Tool School
Learn to Use Tools with Houston ToolBank
Tool School equips its participants with the appropriate skills, knowledge, and confidence to safely and properly wield common hand and power tools through small group training sessions in a hands-on learning environment with ToolBank trainers.
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Houston ToolBank trainers are here to instruct, assist, and answer questions about tool usage. We provide:
- protective safety gear
- small group training sessions
- a hands-on learning environment
- flexible lesson formats adjusted to group capabilities
Who We Teach
Anyone can become a Tool School trainee! The groups we teach vary widely in age, experience, and ability levels.
Schools and Education Programs
Teach the value of common tool skills to a class or other school group.
Workforce Development Programs
Learn and develop useful skills to leverage in different professions.
Individuals with Disabilities
No matter your abilities, anyone can participate.
Who We’ve Trained
Since Tool School began, we have trained more than 150 different people across a wide range of demographics.
Identify as Disabled
36%
Identify as Military Veterans
15%
Identify as Women
55%
The Tool School Pledge
I promise…
…that I will only use the tools and equipment for their intended purposes
…that I will treat my body and the body of others present with respect
…that I will, at all times, keep safety as a top priority
…that if I see something unsafe, I will say something immediately
…that I will not be afraid to ask questions or seek help if I need it
Session Format Options
Tool School sessions are catered to the needs of the group and the goals of the partner organization.
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1
Skills-based Workshop
Single session, 2 hours
An overview of basic hand and power tools with hands-on use and practice. Great for individuals interested in volunteering with other nonprofits out in the community!
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2
Project-based Workshop
Single session, 2-3 hours
This is a brief overview of the required tools used subsequently for a build project. Individual take-home and collaborative group-build donation project options are available. These are great for professionals with busy schedules or friends looking for a fun group activity!
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3
Skills + Project Condensed Workshop
Single session, 4-6 hours
An overview of common hand and power tools with hands-on use, followed by a build project. Individual take-home and collaborative group-build donation project options are available. Great for scout troops looking to earn badges!
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4
Skills + Project Full Workshop
Multiple sessions, 3-4 hours each
A deep dive of hand and power tools with hands-on use. Over the course of multiple sessions, trainees participate in activities that inspire confidence and encourage skill development, and each subsequent session builds on the content from the former. Trainees prep and assemble both individual take-home projects and a group project. The group project is the final task, where trainees collaborate to build a larger item that is then donated to community partners, such as a school or community garden. Great for schools and workforce development programs!
Partner With Us
We want to work with anyone who has the drive and the desire to learn and is committed to maximizing what Tool School offers to everyone who participates, no matter what.
