SkillsUSA 2025 Japandi project

Precision and Passion: Inside the 2025 SkillsUSA Cabinetmaking Championship


From basic nightstands to intricate Japandi workstations, the SkillsUSA Cabinetmaking Championship continues to push the boundaries of skill and design.

For a quarter of a century, Kent Gilchrist has been a pivotal figure at SkillsUSA, dedicating his time and expertise to shaping the next generation of woodworkers. As the Chair of the SkillsUSA Technical Committee for the National Cabinetmaking Championship for more than a dozen years, his commitment runs deep, stemming from a passion and being a “serial volunteer.” This enduring dedication, he explains, comes from profound personal satisfaction and the joy of working with young people interested in skilled trades and potentially entering the woodworking industry.

The 2025 SkillsUSA Cabinetmaking competition, held from June 23-27 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, showcased the impressive talent of high school and postsecondary students from across the nation, including participants from Alaska and Puerto Rico. Out of 16 postsecondary and 40 high school
contestants, the podium finishers demonstrated the highest level of skill and precision.

SKillsUSA National Cabinetmaking Championship Winners

Isaiah Buck, left, and Isaiah Powers won the Gold medals for postsecondary and high school division respectively.

2025 SkillsUSA Cabinetmaking Podium Finishers:

Postsecondary:

  • Gold: Isaiah Buck, Northwood Technical College, Rice Lake, WI
  • Silver: Nikolaus Brown, Utah Valley University, Orem, UT
  • Bronze: Natalia Salt, Metropolitan Community College, Omaha, NE

High School:

  • Gold: Isaiah Powers, Fort Wayne Community Schools Academy, Fort Wayne, IN
  • Silver: Brody Leerssen, Sheridan High School, Sheridan, WY
  • Bronze: Parker Cotton, Monache High School, Porterville, CA

Competitors were tasked with a comprehensive project that demanded a wide array of skills. They were expected to read technical drawings, meticulously lay out parts, create accurate cut lists, and then precisely cut those parts using various tools, including table saws, miter saws, drills, hinge boring machines, and an assortment of hand tools. The final stages involved accurate assembly, sanding, and fine-tuning to meet stringent judge-specified tolerances.

Evolving Craft: From Laminate to Japandi Design
Gilchrist noted that the SkillsUSA Cabinetmaking Competition, which began in 1976, has undergone significant transformations, especially over his 25 years of involvement. He reminisces about the early days when the project was a basic base cabinet – a nightstand with a door, drawer, and countertop, often involving messy laminate work with contact cement.

This year’s project, however, was a testament to the evolution of design and technique: a Japandi style workstation made predominantly with maple plywood. This unique blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design, conceived by Gilchrist and a friend with Korean heritage, was envisioned as a “station where you can do some chopping and meal prep.” The workstation featured “a little bit of storage,” including a cabinet that proved to be the most challenging aspect of the design for the contestants.

The door itself was a masterpiece of complexity, featuring three separate panels within a stile and rail construction. One of these, a quarter-inch panel, included what Gilchrist called the “Zen Garden design,” a scroll machined with precision using a Shaper Origin after initial cuts on a Grizzly bandsaw.

“We designed the project in relation to what industry is looking for,” Gilchrist explained. “The key elements are consistent with what we have done in the past. We are always looking for skills in measuring and layout, material optimization, and understanding the sequence of events that have to take place to build the project. In addition to measuring and layout, we continue to lean heavily on machine skills. All of those elements are directly related to WCA’s mission and credentialing programs.”


The Cut List Challenge

Gilchrist pointed out a significant hurdle for many contestants: mistakes on their cut lists. “A number of competitors didn’t do well calculating parts for their cut lists. Possibly they haven’t had the necessary training,” Gilchrist added. “We only had one perfect score on the cut lists, and then we had some that just had so many wrong answers.”

