The Federation Behind the Alumni
The Northfield Trades Federation was founded in 1954 by eleven master craftspeople who believed a trade deserved the same honour as any profession. Today the federation unites workshops, training halls and guild chapters across the region — and its alumni association keeps every graduate connected for life.
From first-year apprentices to fellows of the craft, members share work, teach evening cohorts, hire from the directory and gather each December at White Hall. When you finish a Northfield program, you join five thousand graduates who answer each other's calls.
Become a Member
What We Stand For
Skill before speed
No graduate leaves Northfield until their work passes a master's eye. Employers hire our alumni because the standard never slips — a dovetail is a dovetail.
Graduates for life
The directory, the forum and the December meet-up exist for one reason: no Northfield craftsperson ever works alone. Ask, and someone answers.
Pass it forward
Every member teaches. Alumni lead evening cohorts, judge apprentice assessments and sponsor the tools that start the next generation's careers.
Gallery
Workshops, cohorts and White Hall evenings — a look inside federation life.
Bench review, spring cohort
Joiners present final pieces for master assessment.
The training hall
Forty benches, one library wall, endless coffee.
Planning the autumn program
Chapter leads set next season's masterclasses.
Once Northfield, Always Northfield
Reunions, scholarships, job leads and five thousand friends of the craft.
Read Alumni Stories