The Woodwork Career Alliance (WCA), developers of the Manufacturing Skill Standards for the wood products manufacturing industry, has signed up 50 schools in their EDUcationTM membership program. Many of the schools were formerly with WoodLINKS USA which ceased operation in the summer of 2013; participating schools have made a smooth transition to the WCA membership. The skill standards system designed by WCA is applicable and usable for both industry professionals as well as students. The dedicated faculty of these member schools are showing their commitment to both scholastic and skill excellence by adopting the WCA Passport and Credentials for their school.
An enticing benefit of the education membership is a donations package from selected suppliers in the industry. In the inaugural year donations came from Franklin Adhesives, Veneer Tech, QuickScrews and Taunton Press. Schools that would like to learn more about the EDUcation program can visit the WCA web site at www.woodworkcareer.org. Companies that would like to put their name and products in front of hundreds of students of woodworking can inquire on the site about contributing to the Essentials Donation Package, which is shipped once a year to participating schools. Click on the CONTACT form in the HELP+ menu at the top of the screen. Enter your contact data and the item(s) you wish to ship directly to the schools. The WCA Board will select and notify the chosen donors for 2014. (Note–one of the need areas for the package is abrasives.) While you’re on the web site, you can also check out the benefits of an INDustry™ membership which is available to companies. WCA is working on behalf of the industry to align wood career technical education programs with the industry’s needs and skills. Help them help you in building the workforce of tomorrow.