DSWA Certified Instructors. Up to 8 participants.
5-Day workshop: December 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13
This workshop includes 4 days of training and the
Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain (DSWA-GB) Level I (Initial) certification test on the final day.
This workshop is perfect for the landscape or masonry contractor interested in starting to build dry stone walls, or expand that line of work, and gain DSWA-GB Certification.
Workshop Format:
This 5 day course will take place as follows:
Monday 12/9 and Tuesday 12/10: These two days will be much like a 1.20 walling course. The existing training wall there will be lengthened, so Monday part of the existing wall will be stripped out, and additional stone will be sorted in preparation for building a longer wall. The most experienced participants will rebuild the wall end while the rest will focus on sections of straight wall. Each person will work a section of wall about 6 ft long (on one side). Learning the proper techniques for sound and durable construction, as well as for efficient building. By the end of Tuesday the wall be complete, and should be built to a quality that will exceed passing marks for a Level 1 certification.
Wednesday 12/11 will be a “test-prep” day where participants will practice the Level 1 (Initial) Dry Stone Wall Certification Test (equivalent to course 2.80). Each participant will take down and rebuild 27 square ft of wall both sides would equal 54 face sq ft). Participants will be able to ask questions and receive assistance throughout the day, while experiencing the pace and workflow required in the test.
Thursday 12/12 will focus on stone shaping and discussions related to professional dry stone walling. This will allow a bit of a rest day between the strenuous practice and test. Participants will get to learn some additional methods of shaping stone, and discussions about foundations, site prep, retaining walls, building features and more. Highlights from course 2.50 and many others will be included. Pricing and estimating will also be discussed.
Friday 12/13, will be the DSWA-GB Certification Test Day, where participants will be able to put all their newly gained knowledge to work (equivalent to course 2.90). Participants will each take down and rebuild a 27sq ft (both sides would equal 54 face sq ft) section of wall, while being watched by a DSWA-GB Examiner. The examiner will not be in instructor for the prior days of the course. Each section of wall will be graded and marks given at the end of the day. While there is no guarantee of passing the test, this course is specifically geared to prepare each participant with the information and skills needed to pass.
Participants are expected to attend all days of the workshop.
Monday – Thursday will be taught by Michael Weitzner. Brian Post will be the Examiner. Both are DSWA-GB certified Master Craftsmen, Instructors, and Examiners.
Equivalent to a combination of courses 1.20, 2.8, and 2.9 plus much more!
The workshop will run 9:00am-5:00pm with 1/2 hour lunch break each day. The final day (testing) will run until 6:00pm. This workshop is open to everyone, but the intended audience is landscape and masonry contractors. Participants should be comfortable moving and lifting stones multiple days in a row.
Detailed info will be emailed to you once you register including what to bring and directions. All tools needed are provided. Wear work clothes and boots, bring gloves, safety glasses, water, and lunch.
