The Architectural Woodwork Institute Education Foundation (AWIEF) began accepting applications for its 2027 Academic Grant Program on October 1. Each year, the AWIEF provides up to $100,000 to educational institutions with a vision to disburse $1,000,000 over the next decade. The AWIEF prioritizes not-for-profit secondary and postsecondary schools that excel in architectural woodworking, emphasizing technological […]
The Association of Woodworking & Furniture Suppliers is accepting entries for Design-it-Digital, an online student design competition, through November 1. Students are presented with a hypothetical scenario in which a client is asking for a specific piece of wood furniture and/or case goods with certain constraints given. Students design their solution using CAD and rendering […]
Major financial backing from WIA will fuel high school and college technical programs, delivering a new generation of credentialed, job-ready talent to the woodworking industry. FOREST HILL, Md., and GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The woodworking and cabinetmaking industry’s workforce shortage isn’t new — but a comprehensive, nationwide solution finally is. The Wood Industry Association (WIA) […]
Two woodworking instructors affiliated with the Woodwork Career Alliance were recognized in Woodworking Network’s annual 40 Under 40 awards program. Avery Pipkin, woodworking teacher at Cedar Ridge High School in North Carolina, and Bobby Miller, woodshop teacher Coon Rapids High School in Minnesota, were honored for making an impact at their respective schools to teach […]
2026 is shaping up as another outstanding year for the Woodwork Career Alliance! We have already enrolled 1,131 new candidates in the Passport Credentialing Program. In addition, we have awarded 1,202 credentials within our various skill levels. Our EDUcation memberships are maintaining a level rate, and our MANufacturing memberships are increasing at a steady pace. […]
Expo Auctions’ dedicated website allows bidders to participate from anywhere to help fund woodworking skills development programs offered by the Woodwork Career Alliance. ATLANTA — Woodworking professionals and supporters of skilled trades can bid on exciting items and experiences at the IWF 2026 Silent Auction. This fun and charitable event raises funds for the […]
FOREST HILL, Md. — The Wood Industry Association (WIA) honored Ignacio High School of Ignacio, Colorado, its 2026 Wooden Globe Award for Educator of the Year at the Wood Industry Conference held in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Past WCA & NWB WIA Educator of the Year Award recipients Ignacio High School and Molly Turner join […]
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 Christopher High School – Gilroy, CA Littleton High School – Littleton, CO Two Rivers High School – Two Rivers, WI INDustry™ Gold Sponsor Renewals NBMDA – Chicago, […]
WCA representatives will lead a pair of instructive sessions tackling the wood industry’s labor challenges. LINCOLN, Neb. — The Woodwork Career Alliance of North America will present a workshop and a seminar at IWF 2026, each focused on helping wood products manufacturers create or improve their in-house training programs. Scott Nelson Bruce Spitz Greg Larson “Building & […]
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The National Woods Board (NWB) announced the addition of two woodworking industry icons to its leadership team: Stephan Waltman and Gary LeBlanc. Their appointments reinforce the NWB’s mission to modernize woodworking education and secure the industry’s future workforce. In a corresponding move, Joe Wadsworth, CEO of Custom Source Woodworking, has transitioned […]