Saúl Martín of Architectural Woodworking Company (AWC) provided a live virtual tour of AWC’s manufacturing facility for a group of 7th grade students in Hudson, New Hampshire. The students saw machinery in action including the CNC machine and the shaper. They also saw shop drawings and parts for some complex AWC projects. Read more…
Desert Oasis High School in Las Vegas hosted eleven industry guests on Friday, October 22 for a special “MFG Day” (Manufacturing Day) event. The guests led three periods of instructor Tim Wenzel’s woodworking program through a project featuring current industry joinery techniques and shared information about their careers in the industry with the students. Read more…
Reborn Cabinets hosted their annual MFG Day (Manufacturing Day) event on Friday, October 1, 2021 at their manufacturing location in Anaheim, California. Approximately 120 students from four schools from Anaheim school districts attended the event and AWFS® Education staff attended to represent the Society of Wood Manufacturing (SWM). Read more…
We thought that maybe 2021 would have the distinction of being our recovery year but there are still far too many issues creating confusion. What happens next when it comes to inflation or the state of the supply chain? Read more…
Are you hosting or attending a MFG Day event this year? We want to hear from you! Read more…
MFG Day is officially Friday, October 1, 2021. It is an important way to introduce students, educators, and the general public to your company and careers within the wood manufacturing industry. Please consider hosting an event during October for Manufacturing Month! It’s not yet too late to post an event, but time is running out! Read more…
MFG Day is around the corner; have you started planning your event? Officially held on October 1, 2021 (the first Friday in October, by presidential decree), MFG Day (short for “manufacturing”) is an important way to introduce students, educators, and the general public to your company and careers within the wood manufacturing industry. Read more…
In early June 2021, woodworking students across the United States competed in the SkillsUSA National Cabinetmaking Contest. Students submitted their career-based resumes, completed a Technical Assessment (written test), and provided a sample project Cut List via the SkillsUSA Champions Hub contest website. Read more…
Angelo Gangone, Executive Vice President of AWFS, was featured on episode #110 of the Cabinet Maker Profit System podcast with Dom Rubino. The theme of the episode was “How to Grow on Purpose“, and Angelo and Dom talked about ways to grow intentionally in your career. Read more…
The YouWood.com website, launched in January 2021 by the Wood Industry Resource Collaborative (WIRC), is off to a successful start! AWFS is a founding partner and lead association in WIRC. Here are some updates on the YouWood website in it’s first quarter. Read more…
AWFS®, the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI), and the Woodwork Career Alliance (WCA) have come together to produce a video about careers in the wood industry in partnership with the “In Depth with Laurence Fishburne” program. The six-minute feature video will be distributed to public television stations nationwide beginning in June 2021. Read more…
I can’t help but think that our industry trade shows are the very best recruiting tools we have. I know there will be challenges to implementing the idea I will propose here, but where else but trade shows can you see such a wide array of the newest and the very best that our industry has to offer under one roof, and give young people direct access to an incredible amount of industry experience? Read more…
Industry professionals from AWFS® member companies and the Society of Wood Manufacturing (SWM) supported students from high schools across the state competing in the first ever remote SkillsUSA California Cabinetmaking and Introductory Woodworking contests. Read more…
To our dear volunteers…we can’t do it without you! We exist for YOU! AWFS® recognizes and thanks the volunteers who we serve and make our work possible! Read more…
In October, 2020, AWFS and the Society of Wood Manufacturing, produced a video showcasing a local wood manufacturing company. The purpose of the video was to introduce students and job seekers to common roles and career pathways and see what a real and current wood facility looks like. Read more…
In March 2021, Saúl Martín was invited to speak virtually to the woodworking classes at Redwood High School in Visalia, Calif. Martín is vice president of operations at Architectural Woodworking Company (AWC) in Southern California…Read more…
For quite some time, the woodworking industry has suffered from a perception problem. Ask anyone that does not have any experience in our industry, and I am willing to bet they still think of woodworking as something that took place in their grandfather’s garage. Read more…
Happy #CTEMonth! In February, we celebrate Career Technical Education (CTE) and highlight ways to engage with CTE programs, teachers, and students! Read more…
AWFS® has been an enthusiastic supporter of SkillsUSA for a decade now, and in honor of #SkillsUSA week (Feb 8-12, 2021), we will share some of the reasons why we believe in SkillsUSA, and some ideas on how you can get involved with SkillsUSA! Read more…
Want to know how to use the new YouWood industry-wide career awareness campaign to strenghten our industry’s future workforce? Read more here…
The Association of Woodworking and Furnishings Suppliers® is in support of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021. AWFS® has officially signed on as a supporter of the Act. Read more…
