About
Our Mission
At Get Handy Workshops, we believe being handy is a life skill. Whether you want to renovate your home, take control of DIY projects, or step into a trade career, our workshops are designed to give you confidence on the tools.
Founded by Penny Petridis in 2019, Get Handy is more than a training provider — it’s a movement to empower women and beginners to step into a world that has traditionally been male-dominated. We’re here to make DIY and trade skills accessible, practical and rewarding.
Why We Exist
For too long, people have felt stuck:
We’re here to change that. Our courses are built on the principle that anyone can learn trade skills when they’re taught in the right way.
Penny Petridis
Director & Lead Trainer
Founder Penny Petridis brings 30+ years of construction experience to Get Handy Workshops.
A qualified carpenter, metal fabricator, and certified builder, Penny has spent her career breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry. She created Get Handy to give everyday people the chance to learn the DIY skills she wished were more accessible when she was starting out. Her goal has always been simple: to empower others with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to tackle projects at home.
“DIY skills aren’t just about tools — they’re about confidence, independence, and choice.” – Penny Petridis
While Penny designs every course and oversees the training program, the workshops are delivered by a team of qualified instructors she has personally handpicked and trained. Each trainer shares Penny’s passion for teaching, and together they bring her vision to life in the classroom. They are experienced tradies who know their craft — and just as importantly, they’re approachable, patient, and committed to making learning safe, fun, and practical.
With Penny guiding the vision and our trainers leading the day-to-day workshops, you’ll always be learning the Get Handy way: expert instruction, real hands-on experience, and the confidence to tackle your own renovations and home maintenance with pride.
What Makes Us Different?
DIY skills are a must in today’s world. No more waiting for tradies, no more huge bills — when you’re shown how, even the toughest jobs become easy.
Practical, hands-on training
No boring theory, just real projects you can use in everyday life.
Step-by-step progression
Start with a beginner class and grow all the way to advanced carpentry.
Custom programs
Tailored workshops for schools, corporate groups and team-building events.
Passion-driven teaching
We’re not just teaching skills; we’re building confidence, independence and community.
Our Team
At Get Handy Workshops, our trainers bring a unique mix of trade expertise, teaching experience and creative problem-solving. From carpentry and metal fabrication to fine arts and construction project management, our team is passionate about helping beginners build skills and confidence on the tools.
We believe learning in a welcoming, supportive and empowering environment makes all the difference. Whether you’re picking up a drill for the first time or tackling more advanced carpentry projects, our trainers are here to guide you every step of the way.
Our Vision
We see a future where DIY skills are accessible to everyone. Where women feel just as welcome in workshops and worksites as men. Where schools and businesses can use hands-on skills training to inspire teamwork and confidence.
At Get Handy, we’re not just teaching people how to use tools — we’re changing lives, building independence and opening doors to new opportunities.
Join the Movement
Ready to pick up the tools and see what you’re capable of?
Whether you want to save money on home projects, learn a life-long skill, or explore a career in the trades, Get Handy Workshops is here to support you every step of the way.