careful planning of shapes and designs is essential to achieving harmonious and high-quality pieces. Participants identify various manual tools and machinery, learning the function and proper handling of each.

Close-up of hands assembling a wooden puzzle with small rectangular pieces on a wooden surface.

  • The program begins by emphasizing the drawing of patterns and shapes, both geometric and organic, applied to the technique.

    Participants will also identify various hand tools and machinery, understanding their function and proper handling.

  • The program covers the wood preparation process, including the production of veneers and thin sheets for inlay work, as well as veneering and parquetry techniques.

    These foundational skills set the stage for decorative configurations using different types of wood.

  • The program progresses to more advanced stages, where concave and convex inlay techniques are developed, allowing for the creation of three-dimensional compositions with striking visual impact.

  • As the final step in the inlay program, finishing processes are integrated to enhance aesthetic quality and protect the work.

    Students will engage in the following areas of study:

    • Wood inlay history and study of references

    • Planning flat, concave and convex word inlay

    • Geometrical and organic wood inlay designs and construction

    • Wood veneering

    • Wood finishes

Upholstery

Learn more

This program focuses on traditional upholstery, contemporary upholstery, and the weaving of structures using natural fibers. Each stage is developed through carefully planned exercises that facilitate the identification and application of various methodologies, ensuring the creation of upholstered pieces with high aesthetic and functional value.

The upholstery program is divided in three phases:

Hands sewing with needle and thread on woven wicker material.

  • Participants will begin by recognizing materials, tools, and classic processes essential to traditional upholstery.

    This foundational knowledge ensures a strong understanding of craftsmanship and time-honored techniques.

  • In the second stage, students will explore modern upholstery techniques that integrate new materials and establish a dynamic relationship between upholstery and woodworking.

    This approach embraces innovation while preserving craftsmanship.

  • The final stage merges upholstery techniques with structural weaving, combining assembly and reinforcement methods to create innovative furniture designs.

    This integration results in unique, durable, and visually striking pieces.

Wood masters

  • An elderly man in beige work overalls standing in a workshop, working on a piece of wood or a woodworking machine.

    Pedro Arboleda

    With 45 years of experience, Pedro specializes in turning, machining, and sharpening. He has taught at the School for 23 years and has been awarded the Medal for Artisan Mastery.

  • Man standing with arms crossed, smiling, in a workshop or industrial setting.

    Alexander Arevalo

    A master with 30 years of experience, Alexander combines traditional carpentry skills with a modern teaching approach, enriching his students' woodworking knowledge.

  • An older man smiling with arms crossed, standing indoors in front of wooden decorative carvings on a wall.

    Norberto Bohorquez

    With over 45 years in carpentry and wood carving, Norberto has taught since 1996, sharing his comprehensive understanding of the craft’s lifecycle.

  • Man in light-colored jumpsuit standing on a staircase landing, holding onto a railing.

    Jeisson Buitrago

    A skilled woodworker with 10 years of experience, Jeisson specializes in finishes, manual processes, and carving. He has been a dedicated teacher at the School for 3 years.

  • A man in beige work overalls standing next to a large industrial machine in a brick-walled room.

    Ulises Farfán

    An experienced designer and furniture maker with 31 years in the field, Ulises emphasizes the importance of quality, tradition, and passion in woodworking.

  • Smiling man with a beard and short curly hair standing in front of woodworking equipment in a workshop.

    Faiver Molina

    With 5 years of experience, Faiver specializes in furniture design and small-scale carving, teaching students precision and dedication.

  • A man in a beige jacket standing in a workshop or laboratory, with equipment behind him.

    Luis Santacruz

    A seasoned artisan with 49 years of experience, Luis is recognized for his technical carpentry skills and commitment to the craft.

  • Man in beige shirt leaning on a wooden workbench in a workshop with woodworking equipment in the background.

    Iván Socha

    Iván teaches inlaying, natural finishes, and assembly, encouraging students to extract the best from wood with love and respect.

  • Man with a beard wearing a blue cap and a tan work shirt standing behind a wooden table.

    Juan Carlos Suarez

    With over 25 years of experience, Juan Carlos excels in turning, cabinetmaking, and finishes, inspiring students with his mastery of the craft.

  • Man with glasses using a pneumatic nail gun to upholster a green piece of furniture.

    Javier Castellanos

    Javier has over 40 years of expertise in upholstery and woodworking, complemented by certifications in pedagogy and leadership.

  • Man with glasses and beard operating a band saw in a workshop.

    Sergio Mogollón

    A forestry engineer with expertise in sustainable resource management and wood transformation, Sergio brings a scientific perspective to his teaching.

  • A man in safety glasses working on a woodworking project in a workshop.

    Edgar Castillo

    With 42 years of carpentry experience, Edgar specializes in advanced mechanized wood techniques, mentoring future artisans at the School.

  • Man in work jumpsuit and safety glasses standing behind a workbench in a workshop with tools and large windows in the background.

    Santiago Parada

    A contemporary furniture designer, Santiago enriches students with his creative vision and expertise in woodworking and sculpture.

Luis Blanco, Graduate of the Woodworking trade

Luis is a wood craftsman who discovered in the trade a lifestyle and an entrepreneurial path,
currently working on his own brand called “The Central”.

Three wooden bowls and two wooden spoons on a white textured surface against a beige background.

Craft your future

Admissions