The Wood Industry Resource Collaborative (WIRC) is excited to announce the launch of their industry-wide career awareness campaign, “You Wood.” Read more…
The House of Representatives passed Congresswoman Susan Davis’s (CA-53) legislation to reauthorize the National Apprenticeship Act… Read more…
The 2021 AWFS®Fair show cycle is under way and the Call for Proposals for the show’s “College of Woodworking Knowledge” (CWWK) educational seminar program is now open. Read more…
SWM decided to reallocate their budget and resources towards helping as many teachers and students as they could in this new, challenging educational environment. Read more…
The nearly six-minute video, the purpose of which is to introduce students to career pathways in the wood industry, features the team at Architectural Woodworking Company (AWC) Read more…
Society of Wood Manufacturing, a chapter of the Association and Woodworking and Furnishings Suppliers (AWFS), will host three live virtual Q&A sessions on Friday, October 2, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. PT, 1:00 p.m. PT, and 2:00 p.m. PT Read more…
There are several MFG Day events taking place in October throughout the country that are hosted by wood industry companies and featuring industry professionals! Read more…
AWFS is happy to learn that the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, for which we advocated earlier this year, has passed out of the House Education and Labor Committee…read more…
AWFS® will host its 12th biennial Fresh Wood student furniture competition. The competition, which will be showcased at the 2021 AWFS®Fair, July 20-23, in Las Vegas, is open to…read more…
AWFS® announced the winners of its Design It Digital (DID) student CAD competition during a virtual awards ceremony on Thursday, August 27, 2020. Read more…
The Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers® (AWFS®) has launched a job board for access by both employers and job seekers on AWFS.org to assist with the challenge of employment and open positions the woodworking industry is facing. Read more…
The SkillsUSA California state officer team (the student leadership of the organization) is hosting an Operation Gratitude drive for letters of gratitude for frontline workers (active duty military, first responders, and healthcare workers) to thank them for their service. Read more…
A survey by the Woodwork Career Alliance’s reveals the unique challenges and ingenuity of teaching woodworking online and the determination of many students to earn their WCA credentials. Read more…
Society of Wood Manufacturing (SWM) group members recently created videos about their careers in the woodworking industry. Read more…
This year, SkillsUSA California put students’ woodworking skills to the test at six regional competitions throughout the state. AWFS® sponsored Society of Wood Manufacturing (SWM) members volunteered at three of these California events. Read more…
SWM”, is an AWFS® chapter focused on supporting high school woodshop programs in the United States. The primary goal is to support woodworking programs through fundraising activities and events. Read more…
You can now watch the eight WED Talks (Wood Education Talks) that took place at the 2019 AWFS®Fair on YouTube. Read more…
Young professionals shared their experience working in the woodworking and finishing industry and answered questions via livestream from students…the Feb. 26 Careers in the Classroom event by Cue Career and AWFS…Read more…
AWFS® announces the second Design it Digital, a CAD-based design competition that is open to middle school, high school, and post-secondary students …This contest is entirely free to enter and entry applications will be accepted until May 29, 2020. Read more…
AWFS® is in support of the “Counseling for Career Choice Act”, which would provide grants to states to establish a comprehensive school counseling program. Read more…
New registered apprenticeship for our industry in the works; expect to be approved by DOL in Fall 2020 Read more…
Eight exciting presentations were made as part of the inaugural WED (short for “Wood Education”) Talk series, held on Thursday, July 18 at the AWFS Fair. Read more…
Two unique educational opportunities that took place at the AWFS®Fair enhanced the experience for teachers, students, and general attendees by providing more resources and information related to career awareness. Read more…
The College of Woodworking Knowledge® (CWWK®), was held at the AWFS®Fair and provided value for thousands of AWFS Fair attendees through current topics and addressing business questions and concerns. Read more…
Society of Wood Manufacturing (SWM) Southern California Chapter members and volunteers helped AWFS®Fair attendees make an item out of wood at the Make and Take booth. Read more…
This is your chance to open your doors, welcome students, and make a positive impact on career awareness (and your future employee pipeline)! Read more…
Nearly Four Dozen Students Accept Awards at Fresh Wood and Turning to the Future Ceremony Read more…
Congresswoman Dina Titus to Speak; Norm Abram Will Deliver WED Talk. Read more…
A new feature at the AWFS®Fair, will offer various presentations and sessions throughout the show. Read more…
Vancouver Furniture Designer Judson Beaumont Creates Trophy. Read more…
Woodworking Industry Supports SkillsUSA California. Read more…
WIRC Embarks Upon Industry-Wide Marketing Campaign; AWFS Cue Career Resources and Virtual Career in the Classroom Event Read more…
Focus on Technology, Workforce and Culture Read more…
