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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The DIY Club is TradeWorx Academy’s membership community for people who want to continue learning, building skills, tackling projects, and staying connected to the Academy beyond an individual workshop.Depending on the membership level you choose, benefits may include:Workshop discountsEarly workshop registrationEducational resourcesMember-only offersVendor demonstrationsSupplier discountsComplimentary guest passesComplimentary tool rentalsDiscounted tool rentalsExclusive or priority eventsBirthday benefitsMember welcome packagesCommunity access and project sharingBenefits vary by membership level.
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP:Your membership begins on the date you enroll and automatically renews each month on or around the same date unless canceled according to the membership cancellation policy.ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP:Your membership begins on the date you enroll and remains active for 12 months. Annual memberships automatically renew for another 12-month term unless canceled prior to the renewal date.
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP:Yes. Monthly memberships automatically renew each month using the payment method on file until you cancel.ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP:Yes. Annual memberships automatically renew annually unless you cancel before your upcoming renewal.
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP:Monthly memberships require 30 days' notice to cancel. Cancellation requests must be submitted through the designated membership cancellation process or in writing to TradeWorx Academy.You remain responsible for any membership payment that falls within the 30-day notice period. Once your membership reaches its effective cancellation date, access to membership benefits will end.ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP:You may request that your annual membership not renew at any time prior to your next annual renewal date.Canceling an annual membership stops the next annual renewal. It does not terminate or refund the current annual membership term. Your membership and applicable benefits remain available through the end of your current paid membership period.
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP:Membership payments that have already been processed are nonrefundable. Your cancellation becomes effective after the applicable 30-day notice period.There are no prorated refunds for unused portions of a membership period.ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP:Annual membership fees are nonrefundable once the membership term has begun, except where otherwise required by law.Canceling prevents your membership from renewing for another year but does not provide a prorated refund for the remaining portion of your current membership term.
Certain benefits have a significantly higher value than standard membership benefits.Waiting periods help ensure those benefits reward ongoing members rather than allowing someone to join temporarily, immediately redeem a high-value benefit, and cancel.Waiting periods apply consistently according to the membership level and benefit.
For monthly Pro and Elite members:Supplier/vendor discounts:Available after 30 consecutive paid days.Complimentary guest passes:Available after 60 consecutive paid days.Complimentary tool rentals:Available after 90 consecutive paid days.For monthly Elite members:Birthday-month workshop benefit:Available after 90 consecutive paid days.Certain high-value or limited-capacity Elite opportunities may also require a minimum period of continuous paid membership.
It means the membership must remain active, current, and paid without interruption for the required eligibility period.If a membership ends and the member later rejoins, waiting periods generally begin again.Periods in which the membership is suspended for nonpayment do not count toward a waiting period.
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP:Membership payments that have already been processed are nonrefundable. Your cancellation becomes effective after the applicable 30-day notice period.There are no prorated refunds for unused portions of a membership period.ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP:Annual membership fees are nonrefundable once the membership term has begun, except where otherwise required by law.Canceling prevents your membership from renewing for another year but does not provide a prorated refund for the remaining portion of your current membership term.
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP:You may submit your cancellation request at any time; however, the 30-day cancellation notice requirement still applies.ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP:You may turn off renewal at any time. Your membership will continue through the end of the annual term you have already purchased.
Memberships generally cannot be paused or frozen. If special circumstances arise, contact TradeWorx Academy and we will review the situation individually.
Yes. Members may upgrade to a higher membership level, subject to availability and the current membership options offered by TradeWorx Academy.Any difference in membership fees or benefit eligibility will be determined at the time of the upgrade.
MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP:Yes. A downgrade may be requested and will generally take effect with your next eligible billing cycle, subject to the applicable membership terms.ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP:Annual memberships generally remain at the selected membership level for the duration of the current annual term. You may request a different membership level for your next renewal period.
Benefits associated with your current membership level end when that membership level ends.Benefits cannot be transferred, carried forward, exchanged for cash, or used after membership eligibility has ended unless a specific benefit expressly states otherwise.Certain premium membership benefits require an active membership in good standing and may be subject to minimum membership periods or other eligibility requirements. Once a cancellation request has been submitted, members may no longer initiate new reservations or claims for designated premium benefits.
