Whether you’re planning your first van build or want to get hands-on before committing the time and money, our Somerset workshop runs three practical campervan conversion courses — the 1-day foundation, or the 2- or 3-day courses that extend on top of it. Each course is taught by Scott McMillan, who’s been building and teaching van conversion for over 20 years.
You won’t spend the day watching slides. From the moment we start, you’re working with real materials and real tools — cutting metal and wood, wiring up fuses and cables, joining pipes, pulling apart a diesel heater, and thinking through the layout decisions every build depends on.
Our workshop in Evercreech — between Shepton Mallet and Castle Cary — is set up for small groups of four to six, so you get proper attention. Scott adapts the session each time based on what the group wants to focus on, which means even experienced builders come away with something new.
Day 1 is the foundation every campervan student starts with. It covers the planning, legislation, layout and 12V electrics you need before anything else makes sense. The 2-day and 3-day courses build on Day 1 — so if you book a longer course, Day 1 is already included.
You don’t have to take them all in one go. Plenty of students do the 2-day weekend, go home and start their conversion, then come back for Day 3 later when they hit the woodwork stage. Just book the additional day (or days) whenever it suits your build.
|
1 Day Foundation
|
2 Day
|
3 Day
|
|---|---|---|
| The Fundamentals | Working with metal & more | Bespoke woodworking |
| Full walkthrough of the conversion process | Diesel heater pulled apart in detail | Tailored to your build — Scott discusses with you beforehand |
| Van layout planning | Cutting holes in your van — practising the skills for roof & side panels | Cutting plywood to awkward shapes |
| Legislation: weights, van registration | 240V hook-up hands-on — wiring connectors, proving mains to the van | Kitchen carcass construction |
| Crash-safe design | — | Joints |
| Insulation | — | — |
| 12V electrics — hands-on bench work (switches, USB, water pumps, lighting) | — | — |
| Best if you're … starting out and want the fundamentals before committing further | Best if you're ... planning a full build and need to learn the cutting and mains work most self-builders worry about | Best if you're … ready for the complete picture with a day of woodwork shaped around your specific build |
| Book | Book | Book |
Not sure which to book? If this is your first time thinking seriously about a conversion, start with the 1-day foundation. You can always add Day 2 and Day 3 later. If you’re already committed and want to save on the cost of booking separately, the 2-day or 3-day course gets you there in one block.
Every campervan student covers the same fundamentals on Day 1. The 2-day and 3-day courses build on that with more hands-on time on the skills most self-builders find most daunting.
Scott McMillan — teacher and community worker with over 30 years’ experience. Scott has been building and converting vans for more than two decades, and teaching others to do it for the last eight. He’s been featured in craft magazines, radio and newspapers — both for the courses and for the community classrooms and “soul spaces” he’s built almost entirely from reclaimed materials.
Scott runs every campervan course personally. You’re not being passed to an assistant.
The course gave me the skills that I needed to complete my Campervan conversion project. Thanks very much Scott. It was amazing..!
A great two days with Scott and some other enthusiasts. Scott is full of knowledge and delivers his teaching in a very accessible way. He’s always open to questioning and give the best advice based on his extensive knowledge. Which is more than good enough for me. The course answered many questions I had and it’s certainly started me on the course of looking at vans and collecting the things I need to start. Many, many thanks Scott. Oh, and by the way, thanks to his wife for the cakes. I’m already looking forward to the van woodwork course. !”
A great course for any aspiring van to camper converter! I have watched hours of u tube videos but Scott was skill-fully able to cover an enormous amount of ground on the topic over a 2 day period. He helpfully added the crucial helpful detail to what I had already learned but also with excellent customer focus by adapting the content to my personal circumstances. Scott was also a good educator breaking down and simplifying the more complex and often conflicting advice aspects such as electrics and insulation. He also helped allay our fears by concentrating on specific areas we had raised as confusing or concerning such as cutting holes in our vans – which we got hands on experience of practising – not quite so scary after all! A truly great experience. Scott, Sue, the dogs, chickens and bees all made us very welcome. Hoping to go back for more crafty experiences in the very near future.
Very recommendable if you are interested in starting your own camper van conversion. Scott is lovely and full of knowledge. Goes into every step in depth and creates a great environment. I loved it!
Excellent course. Very comprehensive guidance and some practical tuition. I now feel that I am in a much better position to plan and carry out my van conversion. Scott gives you the information to do it right first time and also how to save money while doing it.
The BlackPaw workshop is in Evercreech, Somerset, BA4 6EH — between Shepton Mallet and Castle Cary, about 10 minutes’ drive from Castle Cary train station (Scott to verify: direct trains from London Paddington, Bristol and Bath?).
Wells: 20 mins
Glastonbury: 20 mins
Bath: 45 mins
Bristol: 55 mins
Taunton: 45 mins
Free parking on site. The workshop is indoor and heated — we run these courses year-round.
Every course price on this page is already 10% below what you’d pay on third-party listing sites. Book direct and the saving’s applied automatically at checkout.
Do I need to already own a van?
No. Plenty of students come to plan a build before they buy. If anything, doing Day 1 first will save you money — you’ll know what to look for in a base van.
Do I have to do Day 1 first?
Yes. Day 1 is the foundation for everything else, so every student starts there. If you book the 2-day or 3-day course, Day 1 is already included.
Can I do Day 1 now and come back for Day 2 or Day 3 later?
Absolutely. A lot of students do exactly that — take the foundation day, start their build, then come back for the practical cutting and mains skills on Day 2, or the tailored woodwork on Day 3, when they’ve got a specific question to answer. Just book the additional day when it suits your build.
What’s the smallest group size?
We run with as few as two students and a maximum of six. Small enough that everyone gets real hands-on time, big enough to learn from other people’s questions.
What tools do I need to bring?
None. All tools, materials and PPE (gloves, dust masks, eye protection) are provided. Bring lunch, old clothes, sturdy shoes, and enthusiasm.
Is Day 3 the same for everyone?
No — Day 3 is bespoke. Scott will talk to you beforehand to understand where you’re up to in your build and what you want to cover. It’s typically plywood cutting for awkward shapes, kitchen carcass construction and joints — but shaped around your specific project.
Do you run courses year-round?
Yes. The workshop is indoor and heated. See the calendar for upcoming dates.
Can under-18s attend?
With a parent or guardian also on the course (one adult per child), and by prior arrangement. Get in touch before booking.
Cancellation policy?
Full refund up to 4 weeks before the course start date.