My idea is this: Insert a search system for the increase of 1 point proficiences and I'll explain how.
For example by placing one single piece of wood in this research bench with the passage of time develops you a point that you can enter, if the wood a point of "Hammer & Nails, a sort of accumulator which then, depending on what you put you it gives the possibility to increase by one point one of the areas of proficiences!
sorry for my english but I hope you understand the concept.