Key skills for converting vans into campervans a 1 to 3 day course
Description
A 1, 2 or 3-day practical camper van conversion course. This is a hands-on practical course designed for beginners who want to develop key skills in designing and building their own camper van. Whether you've already acquired a van or are considering a conversion, this course will provide essential hands-on experience before starting your own build. Flexible 1, 2, or 3-day options – learn at your own pace. Booking options: Choose the format that suits you best: - Book just day 1, or book day 1 plus either day 2 or day 3, or all three days for a full hands-on experience. - You can also choose when you do the different days either all in a block (Saturday to Monday). - Book all 3 days together to receive a discount (please get in touch via the 'message the tutor' button, or do some and come back later and pay for the bits you need. - You have up to 12 months to complete all sessions. - You’re free to skip a day or change your schedule as needed (having given appropriate notice, as per the cancellation policy). Day 1 is required as your starting point. After that, you can complete Days 2 and 3 in any order—or even skip a day entirely. Course Breakdown: Day 1: Introduction & Electrical Systems Morning: Walk through of the entire conversion process, covering planning, safety, and key considerations. Participants will have hands-on access to different conversion components and setups to explore options. Afternoon: Practical session on 12V electrical systems, including: Designing and integrating a 12V system, Connecting wires and installing fuse panels, Building a basic wiring loom, Installing USB charging points, battery charge monitors, lighting, and water pumps, introduction to testing and troubleshooting electrical setups Day 2: Metalwork, Diesel Heaters & Plumbing Morning: Cutting holes in van panels and working with metal: Cutting and shaping metal for windows, vents, and fan installations, options for attaching wood to metal. Afternoon: Diesel heaters and water systems: walk though and introduction to choosing and Installing 12V diesel heater units,pPlanning and building water systems, connecting a sink, choosing and fitting pipes, working with water pumps and fittings. 240v installation a practical session on how to do it safely. Day 3: Woodwork & Practical Building Skills Full Day: Hands-on woodworking and construction: Marking, measuring, and cutting wood, skills for attaching wood panels securely to the van, key skills for creating storage units, flooring, and structural elements, learning essential joinery techniques for a solid van build. What you’ll learn or practice over the full 3 days: Van design & layout planning, Safety considerations: ventilation, fire safety, carbon monoxide, and crash planning, Choosing tools, materials, and insulation options, 12V & 240V electrical systems, plumbing and water system installation, metalwork and cutting techniques, woodworking skills for building van interiors. Course Location & Structure: Location: Evercreech, near Glastonbury, Somerset (BA4). The course takes place in an indoor workshop, with practical units that naturally build on each other. There may be a van on-site under construction for reference (but not guaranteed). Who is Running the Course? Scott is a teacher with over 30 years of experience in up-cycling, metalwork, and woodwork. He runs courses in van conversions, furniture restoration, and handyman skills. As a qualified P.A.T electrical tester, he brings hands-on expertise from years of building and supporting van conversions. This is an interactive, practical course where you will gain hands-on experience with real tools and materials. No prior skills are required – just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn! Sign up now to start your journey into van conversion! 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
3 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
- Vision impaired
- Limited mobility
- Romantic
- Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
- Pet lovers
- Christmas
- Stag dos
- UK Holiday
- Parking provided
- Easter
- Hen dos
- Tutor can travel
- Suitable for beginners
- Father's Day
- Corporate days out & team building
- Intermediate level
- Mother's Day
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.