The cut lists were created during orientation, the pre-day meeting where Gilchrist leads an exercise in sequencing and process understanding, providing crucial guidance without giving away all the answers. This year’s orientation also included a new hands-on element. “One thing we did different during orientation this year is that we had them glue-up a 1-inch solid wood top that they milled the next day,” Gilchrist said. “They did the glue-up during orientation after they visited each station and reviewed the project.” Students had 8 hours of fabrication and assembly time on the actual competition day.

Intricate Design and Technical Demands
Gilchrist highlighted several fabrication challenges in this year’s design:

  • Angled Components: The cabinet was built with an end panel on a 5-degree angle, requiring the door and drawer front to precisely match this angle. Understanding the interaction of these angles, particularly with the muttin bars (which were a quarter-inch longer with a tenon for a groove fit), was crucial.
  • Zen Garden Feature: The intricate scroll machined on the door with Shaper Origin hand-held CNC router demanded precision and careful execution.
  • Dadoes and Joinery: The left-side panel featured dadoes also on a 5-degree angle, requiring contestants to account for depth. The right-side panel, legs, and rails, assembled using the Lamello Zeta system, added another layer of complexity.

Contestants utilized a variety of tools and prepared materials, including an SCM edgebander and SawStop table saws for dadoes and solid wood parts. They received pre-grooved door stiles, rails, and muttin bars, with materials planed to thickness and size. Beyond technical skill, time management and keeping a cool head were key elements for success.

“The hardest part was the door,” Gilchrist said. “When we revealed the project during orientation, there was a gasp. I heard one of the contestants say, ‘At state, we just built a box.'” He emphasized that SkillsUSA projects have not been simple for the past decade, and past drawings are available for those who do their research.

The angled dadoes on the 5-degree angled cabinet added another layer of difficulty, even with the angles provided.


Fewer Repeat Contestants and Unwavering Spirit

A notable difference this year was the lower number of repeat contestants, with only about 15-20% returning compared to 40-50% last year. While repeaters had an advantage in knowing the types of challenges to expect, all competitors, regardless of their struggles, were encouraged to continue even though they may not have a completed project.

“We always have contestants that really struggle, and we did this year as well. Overall, they were positive. Nobody got mad and frustrated to the point that they wanted to leave,” Gilchrist affirmed. “They were very gracious and thankful that we are doing this. If someone is struggling, we’re going to help them a little bit. The competitors stay and they work through something – build something even if they don’t take it home. We end up with some creative projects as well.”

This unwavering commitment to seeing projects through underscores the positive and supportive environment fostered at SkillsUSA. Gilchrist also noted the practical aspirations of the participants.

“Clearly kids are still interested in getting into the skilled trade,” he said. “A number of these kids in the top five are actually working in cabinet shops. The winner of high school division is working full time in a cabinet shop right now. I noted that some others are working in shops. Others want to work in shops or even start their own.”

Prizes and Industry Support
The prizes for the top performers were substantial, reflecting the strong industry support for SkillsUSA:

  • First Place: Grizzly 14-inch bandsaw, SawStop compact saw, Shaper Origin handheld CNC router.
  • Second Place: Grizzly track saw, DeWalt five-piece cordless tool kit, Richelieu — Bosch trim routers.
  • Third Place: Grizzly drill bit set, Richelieu pin nailer, and random orbit sander.

Beyond individual prizes, schools of the Gold medalists received a Lamello ZETA system from Colonial Saw, and Gold schools also received a benchtop pocket hole machine from Castle Tool. Every competitor received a DeWalt 28-piece drill/driver attachments tool kit. Furthermore, DeWalt donated 60 cordless sanders and four new 12-inch slide compound miter saws to SkillsUSA, further equipping future SkillsUSA National Cabinetmaking Championships.


