Small hands. Big “I made that.” energy.
Real wood. Real tools. Really proud kids. Hands-on woodworking adventures for curious makers ages 4–18.
Big possibilities.
A place for every kind of maker.
From their first wooden robot to a bench they can actually sit on. Skills grow with them, one proud moment at a time.
Class schedule & pricing
Classes for ages 4–7 are 1 hour. Classes for ages 8–18 are 2 hours. Choose an age group, then select a date and time. Our first class is Friday, November 6, 2026.
Projects are examples, adapted to each learner. Materials are prepared to fit each class; larger builds may use prepared parts or continue across sessions.
Each class takes up to 20 students, and we aim to have two adults in every class. Woodworking Explorers (ages 4–7) must be able to use the restroom independently; children who need assistance are welcome when a parent or guardian stays for the full class. Pick a date to see how many spots are left. Once Troy replies that your date is open, pay in full online by card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay through Square. Your spot is secured only when payment is received.
| Day | Time | Class |
|---|
No classes on Veterans Day (Wed, Nov 11), Thanksgiving weekend (Thu–Sat, Nov 26–28), Christmas (Thu–Sat, Dec 24–26), or New Year’s Eve (Thu, Dec 31). All classes are held at 5345 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.
Manage class spots
Set each class’s size, then enter how many students are registered for each date. Parents see the spots left as soon as you save.
Every class. Something to show for it.
Every session has a simple rhythm: get comfortable, learn a skill, make something yours. We prepare materials so kids spend their time creating, with a completed or nearly completed project to take home. The timeline below is a one-hour Explorers class; two-hour classes follow the same steps with more time to build.
Safety & hello
Get equipped, meet the tools, and practice the shop rules.
Learn & prepare
Watch a demonstration, measure, or sand prepared pieces.
Let’s build
Assemble, fasten, and solve little challenges with guidance.
Make it yours
Smooth edges, decorate, and share what you’ve learned.
Wrap & tidy
Return tools and pack up your creation.
Safety is the first thing we build.
Confidence comes from knowing what to do, and when to ask for help. Every class starts with a safety check and a demonstration of the tools in use. Students who miss it will not be able to join the class, so please arrive on time.
- Protect your eyes.Wear properly fitting safety glasses whenever tools are in use.
- Listen first. Ask before using.Use a tool only after the instructor explains it and gives permission.
- Keep hands in the safe zone.Clamp wood securely; keep fingers clear of cutting paths and pinch points.
- Give tools and each other space.Walk, carry tools safely, and stay focused. No horseplay in the shop.
- Stop, tidy, and tell.Put tools away, keep the bench clear, and tell an instructor if anything feels unsafe.
Useful skills. Lasting confidence.
“I can figure this out.”
Measuring, trying, adjusting. Every project makes problem-solving something they can hold in their hands.
Room to be themselves.
A color, a shape, a little unexpected detail. Shared skills leave plenty of room for individual ideas.
Skills that go home.
Care, patience, and practical know-how stay with them long after the sawdust settles.
Real makers. Patient teachers.
- Almost 20 years in wood & metal
- Welder by trade
- Eagle Scout
- CPR certified
- Order of the Arrow
Hi, I’m Troy Aguirre, the founder of Sawdust & Skills Academy. I’ve been working with wood and metal for almost 20 years. I’m a welder by trade, and I design and make custom builds in my own shop.
I’m also an Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s national honor society. Scouting taught me that the best way to learn a skill is to do it with your own hands, with someone beside you who shows you how to do it safely.
I’ve also spent years helping teach my siblings, some of whom have disabilities. They taught me that every kid learns differently, and that with patience and the right support, every kid can build something they’re proud of. At Sawdust & Skills Academy, every child is welcome. If your child needs anything to feel comfortable and included, just tell us and we’ll work it out together.
Our teachers come from like-minded backgrounds and share that belief. Every one of them wants to see your child succeed, build real skills, and grow in confidence.