Ten members of the Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers® (AWFS®) Public Policy committee called on the offices of 21 legislators and agency staff in Washington on March 27th, to encourage support for the PARTNERS Act and Skills Investment Act. Read more…
AWFS® is in support of the Promoting Apprenticeships through Regional Training Networks for Employers’ Required Skills (PARTNERS) Act, recently introduced by Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-1) and Congressman Drew Ferguson (R-GA-3). Read more…
SWM members contributed tool donations which will become part of the Prize package for students in SkillsUSA California State Cabinetmaking and Introductory woodworking competitions. Read more…
AWFS was invited to a summit on CTE hosted by the Department of Education Read more…
AWFS and CMTC hosted a webinar on Industry 4.0, you can watch the recording now Read more…
AWFS to host 11th competition; new Special Theme category; Wagner Meters and KCD Software sponsor Read more…
Eleven wood industry associations are pleased to announce the formation of a coalition aimed primarily at perpetuating the long-term growth of the industry Read more…
AWFS announced the winners of its inaugural Design It Digital (DID) student CAD competition at the International Woodworking Fair (IWF) Atlanta on Aug 22 Read more…
Join us on Thursday, June 7, 2018 for a free 60 minute webinar on how to host a MFG Day Event! Read more…
Thank you to our sponsors, and congratulations to the student medalists! Read more…
Ten AWFS member company representatives participated in the DC fly-in, Feb 28, 2018…Read more…
Educational Seminar topic/presentation proposals will be accepted through August 31, 2018. Read more…
Watch the webinar, recorded March 13, about how to implement the Woodwork Career Alliance industry standards program in the classroom. Read more…
You may be seeing a lot of news and information about apprenticeships. Legislators, industry and education are recognizing how critical apprenticeships are to strengthening our skilled workforce. Read on for some recent developments…
The PARTNERS Act of 2017 is a bipartisan bill that would support partnerships between business and local workforce stakeholders that enable employers to develop and expand apprenticeships and work-based learning programs. Read more…
Now is the time for you and your company to get involved in MFG Day, you can host an “open house”; offer tours of your facility read more…
AWFS participates in NAM Manufacturing Summit with CTE-focused Hill Visits; AWFS Fair education-focused features promote networking; WoodIndustryEd.org gets a “face-lift” read more…
Cody Campanie, a student at Seattle Central College won The Best of Show Award, in the 2017 AWFS® Fresh Wood Competition after judges reviewed the projects of 41 finalists read more…
AWFS hosted a Webinar for educators on attending the 2017 AWFS Fair including how to register, show features and activities, and Teacher Track educational seminars. To watch the recording here and view the Power Point presentation read more…
Multiple AWFS member and industry companies generously donated nearly $10,000 in supplies, tools, and giveaways for students at the 2017 SkillsUSA California State Cabinetmaking and Introductory Woodworking contest Championships, held Saturday, April 22…read more…
AWFS Education Committee Chair attends formal dinner with legislative representative; a quick way for you to have a voice in education development support. Read more…
Would you like to participate in a group that supports local woodworking schools, students and teachers? Read more…
Approximately 150 local area high school students and teachers attended the Manufacturing Day event hosted at Architectural Woodworking Company (AWC) near Los Angeles (CA) on Friday, October 7. Read more…
Calling all students of furniture! Here is a great scholarship opportunity from the American Society of Furniture Designers (ASFD). Read more…
Check out this great event that is bringing industry and education a step closer together. It is called Manufacturing Day and it takes place each year on the first Friday in October – October 7 in 2016. Read more…
Educators are now saying that for many students and their parents, high school age is too late to introduce them to technical careers. If you want today’s kids to consider jobs in the skilled trades, they need to be exposed in middle school. Read more…
An executive at a hardwood company nominated a rising young manager at a competing lumber firm. An ex-Marine with training in Six Sigma launched a woodworking firm to create career paths for fellow vets. Read more…
The 2016 Wood Industry 40 Under 40 sought the next generation of people destined to make an impact on the wood products manufacturing industry in North America. From more than 135 nominations, 40 outstanding individuals were identified. Read more…
The list finds movers and shakers already making their mark in all walks of wood products manufacture, as well as suppliers and educators. Read more…
Connect with the YouWood Career Awareness Campaign!Industry-wide website provides information and resources about careers in wood.
To learn more, contact AWFS Education Director Tovi Spero tovi@awfs.org
AWFS is committed to education efforts that support, inform and benefit members and their customers. Following are our education initiatives (click on any header for additional information):
“Join the Movement – Host a MFG Day Event!”Looking for a way to attract skilled workers? Would you like to connect students interested in woodworking-related careers? Have you considered hosting a company tour or open house? 64% of students who attend a company tour or open house are “more motivated to pursue a career in manufacturing”!