The SkillsUSA Championships is the premier showcase of America’s most highly skilled career and technical education students and one of the largest hands-on workforce development events in the world. Held in conjunction with SkillsUSA’s National Leadership & Skills Conference each year, this awe-inspiring event features more than 6,500 state champions from across the United States competing head-to-head in 114 skilled and leadership competitions. Covering over 1.79 million square feet of floor space at the Georgia World Congress Center – equivalent to 31 football fields – the philosophy of the SkillsUSA Championships is to reward students for excellence, to involve industry in directly evaluating student performance, and to keep classroom training relevant to employers’ needs.

Scott Nelson president woodwork career alliance

President’s Message: WCA Credentialing Update & AWFS 2025

The WCA Passport Credentialing Program continues its impressive growth! In Spring 2025, we enrolled 900 new candidates and awarded 1,100 credentials across various skill levels (Sawblade, Core, Green).

Over the next six months, we’re undertaking a complete overhaul of our online Passport program registry. This update will provide teachers and evaluators with easier access to enter credential information and simplify results reporting for administrators.

Speaking of WCA educators, we’re proud to have awarded 10 Teacher Assistance Scholarships ($850 each) to attend AWFS 2025 this July.

Join Us at AWFS College of Knowledge!
The WCA is a major participant in the AWFS College of Knowledge conference program. Be sure to attend our sessions:

  • “Building an In-House Training Program for Your Workers”: Join WCA President Scott Nelson and Board Member Bruce Spitz for this 2.5-hour workshop on Tuesday, July 22, 9:30 a.m. – noon. Attendees receive a $150 discount on our annual $250 MANufacturing membership!
  •  “CAD for the Wood Shop”: With WCA Education Chairman Mark Smith on Wednesday, July 23, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
  • “Overview of New WCA Online Employee Training Resources”: Led by WCA Vice President Greg Larson on Thursday, July 24, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Visit the WCA at AWFS Booth #3573
Don’t forget to stop by Booth #3573 at AWFS 2025! We’ll be conducting demos of our online training modules and discussing how the WCA can benefit your school or company.

A Huge Thank You to Our Sponsors!
We extend our sincere gratitude to our GOLD and SILVER Sponsors for their unwavering support. If you’re attending AWFS, please take a moment to visit their booths and thank them personally!

Sincerely,

Scott Nelson
President
Woodwork Career Alliance of North America
snelsonwca@gmail.com

Welcome New Members & Sponsors!

The Woodwork Career Alliance of North America is pleased to welcome the following new members and renewing sponsors.

Thank you for your membership and support!

New EDUcation™ Members
Bayfield High School – Bayfield, CO
Dakota High School – McComb, MI
JH Rose High School – Greenville, NC
New Jersey School of Woodwork – Long Valley, NJ
Palmer CTE @ Alvine High School – Hudson, NH
South Central High School – Winterville, NC

INDustry™ Gold Sponsor Renewals
NBMDA
– Chicago, IL
SCM North America – Duluth, GA
Shaper Tools – San Francisco, CA
Thermwood – Dale, IN

INDustry™ Silver Sponsor Renewals
Sorrelli Woodwork Consultants
Super Thin Saws – Waterbury, VT
WEIMA
– Fort Mill, SC

View all WCA INDustry™ Sponsors & Supporters.

 

Learn more about the benefits of becoming a WCA sponsor.

AWFS Fair Las Vegas

WCA to Showcase New Online Training at AWFS Fair

WCA online training seminar at AWFS Fair 2025LINCOLN, Neb. – The Woodwork Career Alliance of North America (WCA) will feature its new online training modules for entry-level woodworkers at the upcoming AWFS Fair in Las Vegas. These resources help woodworking companies enhance their in-house employee training.

The seminar, “An Overview of the New WCA Online Employee Training Resources,” will be led by Greg Larson, WCA Vice President, on Thursday, July 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. It will cover how these online tools can be integrated into existing training programs for better outcomes with new hires.