I started Sawdust & Skills Academy because I want kids to feel what I felt the first time I built something real: that “I made that” moment. Safety comes first, projects are matched to each child, and our goal is for every maker to go home with something to be proud of. We’re right here in Virginia Beach, and we can’t wait to meet your young maker.
— Troy Aguirre, founder
A few things parents ask.
New to woodworking? That’s exactly where many great makers start.
Does my child need any experience?
No experience is needed. The four age groups provide a starting point, and activities can be adapted to confidence, ability, and previous tool experience.
Will younger children use power tools?
No. Younger children’s materials are pre-cut, and power tools are instructor-only. Explorers focus on sanding, glue, clamps, decorating, and supported hand-tool use. Older groups progress only with instruction, readiness checks, and supervision.
Will they finish their project in class?
Classes aim for a finished or nearly finished take-home project. Pre-cut or partially prepared materials keep the focus on learning. Larger projects, such as a stool or bench, may need prepared assemblies or more than one session. Glue or finishes may still need drying time at home.
What should my child wear?
Closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes that can get dusty. Tie back long hair, secure loose clothing, and remove dangling jewelry. Ask about protective equipment and any access needs before attending.
Is the class right for my child’s needs?
Kids of all abilities are welcome at Sawdust & Skills Academy. Tell us what your child needs, whether that’s learning, sensory, physical, or anything else, and we’ll work it out together. Our instructors share a belief that every child can build something they’re proud of.
Can parents stay?
Yes. Parents are always welcome to stay and watch, or to help their maker at the bench. Let us know about any access needs or other questions in your inquiry.
What if I need to cancel?
Email us at troy.alex.aguirre@gmail.com at least 48 hours before class to cancel. Because materials are purchased and prepared in advance, refunds are reviewed case by case and may be partial. Not every request qualifies, and Sawdust & Skills Academy makes the final decision. Cancellations due to weather or illness are not refunded unless discussed with our staff at least 48 hours before class. If we cancel a class, we'll offer a full refund or a credit toward another class.
What if we arrive late?
Classes start on time with a required safety briefing. Students who miss the safety portion will not be able to join the rest of the class, and no refund will be given. No exceptions, because safety comes first. Please plan to arrive a few minutes early.
What if I’m late for pickup?
Please pick up on time so our instructors can prepare for the next class. After 15 minutes, a $10 late fee may apply. If you’re running late, call or text (757) 968-3972.
Every class starts on time with a required safety briefing. Students who miss the safety portion at the start of class will not be able to join the rest of the class, and no refund will be given. No exceptions. Please plan to arrive a few minutes early.
We aim to have two adults in every class of up to 20 students, so makers get more hands-on guidance and supervision.
Woodworking Explorers must be able to use the restroom on their own. Staff do not provide restroom assistance. Children who need help are welcome when a parent or guardian stays for the full class.
Please let us know at least 48 hours before class. Materials are purchased and prepared in advance, so refunds are reviewed case by case and may be partial. Not every request qualifies for a refund, and Sawdust & Skills Academy makes the final decision.
Cancellations due to weather or a child’s illness are not refunded unless discussed with our staff at least 48 hours before class.
Talk with our staff in person, or call or text (757) 968-3972. Every request is reviewed individually.
If Sawdust & Skills Academy cancels a class, we'll offer a full refund or a credit toward another class.
Parents are always welcome to stay and watch or help. Please pick up on time: after 15 minutes, a $10 late fee may apply.
Let’s make something happen.
Tell us a little about your young maker so we can prepare an inquiry for the right class. Classes begin November 6, 2026, at 5345 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. No classes on holidays. Once Troy replies that your date is open, pay in full online by card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Spots are secured only when payment is received.
Every student needs a signed Participation Agreement. Print the one-page form, fill it out, and bring it to your child’s first class. Students without a signed form can’t take part.