MFG Day – a national campaign to increase student awareness of manufacturing careers – provides resources to help you plan your company event.
AWFS hosted a webinar in June 2018 about how to get involved in MFG Day. In this webinar we:
1. Learn about the skills gap and MFG Day
2. Walk through the steps in setting up a MFG Day tour/event
3. Explore resources available on the MFG Day website
4. Hear from four wood industry companies who have hosted MFG Day events
Find other resources about MFG Day here: http://www.woodindustryed.org/mfg-day-resources/
Questions: contact AWFS Marketing Coordinator Roschel Dizon Roschel@awfs.org or (323) 215-0317
You can see and download the presentation here (PDF) to learn more about these programs. Share with students and career counselors. For more information, contact Roschel Dizon Roschel@awfs.org or (323) 215-0317
“Meet the New Face of Manufacturing” Campaign posters“Meet the New Face of Manufacturing” is a comprehensive marketing effort to acquaint and interest young people in careers in wood products manufacturing. We want to convey the reality of 21st century manufacturing – it is modern, high-tech, offers varied and challenging careers and is ready to welcome the next generational workforce. The campaign, launched in 2014-15, highlights the variety of personalities and lifestyles available for those seeking careers in wood products manufacturing.
For a FREE copy of the “New Faces” poster, which contain a QR code linking to this page of resources, send a request to Roschel Dizon Roschel@awfs.org (include your name, mailing address, and quantity). Please share this with career counselors, parents, school administrators and others who guide students in career choices.
…and learn about eleven outstanding young professionals in the wood products manufacturing industry!
The College of Woodworking Knowledge (CWWK) is a multi-day education program conducted at the biennial AWFS®Fair, which takes place in July of the odd-numbered years in Las Vegas. It consists of approximately 40 seminars, workshops and technical demonstrations on diverse topics aimed at enriching the attendee experience. The program includes the “Teacher Track” seminars designed specifically for wood technology educators. Teachers and students receive free show floor entry and special rates on seminars. There are featured events especially for teachers and students. The 2023 AWFS Fair CWWK Program will be published in Spring 2023.
Held at the AWFS®Fair, the Fresh Wood competition is open to high school and post-secondary students in woodworking programs. It brings the best of North America’s school programs and student talent to the attention of the industry, and the AAW Turning to the Future competition highlights student woodturning.
This is a resource web site developed by AWFS, consisting of education and training information for the wood manufacturing and related industries (including bedding, flooring, hardware, solid surface, upholstery and other). Appropriate for educators, students, industry professionals and those seeking career and skill enhancement information, it contains a searchable database of schools, colleges, technical centers and companies that offer a wealth of education and skill enhancement programs – from short courses to graduate degrees, from hand-crafted to high tech. There are also listings of scholarships, awards and competitions; trade organizations and events; as well as job listing links and a blog.
Access industry-based glossaries, handouts and a “Careers” PowerPoint presentation specifically created for the classroom.
Find helpful guidelines for creating an internship program in your company or inviting an educator to spend a week with you to develop lessons for the classroom. There are also guidelines for hosting school tours and presenting in the classroom.
Society of Wood Manufacturing (SWM) is a Southern California Chapter of AWFS® focused on industry-education support.
The Woodwork Career Alliance is a not-for profit industry trade organization responsible for the development of the Woodwork Manufacturing Skill Standards. The standards focus on the set up, safety, proper use and processes of the most common tools and machines used in the industry. WCA’s Passport Certification Program assesses individuals on the various skills towards earning stamps for their Passport booklet. The skill standards, assessments and passport are appropriate for students as well as industry professionals. The Sawblade Certificate is especially geared to high school students. Teachers and industry representatives can be trained as skill evaluators to conduct assessments. The WCA offers an EDUcational membership, comparable to the former WoodLINKS USA which ceased operation in 2013, as well as an INDustry membership. AWFS is a Silver sponsor of the Woodwork Career Alliance. The WCA conducts a skill training at the biennial AWFS Fair.
SkillsUSA (formerly known as VICA) is a national nonprofit organization serving high school and college students preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. It consists of more than 400,000 student and instructor members, with 1,700 students in Cabinetmaking or Woodworking programs –this is the future of our industry in training! AWFS has assisted with SkillsUSA CA regional and state woodworking contests since 2011 and hosted the 2011 and 2013 SkillsUSA World Team Cabinetmaking Qualifying Event at the AWFS Fair. Click here to see more about AWFS’ involvement with SkillsUSA.
