So I’m fairly new here, only for a few months, and the only classes I see with any frequency are laser basics and wood-shop basics. For another category (say leather-working which I would also like to look into) there are only a few classes available and they usually fall on days I work.
Is it possible to request some level of mentoring on protocol, safe tool use, practice, etc. to be able to at least get started?
I’ve found it useful to find out who is knowledgeable on what it is I’m interested in but either classes are sporadic or don’t match my schedule, then talk to them. In one case, they’d had interest from another couple folks as well, so they put together a class at a time where we all could do it.
In another couple cases, I got in the basics class but need mentorship, so found out who was knowledgeable and receptive to getting pestered with beginner questions 
and kinda when they tend to be at the space and show up then too, or actually communicate/coordinate, when they plan on coming but would be flexible to help mentor as well. I try to also do as much independent knowledge building (YouTube videos, Internet sites) so that when I have a project and a go-to person, I can make the most of our time.
Depending on subject, SIG meetings (special interest groups) are good to make connections at. You mentioned leather. It’s got a monthly SIG. There’s others (I schedule a Fiberarts SIG 1-2x month). And look and see who is teaching classes in your area of interest and track down those teachers. They can give you a nudge in the right direction.
Also just ask here on Talk who to contact with what subject and someone will know. Also you’ll start finding a few go-to folks that have been around a long time that usually know who to start with on a subject. Also on the committee lists, there’s the chairs that will be a good start and know who might be good in what or what their schedule tends to be.
I’ve been at DMS about 1.5 years and it took awhile to figure out how to navigate. Main thing is just don’t be shy about asking around. Most folks are super helpful and if they don’t know, they might can give a push in the right direction. And be patient and don’t get in a hurry, because it can take awhile to ferret out information, then coordinate with folks that have inclination and similar schedules.
In the meantime, the best advice is just spend time at the space getting to know folks. The rest will follow once you start asking around. Now that I know a few folks, plus posting here on Talk, I can usually get help, answers, mentorship, etc in a few days of checking around.
One other thing, if your interest is in areas that having training required tools for independent usage (woodshop, metals, leather, etc most areas have something), be sure to get at least qualified on those so that when you want to build knowledge or run across a mentor, the basic qualifications are not an impediment.
Most critical training required areas (i.e. woodshop) have multiple opportunities to catch those classes. If they never ever fit with your schedule, contact the instructor or committee chair and maybe they can put together an alternately scheduled class
8 posts were split to a new topic: Are there any Leather classes coming up soon?
As an instructor of a couple of things, feedback on when folks would be available for classes is very helpful. Classes may not be scheduled because there’s no clear way to tell when people are available and/or interested. And, a few classes that don’t make, and the instructors may think that there’s no interest in their subject.
I went to see if you could get my email from the event, and it doesn’t appear that you can. You can see the instructor names, and you could post a message here in Talk asking them to contact you.
@clayoden ~ this is a great question; and, there are some great responses so far! :dms: 
To reiterate/add, here are some things to keep in mind:
1. The training requirements for any tool that requires training is up to the current chairperson of the committee that the tool falls under.
[color=red]Even if you have already attended the required training or if training is not required on a particular tool, if you are not 100% sure how to use a tool PLEASE ask how to use it and/or seek additional training. Thanks![/color]
2. There are several ways to determine whether training is already scheduled / available, and to request training if not already scheduled.
)3. Please keep in mind that we are an all volunteer community, and always show courtesy and respect toward trainers’ personal time at the 'Space. While many of us are willing to give “one-on-one” training on tools that do not require organized class training, we also enjoy being able to Enoy the 'Space for our own projects as well.
[color=green]PROTIP: If someone is wearing headphones/earbuds (especially if they are “obviously” not plugged in 
) - please do not disturb them.[/color] While they may be listening to something and not want to disturb others in the area, there is also a very real chance that they are trying to focus on work and do not wish to be disturbed. 
4. Once you become proficient in using a tool - especially if it is one that does not have many members authorized to provide training (yet), please consider reaching out to the current chairperson of the committee where the tool is located to see if they will authorize you to begin offering training. :dms: 
