Jobs are important. And we’re not just saying that because we work in recruitment! A job you feel challenged and fulfilled in is central to a happy life and we’re here to help make that goal a reality, intuitively matching our candidates with jobs that will inspire, stimulate and ultimately help you realise your potential.

But it’s important to remember that a job doesn’t have to take up your whole life, and it’s our opinion that the best kind of jobs are the ones that keep you interested and busy while you’re at them, but let you switch off when you’re not. Giving you the rest and mental space you need in order to have a healthy work-life balance.

With this in mind, it has never been easier to learn a new skill. Creative courses and workshops are popping up all over London and an evening or day spent working with your hands is the perfect antidote to a day sitting behind a screen. Adding an extra string to your bow is also a great talking point in interviews and might even lead to a new-found passion or hobby. From ceramics to calligraphy we’ve listed (and tried out) some of the best short course around.

CREATIVE

The Workbench – Ring making

Popping up in interesting locations across London, join jewellers Katie Woodward and Kirstie MacLaren for the evening and learn how to carve your dream silver ring from jewellers wax. Leave your design with the girls at the end of the night and they will transform your creation into solid silver, professionally polish it and deliver it to your home within 3 - 4 weeks. Locations vary. Prices start from £79 Website

Kana London – Ceramic Workshop

Situated in her beautiful studio in east London, at Kana, teacher Anna will guide you through the process of using your hands to mould and shape clay to make beautiful plates, bowls and vases in her signature style. We spent a morning here as a team and absolutely loved it! Based in east London. Prices start from £85 Website

London Terrariums – Terrarium Workshop

During these workshops you will not only learn how to build a terrarium but receive a comprehensive overview of their exciting history dating back to Victorian London. Come away with a beautiful terrarium and knowledge of how an arbitrary curiosity changed the world of botanical research and indoor gardening forever. Locations vary. Prices start from £40 Website

Grain and Knot – Spoon Carving

Spend an utterly relaxing evening with the lovely Sophie who will teach you how to carve a spoon from reclaimed wood. Sophie will guide you in all the safety aspects of carving from wood along with a kit of sandpaper and a homemade wood balm to help you care for your spoon at home. Locations vary. Prices start from £50 Website

Alice Gabb - Calligraphy Courses

Alice has been working as a lettering artist, stationery designer and modern calligrapher from her studio in East London for nearly ten years. Her distinctive lettering is full of charm and character and during one of her courses she’ll show you the fundamentals of calligraphy and equip you with the skills to create your own designs as well as providing you with a full calligraphy kit to use and take home. Her intermediate and specific skills courses then mean you can keep going back to improve your skills! Locations vary. Beginners courses start from £55 Website

COOKERY

Bread Ahead Bakery – Baking Courses

The Bread Ahead Bakery School, situated in the heart of Borough Market, is the ideal place to experience artisan baking first hand. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, their world class Master Bakers teach all kinds of courses, from Middle Eastern flatbreads to pretzels, donuts and traditional English afternoon tea. Borough Market. Prices start from around £90 Website

Yuki’s Kitchen - Sushi Cookery Course

Yuki is a Japanese chef, food writer and cookery teacher and, located at her home in Crystal Palace, her classes are a fantastic introduction to sushi making, equipping you with all the knowledge to create your own sushi at home! Crystal Palace. Prices start from £75 Website

Newton & Pot – Preserving Workshops

From pickles, to chutneys, jams and fermentation, Kylee is the queen of preserving! Her evening and weekend workshops are relaxed and informative and her hands-on instructions will leave you completely inspired and will a bag-full of goodies to take home. Haggerston. Prices start from around £50. Website

WELLNESS

Neals Yard – Wellness workshop

Ranging from aromatherapy to massages and natural skin care, Neals Yard’s courses are a fantastic introduction into a range of alternative therapies and natural health. Covent Garden. Prices start from £80. Website

Triyoga - Part-time yoga teacher training

Just because you work full time doesn’t mean you can’t still train in something you love and many people who train to be yoga teachers don’t start working in the industry full time. A part-time course, spread out over 2 years, is a fantastic way to learn more about yoga, improve your own practice and generally stay committed to something you love. Soho. Prices start from £4,000 Website