FAQS

TradeWorx Academy is Northern Virginia’s premier hands-on training center for DIYers, homeowners, and aspiring tradespeople. We teach real-world skills in tile installation, drywall repair, electrical and plumbing basics, and creative maker projects — all led by licensed professionals with years of field experience. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to tackle projects safely and correctly.

Unlike temporary or “pop-up” classes, TradeWorx Academy operates from a permanent, fully equipped training facility inside Fair Oaks Mall. Our students use the same professional tools and materials used on actual job sites. We don’t just demonstrate — you’ll actively work on real mockups and projects under expert supervision. Every class is designed for quality, safety, and personalized instruction, not speed or novelty.

All of our instructors are licensed contractors and industry professionals. They bring decades of experience and a genuine passion for teaching. You’ll learn trade techniques the right way — directly from the pros who do this work every day.

We keep class sizes small to ensure individualized attention, use professional-grade tools and materials, and blend lecture-based learning with true hands-on practice. Our permanent setup allows for repeat sessions, detailed modules, and an immersive environment that pop-up events simply can’t provide.

TradeWorx Academy is conveniently located inside Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax, Virginia, making it easy to access from anywhere in the DMV area. Our mall location provides a bright, safe, and professional environment — perfect for both homeowners and trade professionals to learn, collaborate, and grow.

Not at all! In addition to home repair and trade workshops, we also offer Creative Maker workshops, perfect for those who love crafts, design, and hands-on artistry. From paper quilling to mosaic planters, these sessions offer a fun and social way to learn something new.

Absolutely. At TradeWorx Academy, we partner with industry-leading brands like IQ Power Tools, WetWall™, Rubi, Festool, Mapei, DalTile, and more. Our students use the same quality tools and products trusted by contractors across Northern Virginia. We believe learning should reflect real conditions — so every cut, mix, and installation is done using the tools and materials you’d find on a professional job site.

TradeWorx Academy offers both lecture and hands-on workshops, each with its unique setup and requirements.

For our lecture workshops, you will be seated for the duration of the class, allowing you to focus on absorbing the material presented.

On the other hand, our hands-on workshops are more physically engaging. Be prepared to stand, kneel, bend and lift for these activities. Don’t worry, we provide cushions for your knees to ensure comfort.

It's important to dress in attire that allows for maximum comfort and mobility. By preparing appropriately for each type of workshops, you can ensure a more effective and comfortable learning experience at TradeWorx Academy.

Yes, TradeWorx Academy has a specific dress code designed to ensure both your safety and comfort during our workshops. We ask our participants to follow these guidelines while attending classes: No Open Toe Shoes: For safety reasons, closed-toe shoes are mandatory. No Loose Clothing: To prevent any accidents with machinery or tools, please avoid wearing loose garments. No Clothing with Drawstrings: Drawstrings can get caught in equipment and pose a risk.

No Long / Loose Jewelry: To prevent any accidents with machinery, participants should refrain from wearing any necklaces, bracelets or any other jewelry item that may pose a safety risk. Hair Safety: If you have long hair, please tie it back and/or wear a hat to avoid any hazards. Shorts: Shorts are absolutely allowed for your comfort. By adhering to this dress code, you help maintain a safe learning environment for everyone involved. Thank you for your cooperation!

No, you don't need to bring anything. TradeWorx Academy provides all the tools and materials you need. Just come with an eager mind, and focus on learning and improving your skills. We have everything covered to make sure you have a smooth and enriching learning experience.

Safety is our number one priority. TradeWorx Academy provides ANSI approved ear, eye and lung protection for our workshop participants. If you prefer to bring your own gear, feel free to do so as long as it is the proper equipment for that particular curriculum.

We start our workshops on time to ensure we maximize the allotted time.

Please arrive 10 minutes before the start time to get settled in and complete any remaining paperwork, if necessary. If you have any specific questions before the workshop, this is the perfect time to ask.