Greg Larson

Initially available modules include Math, Measuring, and Layout; Wood Theory; Milling and Machining; and Woodworking Fundamentals. The program offers narrated presentations, videos, supplemental reading, and quizzes.

Attendees will learn:

  • Common reasons why inexperienced trainees struggle.
  • Key characteristics of effective trainers.
  • Strategies for integrating WCA’s online modules into in-house programs for better results.

“Most woodworking companies have to train new employees in-house, but many, especially small to mid-size firms, lack a standardized program,” Larson said. “These online modules are a crucial, 24/7 asset to help train new hires and get them productive faster.”

The WCA’s online modules provide essential theoretical knowledge and background in an accessible format, designed to complement, not replace, on-the-job training.

The WCA will also host two other educational sessions at the AWFS Fair:

“Building an In-House Training Program for Your Workers”: This two-and-a-half-hour workshop, led by WCA President Scott Nelson and Board member Bruce Spitz, offers practical strategies for companies to develop or enhance internal training programs. This session is on Tuesday, July 22, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Attendees receive a $150 discount off the $250 annual MANufacturing membership to the WCA.

“CAD for the Wood Shop”: Mark Smith, Chairman of the WCA’s Education Committee, will present this session on Wednesday, July 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. It will explore how educators can use technology-backed, student-driven learning to boost student achievement.

Learn more and register.

Visit WCA at Booth #3573
The WCA invites all attendees to booth #3573 to learn about its Skill Standards and Passport credentialing program, along with membership opportunities for educators, woodworking companies, and industry suppliers.

About the Woodwork Career Alliance
The Woodwork Career Alliance of North America (WCA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation founded in 2007. 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 over 240 woodworking machine operations. The WCA has issued over 6,000 Passport credentials, a portable, personal permanent record documenting woodworking skill achievements. Over 140 high schools and post-secondary schools across North America are WCA EDUcation™ members, and a growing number of woodworking companies have joined as WCA MANufacturing™ members. To learn more about the WCA and how to get involved, including INDustry™ Sponsorship opportunities, visit WoodworkCareer.org.

AWFS Fair Las Vegas

WCA Workshop at AWFS Fair Tackles Woodworking Skills Gap with In-House Training

Scott Nelson, left, and Bruce Spitz will present “Building an In-House Training Program for Your Workers” at the AWFS Fair in Las Vegas.

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Woodwork Career Alliance of North America (WCA) will host a timely workshop at the AWFS Fair in Las Vegas, addressing the acute shortage of skilled woodworkers. Titled “Building an In-House Training Program for Your Workers,” the session will equip wood product manufacturers with actionable strategies to develop or enhance internal training, fostering a productive and retained workforce.

Scheduled for Tuesday, July 22, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, the workshop will be led by WCA President Scott Nelson and WCA Board Member Bruce Spitz, both seasoned veterans with decades of experience running successful architectural woodworking companies.

Owners and managers are strongly encouraged to attend this vital session to gain insights into:

  • Training Overview: Review a sample in-house training aligned with WCA skill standards and credentialing.
  • Increased Efficiency & Quality: Training Shop employees to be more effective in production
  • Safety Compliance: Integrate robust safety measures to mitigate risks and ensure regulatory adherence.
  • Employee Retention: Foster a positive work environment, increase job satisfaction, and improve retention through training.
  • Competitive Advantage: Differentiate your company, attract top talent, and secure long-term success.
  • Artificial Intelligence: This session will touch on using AI as a training tool.

“My shop was constantly working to train our shop employees using apprentice programs and in-house classroom teaching. Our success was directly tied to the skill and dedication of our craftspeople,” said Spitz. “Investing in robust in-house training was the foundation upon which we built exceptional quality and fostered immense pride. This workshop offers invaluable insights for any woodworking business seeking that same expertise and commitment.”

