Entries by Richard Christianson

President’s Message: Celebrating a Landmark Year and Building Momentum for 2025

2024 marked another milestone year for the Woodwork Career Alliance (WCA), defined by continued growth and impactful expansion of our Passport Credentialing Program. We witnessed a surge in participation, welcoming 1,810 new candidates into the program and proudly awarding 1,520 credentials across diverse skill levels. This achievement underscores the program’s vital role in equipping individuals […]

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 Gateway High School – Aurora, CO North Salem High School – Salem, OR North Surry High School – Dobson, NC Preble High School – Green Bay, WI […]

Kelly Victor-Burke Joins WCA Board of Directors

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Woodwork Career Alliance of North America (WCA) has elected Kelly Victor-Burke, co-owner of Burke Architectural Millwork (BAM), to its board of directors. Victor-Burke, a leading entrepreneur and advocate for woodwork manufacturing, co-founded BAM in Livonia, Mich., along with her husband Barry in 2016. BAM is Michigan’s first WBENC Certified Women’s Business […]

Cabinet Makers Association Launches Scholarship Fund to Support Aspiring Woodworkers

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Cabinet Makers Association (CMA) is proud to announce the establishment of the Cabinet Makers Association Scholarship Fund (CMASF), a new initiative aimed at supporting individuals aspiring to build a career in the woodworking industry. This fund provides valuable financial assistance to those pursuing woodworking-related education or training. To be eligible […]

Updated Rules Announced for AWFS Fair Fresh Wood Student Competition

The Association of Woodworking and Furnishings Suppliers (AWFS) announced that the official rules and information for the 2025 Fresh Wood Student Competition are now available online. The biennial event, which takes place July 22-25 at the AWFS Fair in Las Vegas, invites U.S high school juniors and seniors, plus post-secondary students in woodworking or related […]

President’s Message: Wrapping Up Another Year Full of Milestones!

2024 was a year of significant growth for the WCA. Key highlights include: Increased Program Enrollment: We enrolled 1,800 candidates in our Passport program and issued over 1,500 Credentials, reflecting the increasing adoption of WCA Skills Standards by member schools. Expanded Industry Partnerships: We connected with 30 school districts with woodworking programs at the ACTE […]

WCA Helps Schools Upgrade Woodshops with New Discount Program

The WCA’s newest member benefit helps schools upgrade or expand their woodworking courses.   LINCOLN, Neb. – The Woodwork Career Alliance of North America (WCA) is excited to announce a new program that offers significant discounts on industry-leading products to its member schools. This initiative aims to help schools upgrade their woodworking shops with professional-quality […]

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 Coon Rapids HS – Coon Rapids, MN East Kentwood High School – Kentwood, MI Engadine Consolidated Schools – Engadine, MI Florence High School, Florence, CO Franklinton High […]