Some are, while certain higher-value benefits may have eligibility periods.MONTHLY MEMBERSHIPS:Certain premium benefits included with higher membership levels may require a minimum period of continuous paid membership before they become available. For example, complimentary tool rental benefits available with an Elite membership become eligible after 90 consecutive days of active, paid Elite membership.ANNUAL MEMBERSHIPS:Because an annual membership is paid for a full 12-month term, designated premium benefits may become available immediately, subject to the individual benefit's rules, availability, and eligibility requirements.Eligibility periods help us provide valuable member benefits while keeping The DIY Club sustainable and fair for long-term members.
No. Memberships and membership benefits are intended for the registered member and cannot be transferred, shared, resold, or assigned to another person unless a particular benefit specifically allows a guest.
No. Member discounts are intended for the individual member unless a participating vendor specifically states otherwise.Members may be required to verify their active DIY Club membership when receiving a discount or special offer.
Guest passes are included with certain membership levels.Guest passes are subject to the rules and limitations associated with the applicable membership level and may not be sold, transferred for compensation, redeemed for cash, or combined with other promotions.Workshop eligibility requirements, age requirements, prerequisites, and safety policies still apply to guests.Certain guest-pass benefits may have eligibility periods or usage limitations depending on the membership level.
Membership levels that include early registration may receive access to eligible TradeWorx Academy workshops before registration opens to the general public.Early access does not guarantee a seat. Workshops remain subject to capacity limits, prerequisites, scheduling changes, and availability.
Certain membership levels may provide access to exclusive DIY Club workshops, demonstrations, project days, webinars, vendor events, or community activities.Some events may be included with membership while others may have an additional member-only registration fee. Details will be provided with each event.
Complimentary tool rental is a premium benefit available with qualifying Elite memberships and is subject to eligibility, availability, and TradeWorx Academy's Tool Rental Terms.MONTHLY ELITE MEMBERSHIP:The complimentary tool rental benefit becomes available after 90 consecutive days of active, paid Elite membership. Your membership must remain active and in good standing at the time the reservation is made and when the equipment is picked up.ANNUAL ELITE MEMBERSHIP:Eligible complimentary tool rental benefits may be used once the annual Elite membership becomes active, subject to availability and all applicable rental requirements.Complimentary rental benefits are subject to established usage limits. Unless otherwise stated, unused complimentary rentals do not accumulate, roll over, transfer, or have cash value.A complimentary rental waives the applicable standard rental charge only. Members remain responsible for any required security deposit or credit-card authorization, late fees, loss or damage, replacement costs, consumable materials, accessories not included with the rental, cleaning charges when applicable, and any other charges identified in the Tool Rental Agreement.Members must complete the required rental agreement and provide any identification or security authorization required by TradeWorx Academy.Tool availability is not guaranteed and advance reservations may be required.Once a membership cancellation request has been submitted, new complimentary tool rental reservations may not be made during the cancellation notice period. Existing reservations scheduled after the effective membership termination date will be canceled.
Not unless specifically identified as a membership benefit.The DIY Club membership provides access to the benefits associated with your membership level. Regular TradeWorx Academy workshops are generally purchased separately unless the membership benefit specifically states that a workshop, event, guest pass, or registration credit is included.Certain complimentary workshops, workshop credits, or other higher-value membership benefits may have minimum membership periods or other eligibility requirements.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, membership discounts, promotional codes, credits, introductory offers, and other discounts cannot be combined.TradeWorx Academy reserves the right to establish exclusions for certain workshops, events, products, services, or third-party offers.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, unused benefits do not accumulate from one membership period to another and have no cash value.Benefits such as guest passes, promotional credits, complimentary rentals, workshops, or other allowances must be used within the eligibility period established for that benefit.
If a membership payment cannot be processed, we may temporarily suspend membership benefits while we attempt to resolve the payment.During a suspension, premium benefits, including complimentary tool rentals, guest passes, member credits, and other qualifying benefits, may not be reserved or redeemed.If payment remains outstanding, TradeWorx Academy may cancel the membership and any associated member privileges.
Yes. As The DIY Club grows, benefits, participating vendors, events, discounts, programs, and membership features may evolve.TradeWorx Academy may modify membership benefits when necessary. Material changes affecting an active paid membership will be communicated to members when appropriate.