“This workshop provides tangible, actionable strategies for companies to take control of their workforce development,” Nelson added. “By leveraging WCA standards and effective in-house training, businesses can enhance immediate productivity and quality while securing a sustainable talent pipeline.”
Special Offer: Attendees qualify for a $150 discount off the WCA’s $250 annual MANufacturing membership.

In addition to this session, the WCA will offer two other valuable workshops at the AWFS Fair:

  • CAD for the Wood Shop with WCA Education Chairman Mark Smith: Wednesday, July 23, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
  • Overview of New WCA Online Employee Training Resources with WCA Vice President Greg Larson: Thursday, July 24, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Learn more and register for these workshops.

About the Woodwork Career Alliance
The Woodwork Career Alliance of North America (WCA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation founded in 2007. 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 over 240 woodworking machine operations. The WCA has issued over 6,000 Passport credentials, a portable, personal permanent record documenting woodworking skill achievements. Over 140 high schools and post-secondary schools across North America are WCA EDUcation™ members, and a growing number of woodworking companies have joined as WCA MANufacturing™ members. To learn more about the WCA and how to get involved, including INDustry™ Sponsorship opportunities, visit WoodworkCareer.org.

Minnesota High School Woodworking Teacher Wins Top Teacher Award

Fox 9 News recognized Bobby Miller with its Top Teacher Award.

Miller teaches woodworking at Coon Rapids High School in Coon Rapids, MN, an EDUcation member of the Woodwork Career Alliance of North America.

Watch video of Fox 9’s report about Miller winning the award.

National Woods Board

National Woods Board Welcomes New Board Members

National Woods Board

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The National Woods Board (NWB) is pleased to announce the appointment of four new members to its board of directors.

Following is a quick look at each of the new NWB board members and their credentials.

Nicole Carter Jason Greenwood Mark Smith

Nicole Carter is the Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) for Widefield School District 3 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a role she has held since 2005. Among her responsibilities, Carter oversees CTE grants and state requirements and provides curriculum guidance for skilled trade programs at the MiLL (Manufacturing Industry Learning Lab), aligning with industry certifications through the Career Development Incentive Program.

Jason Greenwood is president of JB Cutting Inc., a full-service manufacturer of three-dimensional laminate MDF components based in Mount Clemens, Michigan. Greenwood has 30 years of manufacturing and operations management experience, with a strong focus on continuous improvement and lean methodology. The bulk of his career was spent in the aerospace industry where mainly focused on power transmission products and tooling for large aircraft manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus.

Mark Smith is a recently retired woodworking instructor at Reed Custer High School in Braidwood, Illinois, and has been an educator at the secondary and post-secondary level for 30 years developing and implementing computer-integrated-manufacturing curriculum with a view towards the wood industry. He currently serves as chairman of the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee and the Association of Woodworking & Furnishing Suppliers (AWFS) College of Woodworking Knowledge committee. The Wood Industry Association recognized Smith as the Educator of the Year with the Wooden Globe Award in 2024.

Joe Wadsworth is CEO and owner of Custom Source Woodworking Inc. (CSW) in Turnwater, Washington. CSW is a member of both the Architectural Woodwork Institute and Woodwork Institute. Throughout his more than four decades in the industry, Wadsworth has remained passionate to introduce the next generation into rewarding woodworking careers.

“It’s fantastic to welcome these four new voices to the board,” said John LeTorneau, NWB President. I look forward to working closely with each of them to advance this vital trade and ensure its future success by fostering growth for the next generation of skilled woodworkers.”

LeTorneau also thanked exiting board members Tim Kistler, Rob Rozell, Shane Skalla and Kelly Viktor-Burke for their past service. “I think I speak for the entire NWB board in acknowledging their valuable service and commitment to the organization.”

The NWB is a non-profit organization tackling the workforce challenge head-on with a groundbreaking initiative to transform woodworking education and connect skilled workers with industry employers.

