A survey by the Woodwork Career Alliance reveals the unique challenges and ingenuity of teaching woodworking online and the determination of many students to earn their WCA credentials. NELLYSFORD, Va. — The novel coronavirus pandemic forced the vast majority of schools across the United States and Canada to abruptly shut down for the remainder of […]
The novel coronavirus pandemic has left an indelible mark on education institutions across North America by forcing the vast majority of schools to close for the remainder of the academic year. The transition from teaching students in the classroom to online has most especially been fraught with challenges for woodworking instructors belonging to the Woodwork […]
Two new studies commissioned by Harbor Freight Tools for Schools (HFTS) examine the state of high school skilled trades education and what American think about it. Highlighted findings of the studies include: More than 1 million students study skilled trades in high school. Eight in 10 voters favor increased public funding for skilled trades education […]
Mark Smith, industrial technology teacher at Reed-Custer High School in Braidwood, IL, is in the news again. MultiBriefs, an online source of industry specific news, recently posted an article about Smith and his program. “Supporting Student Success Through Industry Outreach” delves into Smith’s long-time and continuing efforts to forge relationships with the woodworking industry through […]
The WoodEd Table, a virtual reality system for training students and novices how to operate basic woodworking machinery in a safe, dust-free environment, was implemented at the MiLL National Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO, earlier this year. The Wood ED Table features four simulation modules: bandsaw, ripsaw, jointer and shaper. Users operate the system […]
SCM North America, along with two of its customers in Southern California – Excel Cabinets and Reeves Enterprises – recently provided students from San Jacinto High School’s Industrial Wood Technologies program the opportunity to witness a machine installation and cabinet manufacturing technology in motion. Over the course of two days, this job shadow experience provided […]
Weinig Holz-Her USA and Viking Machinery sponsored a day-long seminar on edgebanding at Madison College recently. Over 60 people attended, including owners and employees from more than a dozen shops located in Wisconsin and Illinois. Madison College is an EDUcation member of the Woodwork Career Alliance of North America and Weinig Holz-Her is a WCA […]
The Woodwork Career Alliance of North America heads into the 2020s building on the solid foundation of its Passport credentialing program that is widely recognized throughout the United States and Canada. In a recent free-wielding phone interview, Scott Nelson, president of the WCA, discussed the North American wood product industry’s ongoing challenge to recruit, train […]
The Morris Herald recently published a feature on the Reed-Custer High School (RCHS) woodworking program in Braidwood, IL. The article highlights instructor Mark Smith’s commitment to teaching students not only how to work wood, but the business of woodworking as well. The article notes, “(S)tudents learn business acumen, industry standards and how to network with […]
The Woodwork Career Alliance of North America is pleased to welcome five new EDUcation™ member schools, one new MANufacturing™ member, three new INDustry™ Sponsors. We also welcome back nine sponsors for another year. Thank you for your membership and support! New EDUcation™ Members Canaan Memorial High School, Canaan, VT Hill-McCloy High School, Montrose, MI MakeHaven […]