Yes. TradeWorx Academy reserves the right to suspend or terminate a membership for misuse of member benefits, fraudulent activity, inappropriate conduct, failure to comply with TradeWorx Academy policies, nonpayment, abuse of the membership program, or other circumstances that materially affect the Academy, its members, instructors, vendors, or community.Attempts to obtain, transfer, resell, or repeatedly enroll and cancel memberships for the primary purpose of obtaining promotional or premium benefits may be considered misuse of the membership program.
You are welcome to rejoin if membership enrollment is available.Any previous pricing, promotional rate, grandfathered benefit, unused benefit, credit, guest pass, or other membership privilege is not guaranteed when you rejoin. Your new membership will be subject to the pricing and membership terms in effect at that time.Minimum membership periods associated with premium benefits may restart when a new membership begins. Previous months of membership generally do not count toward a new eligibility period after cancellation.
Please contact TradeWorx Academy through our Contact page or email at info@tradeworxacademy.com and our team will be happy to assist you.
Our hands-on classes can involve standing, kneeling, bending, and lifting. If you have an accessibility or mobility concern, contact us before you book. We’ll help you figure out whether the workshop is a good fit and discuss possible accommodations.
Refund Policy
We understand that plans can change. Our refund policy is designed to be fair while allowing us to prepare properly for each workshop.
15+ Days Before Workshop
Cancellations made 15 or more days prior to the scheduled workshop date are eligible for a full refund.
Refund requests must be submitted in writing to info@tradeworxacademy.com.
8–14 Days Before Workshop
Cancellations made between 8–14 days prior to the scheduled workshop date are not refundable, but you will receive a credit equal to the value of your registration.
This credit may be applied toward a future workshop of equal or lesser value and must be used within one (1) year of the original workshop date.
7 Days or Less Before Workshop
Cancellations made 7 days or less prior to the workshop date are not eligible for a refund or credit.
Workshop Cancellations by TradeWorx Academy
In the rare event that TradeWorx Academy must cancel a workshop, all registered participants will be transferred to a future workshop of equal value. If that date does not work for you, we will work with you to find an alternate workshop within one year of the original workshop date.
By registering for a workshop, you agree to these policies.
TradeWorx Academy reserves the right to cancel a workshop if registration falls below the minimum of five participants. In such cases, you will receive a full credit or be offered the option to transfer to another workshop.
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. We are on the Upper Level next to Pandora Jewelers. For more information regarding the best place to park and directions and video guide to navigate you right to our door, please visit our Locate Us page.
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.
No. Our workshops are not certification or apprenticeship programs. They are built to give you real, practical experience, stronger skills, and the confidence to tackle projects the right way.
No. TradeWorx Academy serves homeowners, DIYers, teens, and aspiring trade professionals. We offer teen-focused workshops, hands-on home improvement classes, and creative maker sessions, so you can choose the format that fits your goals.
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!
For our workshops, you do not need to bring any tools, equipment, or supplies. We provide the tools, materials, safety equipment (PPE), and any workshop-specific items needed for class.
TradeWorx Academy has complimentary individually packaged snacks and beverages available for students to enjoy. For full-day workshops, you are welcome to bring a bagged lunch should you need something more substantial. We have a refrigerator and microwave available for student use, and Fair Oaks Mall offers a variety of dining options inside the mall should you prefer to grab a bite out. Individuals with dietary restrictions or food sensitivities should plan accordingly.
If a specific workshop requires participants to bring any additional items, those requirements will be clearly noted in the workshop description and registration details.
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.
TradeWorx Academy provides complimentary individually packaged snacks and beverages for all workshop participants. For our full-day workshops, or if you prefer something more substantial, you are welcome to bring a bagged lunch. A refrigerator and microwave are available for your convenience.
To help keep the workshop floor clean and safe, we ask that all food and beverages be consumed in the designated classroom area rather than in the hands-on training space.
For those who prefer to purchase a meal, Fair Oaks Mall offers a variety of dining options, including both sit-down and quick-service restaurants, conveniently located just steps away from our facility.
Participants with food allergies, sensitivities, or dietary restrictions are encouraged to plan accordingly.