What truly differentiates the NWB’s solution from previous projects are three key elements:

  • Industry Collaboration, Partnership, and Investment: The NWB’s approach is deeply rooted in strong relationships with woodworking companies and key industry associations, fostering a collaborative environment that ensures training directly aligns with real-world needs and is supported by sustained financial commitment.
  • Curriculum: The NWB has developed a scalable curriculum for high school and postsecondary woodworking programs that is not only industry-approved but also continuously updated to meet the evolving demands of the woodworking sector.
  • WCA Affiliation: A crucial differentiator is the seamless integration of Woodwork Career Alliance (WCA) certification that is directly embedded into the training program. This means students earn valuable, industry-recognized credentials as they progress, significantly enhancing their job prospects by demonstrating their proficiency to potential employers.

By focusing on these three distinct areas, the NWB aims to bridge the gap between education and industry, creating a robust and efficient pipeline of skilled workers ready to meet the demands of the modern woodworking workforce.

About the National Woods Board
The National Woods Board (NWB) was inspired by the MiLL National Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, 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 about the NWB’s program and how to get involved with supporting its vital mission at NationalWoodsBoard.org.

AWFS Fresh Wood Student Competition Now Accepting Entries

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers (AWFS) is excited to announce that the Fresh Wood student woodworking competition is now open for entries for its 2025 cycle. High school juniors and seniors, as well as post-secondary students in woodworking and related programs across the United States, are encouraged to submit their projects for this prestigious opportunity.

The deadline to enter is Friday, May 2, 2025.

Finalists will be invited to exhibit their projects at the AWFS Fair in Las Vegas, taking place July 22–25, 2025, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The competition provides a unique platform for student woodworkers to showcase their craftsmanship to thousands of industry professionals and gain national recognition.

Fresh Wood celebrates creativity, innovation, and excellence in woodworking. Categories include tables, chairs, design for production, case goods, open category, and the special theme: Spin N’ Shape. Top winners receive monetary prizes, trophies, and industry exposure.

For more information visit awfsfair.org/fresh-wood.

For more information about the AWFS Fair, visit awfsfair.org.

About AWFS Fair
The AWFS Fair, scheduled for July 22-25, 2025, in Las Vegas. The AWFS Fair is a premier international event in the woodworking industry. Serving as a vital hub for global commerce in home and commercial furnishings, the fair brings together manufacturers and distributors of machinery, hardware, plastics, lumber, and construction materials.

AWFS Fair Las Vegas

Exclusive Offer for EDU Members to Attend the AWFS Fair

Dear Woodworking Educator,

Through the support of our sponsors, WCA is offering financial assistance through the Greg Heuer EDUcation Scholarship Fund to help EDUcation member instructors defray the cost of attending the 2025 AWFS Fair, July 22-25 in Las Vegas.

IWF is North America’s biggest woodworking event. The show features hundreds of woodworking machinery and supply exhibitors, as well as a comprehensive conference program and student furniture design competition. It’s a great opportunity for educators to see the latest technology and network with industry suppliers, professional woodworkers and fellow instructors.EDUcation member teachers may apply for assistance with travel and hotel costs to attend the show. There are two important caveats.

  1. Be prepared to schedule time to help man the WCA’s booth during show hours.
  2. Teachers who receive scholarship funds will be expected to submit a one-page report summarizing the activities they participated in at the trade show, knowledge they gained from the experience, and how it will be applied to their classroom, within 30 days after the event.

Click here to apply for the scholarship.

NOTE: The deadline for submitting an application is May 15.
Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Sincerely,

Scott Nelson
President
Woodwork Career Alliance of North America
snelsonwca@gmail.com

Amity High School’s John Stearns Fosters Practical Skills and Growth Through CTE

Amity High School Construction program

In addition to overseeing Amity High School’s three CTE programs, John Stearns instructs the construction courses.

Award-winning teacher empowers students with woodworking, construction trades, and valuable life skills.