For those who are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be allowed to participate as it would be a disruption to the other participants in the workshop. We will provide a one-time transfer to another open workshop of equal or less value. Credit must be used within one year of originally booked workshop.

There is no eating allowed on the workshop floor. We encourage participants to eat prior to your arrival. For full day workshops, there will be a 30 minute break. Water bottles with lids are allowed.

Fair Oaks Mall is centrally located in Northern Virginia, making it a convenient destination for residents throughout the region. When visiting TradeWorx Academy, the best place to park is near the mall entrance next to Mezeh and Dick's Sporting Goods.

Directions:

1. Parking: Upon arriving at Fair Oaks Mall, look for the parking area closest to the Mezeh Mediterranean Grill and Children's Science Lab. This entrance is located on the lower level of the mall, providing easy access to our location.

2. Entering the Mall: Once you've parked, enter the mall through the doors to the right of Mezeh.

3. Finding TradeWorx Academy: TradeWorx Academy is located at 11902 U Fair Oaks Mall. We are located upstairs in the old Lord & Taylor wing, above CERT. If you need assistance, feel free to look for the directory kiosks located within the mall or ask one of the mall staff members. You may also phone us at (571) 350-0041 for assistance.

While we are eager to hear about your project and may be able to answer less complicated questions, the best way to receive 1:1 individual assistance is to schedule a consultation appointment. This allows us to provide you with focused and personalized support for your specific needs.

Additionally, there will be a general question and answer portion at the end of our workshops, where you can also pose questions related to your project. This dual approach ensures that you receive comprehensive guidance tailored to your unique requirements.

No, you are not required to participate in every activity. At TradeWorx Academy, your comfort and safety are our priorities. While we encourage active participation to enhance your learning experience, we understand that everyone has different comfort levels. If you choose not to participate in a particular activity, just let us know. Your learning journey is unique, and we respect your choices. Please note that the cost of the workshop remains the same regardless of participation level.

Our workshop sizes vary depending on the format. Our lecture-based workshops can accommodate a larger number of participants, allowing more people to benefit from the expertise of our instructors in an engaging, educational setting.

In contrast, our hands-on workshops are intentionally kept smaller to ensure a personalized training experience. This allows participants to receive more direct guidance and have ample opportunities to practice and refine their skills under the supervision of our expert trainers.

Due to the logistical requirements of setting up a workshop, including the purchase of necessary materials, TradeWorx Academy requires a minimum of 5 participants for each workshop. If this minimum is not met, registered participants will be automatically transferred to an upcoming workshop of equal or lesser value of the participant's choosing at no additional administrative fee.

Please note that no refunds will be provided.

At TradeWorx Academy, we prioritize the safety and focus of all participants during our DIY home improvement and repair workshops. Therefore, the use of cell phones to take calls, is strictly prohibited on the workshop floor. Should you need to take a call we ask that you please step out to the mall area. Cell phone use to take photos or videos is allowed so long as it does not interfere with other workshop participants. Live feeds are strictly prohibited. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Additionally, our team will capture photos throughout the workshop, which we will post on our social media platforms. If you would like to be tagged in any of these images, please feel free to request it. Your cooperation ensures a safe and productive learning environment for everyone.

At TradeWorx Academy, the safety of our customers and staff is our top priority. In the event of inclement weather, we will assess the conditions and make decisions accordingly.

Closure: If weather conditions are severe (such as heavy snow, flooding, or other hazardous conditions), we may temporarily close the store for the safety of everyone.

Adjusted Hours: We may also adjust our hours depending on the situation, so please check our website or social media channels for real-time updates.

Customer Notification: We will make every effort to notify customers as early as possible through email, phone calls, and text messages if there is a closure or cancellation of a class.

Cancellation notifications will be sent out no later than 4 hours before the class.

Latest Updates: For the most current information regarding inclement weather decisions, please email or phone our workshop.

We encourage you to stay safe and check for updates before visiting during extreme weather conditions. Thank you for your understanding!