Today, we're sharing a 26-minute documentary that highlights the innovative approach a group of Indiana educators are taking to inspire and support students in developing hand-on manufacturing skill. WCMA Tech Partner Thermwood Corporation is a featured partner in this program. If you're interested in learning more about this or other future workforce programs in the wood industry, contact us at [email protected]

Woodworking Network first shared this video in June 2024 along with this article.  

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., and LINCOLN, Neb. ‐‐ The National Woods Board (NWB) and the Woodwork Career Alliance of North America (WCA) are pleased to announce a transformative strategic partnership aimed at advancing the next generation of professional woodworkers in
North America. This collaboration underscores both organizations' commitment to aligning educational programs with industry standards, promoting career opportunities, and cultivating talent within the woodwork sector.

Central to the reciprocal agreement, the NWB will incorporate the WCA’s skill standards and credentialing program in the woodworking curriculum it is preparing for use by high school and post‐secondary woodworking programs. The NWB is reformatting the The MiLL Method curriculum successfully implemented at The MiLL (Manufacturing Industry Learning Lab) in Colorado Springs, Colo. The NWB’s curriculum is scalable, meaning educational woodworking programs of any size and scope can adapt it based on their wood shop’s resources and unique needs.

The five‐year agreement also calls for the NWB and WCA to promote each other’s programs to raise awareness among schools and industry. By aligning training programs and skill standards with industry needs, NWB and WCA will
empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to launch successful woodworking careers. This collaboration will also support the recruitment, training, and retention of a skilled workforce, ensuring the long‐term vitality of the woodworking industry.

“I am excited to officially launch our partnership with Woodwork Career Alliance,” said Thomas Allott, chairman of the NWB. “Our education system needs a structured education and credentialing system that is built by industry to give students the opportunity to make a career in wood product manufacturing, and this partnership helps fill that need. Workforce development and finding skilled employees is the number one challenge that wood product manufacturers face daily and currently there isn’t a pipeline of skilled employees ready to step into these positions. This partnership will empower suppliers, manufacturers, and educators to help build the next generation of educated, competent, and confident employees. The WCA has helped lead the industry in industry‐vetted skill standards. The National Woods Board feels grateful to be a part of the accomplishments to come.”

"This collaboration not only strengthens our commitment to excellence but also underscores the value we place on industry alignment and accreditation,” commented Amanda Conger, executive director of the NWB. “By integrating the WCA's esteemed credentialing program into our curriculum, we are not just raising standards, we're opening doors of opportunity for aspiring professionals in the woodworking industry. Together, we are shaping a future where skill, knowledge, and credibility intersect to drive innovation and success."

"Our partnership with the National Woods Board represents a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen the woodworking workforce and elevate industry standards,” said Scott Nelson, president of the WCA. “Together, we will provide the next generation of woodworkers with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. By pooling our expertise and resources, we can address the challenges facing our industry and unlock new opportunities for growth and
innovation."

To kick off the partnership, the two groups are laying the groundwork for a pilot program. High school woodworking instructors throughout the country are being invited to try out the NWB’s Foundations in Woods Manufacturing 1 curriculum that incorporates the WCA skill standards and credentialing system, in their programs this fall. The objective of the pilot program is to receive instructors' feedback that can be used to help further refine the curriculum and make it
even more scalable. Instructors interested in learning more about potentially participating in the trial should contact Amanda Conger, executive director of the NWB, [email protected].
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About the National Woods Board
The National Woods Board (NWB) was inspired by the MiLL National Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., which teaches woodworking students everything from fundamentals to advanced production using high‐tech machinery. Ultimately, the vision of the NWB is to bridge the gap between education and the trades by creating advanced career opportunities that fulfill the industry’s massive workforce needs. Learn more at NationalWoodsBoard.org.

About the Woodwork Career Alliance
The Woodwork Career Alliance of North America was founded in 2007 as a 501(c)(3) non‐profit corporation and is governed by a volunteer board of directors. The WCA’s mission is to develop and administer a unified set of Skill Standards for the wood products industry. Since 2011, WCA has developed observable and measurable performance standards and assessments for more than 240 woodworking machine operations. In addition, WCA has issued over 6,000 Passport credentials, a portable, personal permanent record documenting each holder’s record of woodworking skill achievements. More than 140 high schools and post‐secondary schools throughout North America are WCA EDUcation™ members and a growing number of woodworking companies have joined the WCA as MANufacturing™ members. To learn more about the WCA and how to get involved with its programs, including sponsorship opportunities,
visit WoodworkCareer.org.