Amity High School, nestled in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, thrives in woodworking and construction trades under the guidance of John Stearns, CTE Director and Construction Trades teacher.

Stearns was awarded one of the $50,000 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools (HFTS) Prize for Teaching Excellence last year. This award includes $35,000 in funding to enhance the school’s CTE programs.

“So far I replaced some of the worn-out, handheld power tools and upgraded a couple of things in the shop,” Stearns says. “I am using a little bit of the money to offer heavy equipment training for some of my seniors this June. We are leveraging another grant to make that happen. I also plan to leverage a chunk of it along with some other money in the district to replace our 4×4 CNC with a 4×8.”

From Youth Minister to Woodworking Teacher
Stearns was a youth minister when he volunteered to work in Amity’s woodworking classroom in 2006. His interest in building, combined with a desire to teach, led him to pursue a Master of Art and Education at Western Oregon University.

After he was hired to teach woodworking at Amity full time, he aimed to develop a curriculum that would provide students with practical skills.

Amity High School Construction class“I didn’t want my students to just be building projects. I wanted them to learn and make things that would be applicable to their lives after high school,” Stearns says. “In my search to find people that are doing that, I met Dean Mattson, who was teaching woodworking at North Salem High School at that point. He had the same vision that I did for what a high school cabinet and furniture class should be.”

Mattson’s vision led to the creation of the woodworking industry-recognized Manufacturing industrial Learning Lab (MiLL) in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The MiLL opened in Fall of 2017. Stearns was recruited by Mattson to become the lead instructor in 2018.

“It was a great experience,” Stearns says. “I did that for two years up until Covid and then decided to return back to Amity.”

Now, as CTE Director, Stearns oversees three distinct programs: construction trades, woodworking, and metals. While his focus has shifted towards construction, his passion for woodworking remains a guiding force. He’s also bringing modern technology into the mix, teaching digital design and manufacturing, including CNC and laser technology.

“We have three lasers and a couple of CNC machines,” Stearns says. “I still have my hand in woodworking though I’m kind of on the dark side of the construction trade,” he jokes.

His woodworking background is largely self-taught, developed through personal projects and learning experiences. He emphasizes the importance of learning tool usage as a skill.

“Using tools is a skill and a skill is something you can learn,” he emphasizes. “It’s not a talent. You’re not born with it. You have to learn. You have to learn what tools can or can’t do. No matter how difficult something looks, if you break it all down to tool use, it usually ends up being really easy.”

Amity’s Popular Woodworking Program
The woodworking program at Amity High School, led by Savannah Stanton, includes exploration of the science of wood and various techniques. About 30 percent of the student body of 280 is enrolled in a woodworking class this academic year.

Stearns is a long-time active member of the Woodwork Career Alliance of North America (WCA), including serving on its Board of Directors. As a WCA Chief Skills Evaluator, Stearns says he understands the importance of industry standards. He’s committed to ensuring his students are not just learning, but also earning valuable credentials.

He plans to start credentialing his construction trades students, recognizing that “tool use is tool use.” He also aims to increase the number of students earning WCA Sawblade Certificates and other credentials.

“My hope is to credential 20 students or so this spring,” Stearns says. “That includes all my advanced construction students and all of Savannah’s advanced woodworking students.”

Stearns values the opportunity to teach students skills that will benefit them in their future careers.

“I can teach transferable skills to students who, no matter what career path they ultimately choose, can use those skills to be successful,” he says. “I can show a young man or young woman how to look someone in the eye and shake their hand on a job site, and that skill is transferable to any life path. I can teach a student how to solve a problem while looking ahead and anticipating the next issue, and that skill is transferable to any life path that student chooses. What a cool blessing that is for a teacher.”

See related articles: Sievert Steps Up and Seymour’s Tech-Ed Program Takes Off – Woodwork Career Alliance of North America.

Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Sets May 2 Teacher Prize Deadline – Woodwork Career Alliance of North America