Key skills for converting vans into campervans 2 day course
Description
This is a hands-on 2 day practical course for beginners in basic key skills for designing and building your own camper van. This course is for people who have acquired or want to acquire a van for conversion and want some hands-on practice in DIY van building, before you start building your own. No skill is required to join the course. During the course you will gain practical skills and experience of materials, tools, and construction used in van conversion. The course will be held in Evercreech near Glastonbury, Somerset (BA4). This course will include the following sections : Van design, Van layout. Planning Safety in a van: Aspects of ventilation, fire, carbon monoxide, smoke,, airflow, gas leaks, planning for a crash, storage. Planning your build (which bit to build first, and, or order of build) Choosing tools and materials. Insulation. Plumbing and electrics (12v & 240v). The weekend course is based in an indoor workshop and is taught in a number of practical units. Each unit will naturally lead onto the next. By the end of the weekend, we will have worked on; Lighting and the water pumps Integrated 12v power systems 240-volt hook-up power systems, with socket and battery charging Built-in usb charger points and battery charge monitor display A 12v battery with both 240v and van charging capabilities from an external supply A fuse panel and individual switches We will also practice: Marking out and cutting metal or wood Using 12v diesel heater units There may also be a van on site under construction that you can have a look at (but this is not guaranteed) Working in copper or plastic pipe Connecting up a sink and fitting a tap Choosing pipe and pipe fittings Water pumps 12v electrics, Understanding your power requirements Choosing the right size cables, fuses and battery Connecting wires How to build a basic wiring loom to meet your van’s needs Installing fuses, switches and units e.g. usb charging points Lighting options Metalwork Cutting and shaping metal Cutting holes in metal sheet ( like the roof and sides of a van) Options on attaching wood to metal The course schedule and the topics to be addressed are merely illustrative and subject to modification depending on the participants' skill levels and the priority of subjects that participants wish to delve into on any given day. Who is running the course? Scott is a teacher who has been teaching for over 30 years with a passion for upcycling and repurposing. Currently, he runs courses in metalwork, building with pallets, woodwork, creating shabby sheek furniture and clock making. He also runs a handyman/property maintenance service and is fully qualified in P.A.T electrical testing and management. The course is based on his experiences of building vans and supporting others to build vans over the last 20 years.
What's included in the price?
What is required from you? -You need no skills in woodwork, metal work or using tools for these courses, you just need to be keen to get stuck in. -Old clothes, work boots, and work gloves are recommended. -All courses are run indoors in the dry with heating. -Under 18’s can take part if accompanied by a parent or guardian also on the course (one adult with each child) but only with prior agreement. -There is also free tea and coffee on tap, throughout the day and a fridge is provided to keep any food or packed lunches cool.
Duration
2 days
Cancellation policy
Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Scott has been upcycling furniture for many years, but it was only after family and friends asked how they could make the inventive pieces in his home that Scott first started sharing his skills. Over 7 years later Scott continues to host a number of Black Paw upcycling experiences in his workshop, helping people to create their own pieces of upcycled furniture and learn the skills needed to upcycle at home.
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- Hearing impaired
- Father's Day
- Parking provided
- Mother's Day
- Suitable for beginners
- Romantic
- Pet lovers
- Christmas
- UK Holiday
- Easter
FAQs
You’re welcome to take photos during the course, but please check with other students before including them in your pictures. Photos can be a great way to record techniques, ideas, and options—we encourage you to take them so you have a helpful reference when working at home later.
From time to time, Black Paw may also take photos during sessions to share on pages. If you prefer not to be photographed, just let us know at the start of the session and we’ll make sure your wishes are respected.
Black Paw takes safety very seriously and we provide all necessary PPE, including gloves, dust masks, and eye protection. On some of our courses, PPE is compulsory; on others, it may be optional depending on the activity. While we do everything we can to create a safe environment, you are ultimately responsible for your own actions and any issues that may arise from them. You are expected to follow all safety instructions throughout the course. We reserve the right to ask anyone to leave if they do not follow the safety rules.
Before the course starts, you’ll be asked to sign a consent form confirming that you understand the safety guidelines and that you’re physically fit to take part.
Our courses start at 9:30am and usually finish between 4:00pm and 4:30pm.
We’ll have short breaks in the morning and afternoon, with lunch happening sometime between 12:30pm and 2:00pm, depending on the natural pause point in whatever we’re working on.
🚨 Important: Please arrive on time. If you arrive late and have missed the safety briefing, or if arriving would cause a disruption to the session already in progress, we may have to turn you away.
Under 18’s can take part if accompanied by a parent or guardian also on the course (one adult with each child), but only with prior agreement.
Unless specified we provide all the materials, tools, and guidance you’ll need—just bring your lunch, plenty of enthusiasm, and a willingness to try something new!
All necessary PPE is supplied, but we recommend wearing old clothes suitable for the activities you'll be doing and appropriate foot wear
Tea, coffee, and water are available throughout the day, and there’s a fridge where you can store your packed lunch.
