Woodwork Career Alliance to Preview Online Training Modules at IWF
Each module consists of several related courses covering a wide range of woodworking essentials.
LINCOLN, Neb. – The Woodwork Career Alliance of North America (WCA) is addressing the industry’s skilled labor shortage by offering a glimpse into its first-of-their-kind online training modules at the International Woodworking Fair (IWF), taking place Aug. 6-9 in Atlanta, Ga.
IWF attendees are invited to learn more about the WCA’s latest educational initiative designed to equip woodworking businesses with the resources needed to develop and maintain a qualified workforce.
Layout & measuring is the first in a series of online modules that wood products companies will be able to use to help train their workforce.
The WCA’s online training modules provide a comprehensive and accessible solution for woodworking businesses of all sizes. The modules cover a wide range of essential woodworking skills, from foundational topics like wood characteristics and measurement to more advanced techniques in joinery and machine operation.
The two modules that will be featured at IWF include “Math, Measuring, and Layout” and “Wood Theory.” Each module consists of narrated lessons, outside reading assignments, and quizzes. Upon successful completion of each course, learners will have the background knowledge needed to continue their training on higher level tools and techniques.
“We’re thrilled to unveil WCA’s online training courses at the International Woodworking Fair,” said Greg Larson, who led development of the programs. “These are the first in a series of modules we plan to develop and roll out that provide much-needed education and skill development opportunities to a wider audience. I think they will prove valuable by woodworking shops of any type or size anywhere.”
In addition to showcasing the online modules, the WCA will also conduct a workshop titled “Building a Training Program for Your Workers” from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 7. Led by industry veterans Scott Nelson, WCA President, and Bruce Spitz, WCA Board Member, the workshop will provide attendees with valuable insights and strategies for developing or enhancing their training programs tailored to their specific needs.
Highlights of the workshop include:
- How to develop and structure a training plan.
- How to access quality training resources and employee training modules.
- Benefits of doing in-house training to create a career pathway.
- How to develop the knowledge base skills that must be learned for employees to be successful.
Learn more and register for the WCA’s training workshop.
Woodworking professionals attending IWF are invited to stop by the WCA’s booth BC424 to learn more about the new online training modules. Representatives of the WCA will also be prepared to discuss the organization’s Skill Standards and Passport credentialing system designed to create career pathways for professional woodworkers. Plus, attendees and exhibitors can learn more about becoming a MANufacturing member, EDUcation member or sponsor.
“The International Woodworking Fair is a critical platform for the Woodwork Career Alliance,” Nelson said. “I always look forward to connecting with our industry – professional woodworkers and industry suppliers. It’s an invaluable opportunity for the WCA to showcase Skill Standards and Passport credentialling program that can help the industry recruit qualified personnel and train them so that they can develop and grow rewarding careers.”
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.