From b3b4886b09d90e4c43f2bed955ae6c92cb772358 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Steph Piper Date: Mon, 26 Jan 2026 12:16:15 +1000 Subject: [PATCH] Created How to Use Skill Trees in a Makerspace or Club (markdown) --- ...Use-Skill-Trees-in-a-Makerspace-or-Club.md | 57 +++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 57 insertions(+) create mode 100644 How-to-Use-Skill-Trees-in-a-Makerspace-or-Club.md diff --git a/How-to-Use-Skill-Trees-in-a-Makerspace-or-Club.md b/How-to-Use-Skill-Trees-in-a-Makerspace-or-Club.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..972c6e6 --- /dev/null +++ b/How-to-Use-Skill-Trees-in-a-Makerspace-or-Club.md @@ -0,0 +1,57 @@ + +Makerspace Kit-05 + +## Skill trees are video game inspired templates you can use to track skill progression, in a variety of areas, from 3D printing to metalworking. +### From beginner to Advanced + +In an ideal Makerspace or learning space, there should be opportunities from beginner to advanced level for upskilling. If you’re in a volunteer space, you may notice that there is not as many advanced members as there should be, or potentially not enough new members coming in. Cultivating great experiences at every stage is tricky, and once a new member is in the door with an open day or introductory workshop, **Skill Trees can help turn them into an Advanced Club Member**. Consider using these ideas in your Makerspace to maximize the growth of your members and increase their skill sets. + +Thanks to Jason Pettiaux for some of these great ideas and for inspiring the writing of this guide. + + +Makerspace Kit-01 + +An onboarding workflow, from prospective member to advanced club member. + + +### How to use a Skill Tree + +Makerspace Kit-02 + +To use a Skill Tree, just color in the boxes you’ve already completed. Start at the base in the basics, and work your way up to advanced. Easily see your skill progress and identify skill gaps. Get inspired to try new things, and mark future goals, goals to revisit and goals to swap. +### Makerspace Skill Map + +Makerspace Kit-03 + + +There are currently over 70 skill areas covered by the Skill Trees repository, including a great variety of Makerspace skills in the Skill map above. Depending on your Makerspace or club specialisation, there should be a good spread of skills covered for you to use already. If not, consider creating and submitting a new skill tree or peer reviewing an existing one to contribute to the repository using the [Skill Tree Generator](https://schme16.github.io/MakerSkillTree-Generator/). + +### Social Levelling +Part of the motivation for joining a club or Makerspace is often the social experience, meeting new people and having a great time. Skill trees are based on this idea and make it easy for members to understand each other better, help each other and swap skills. + +## Suggested ideas for Skill Tree Usage +### 1. Add a printed skill tree to each piece of equipment +Makerspace Kit-04 + + +This makes it easy for new members to get an idea of what might be a basic project and an advanced project, helping to choose something to make based on their level before they begin. You could also put up the [Skill Trees Makerspace Poster](https://github.com/sjpiper145/MakerSkillTree/blob/main/Makerspace%20Skill%20Trees/Makerspace%20Poster.pdf) for more information on the project. + +### 2. Create and give out a ‘New member’s pack’ + +Makerspace Kit-08 + +When someone new joins your space, you could provide a folder including information about the club, rules, how to participate and a range of skill trees based on the equipment in the space. You could also include a member’s ‘Skill Sheet’ where they can plot their skill levels on a graph. See printable PDF for a customizable kit for building [a new members pack](https://github.com/sjpiper145/MakerSkillTree/blob/main/Makerspace%20Skill%20Trees/Makerspace%20New%20Members%20Kit.pdf). Consider having a variety of printed skill trees ready to go for the new member to 'mix and match' based on their preferred skills. + +You may also consider giving each new member a copy of [Skill Seeker: Maker Edition](https://www.makerqueen.com.au/skill-seeker-book) (adults) or [Skill Seeker: Young Maker Edition](https://www.makerqueen.com.au/skill-seeker-book-2) (8-12 year olds) for a deluxe experience. + +### 3. Build a member’s Skill Wall +Makerspace Kit-09 + +This makes it easy to see everyone’s skill levels at once by displaying an A4 or A5 page for every member. Easily identify club experts, organise skill swaps and understand everyone’s goals. Plus, find out the specific tiles members are seeking help with to speed up the skill development process. + +### 4. Provide incentives for helping others +Consider offering prizes for members who go above and beyond to help other members. Someone who helps someone with one skill tile might receive a club sticker and work their way up to receiving club shirts and other merchandise. This builds a culture of helping others and ‘giving first’. + +## Does your Makerspace use this system or have any other great ideas? Let me know and I can add it to this list. I’d also love to see pictures of member’s walls! + +