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:
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.
Entering the Mall: Once you've parked, enter the mall through the doors to the right of Mezeh.
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.
Being that our home improvement workshops utilize power tools, such as saws, nail guns, etc., they are currently open to participants 13 years and up. Minors will require a parent or guardian signature to attend.Our creative maker workshops, depending on the workshop type, allow for younger participants, however, please check the workshop page for age restrictions. Minors will require parent or guardian signature to attend.
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!
Our Teen workshops are designed for teens ages 13–17 who are curious about hands-on skills, exploring career paths, or simply want to learn something practical and engaging outside of a traditional classroom setting.
No experience is required.
These workshops are beginner-friendly and designed to teach foundational skills step-by-step. Whether your teen has never picked up a tool or already enjoys working with their hands, they will feel comfortable and supported.
This is not a lecture-only class.Students will:Work with real tools and materialsComplete guided, hands-on tasksParticipate in live demonstrationsLearn proper safety techniquesBuild confidence through doing, not just watching
No, this is not a certification or apprenticeship program.
This is an exploration-based experience designed to help teens:
Discover what they enjoy
Gain early exposure to skilled trades
Build confidence before committing to a trade school, apprenticeship, or “learn while you earn” program
All workshops are led by licensed, experienced professionals in their respective trades.
Your teen will be learning from people who do this work every day, not just instructors reading from a curriculum.
Yes. Safety is a top priority.
We provide:
Close supervision at all times
Step-by-step instruction before any hands-on work
Personal protective equipment (PPE), including eye and hearing protection
Clear safety guidelines that are enforced throughout the workshop
Students are never left to figure things out on their own.
Closed-toe shoes are required
Comfortable, well-fitted clothing
No loose jewelry
Long hair should be tied back
These are active, hands-on workshops, so dress accordingly.
Workshop length varies depending on the topic, but most teen workshops are either:
Half-day sessions, or
Full-day immersive experiences
Exact timing will be listed on each workshop page.
Your registration includes:
All materials and supplies
Use of tools and equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Instruction from licensed professionals
We also offer complimentary beverages and individually packaged snacks.
‼️ Please note that we cannot guarantee a nut-free or allergen-free environment. If your teen has food allergies or dietary restrictions, we recommend sending approved snacks with them.
Most workshops are hands-on and project-based, so there typically aren’t finished items to take home. However, students are welcome to take photos and videos of their work, provided they follow all safety guidelines while doing so.
We keep class sizes small to ensure:
Personalized instruction
Better supervision
A more engaging, hands-on experience
Parents are welcome to remain on-site and wait in our designated seating area during the workshop.
To support a focused learning environment and encourage independence, students participate in the workshop on their own. For safety reasons, and due to the use of power tools, parents are not permitted in the instructional area while the class is in session.
If your teen:
Likes working with their hands
Enjoys building or fixing things
Is unsure about future career paths
Wants to try something different from traditional academics
Then this is a great fit.
Even teens who are unsure often leave excited and more confident.
Because exposure creates opportunity.
Instead of guessing what they might want to do in the future, your teen gets:
Real-world experience
Practical life skills
Confidence in their abilities
Insight into high-demand, well-paying career paths
You can register directly through our website by selecting your desired workshop and completing the checkout process.
Spots are limited and workshops often fill quickly, so early registration is recommended.
Our teen workshops are designed for teens who like to build, fix, create, or simply try something new. They’re beginner-friendly, hands-on, and a great fit for teens who want a real-world learning experience outside a traditional classroom.
Yes, you can. If you want a private workshop for a team, family, scout group, birthday, or special event, reach out and tell us what you have in mind. Share your group size, preferred topic, and ideal date, and we’ll help you explore the options.
We make checkout easy. You can pay with credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, tap to pay, or by card reader in person. Choose the option that works best for you and complete your registration in a few clicks.
Yes. TradeWorx Academy gift cards are a great way to give someone a hands-on learning experience they’ll actually use. Gift cards can be used toward eligible workshops, so the recipient can pick the class that fits their goals.
If your plans change, contact us as soon as possible. Depending on how close you are to the workshop date, we may be able to move your registration to another class. The earlier you reach out, the more options you’ll have.
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