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	<title>SkillsUSA CA &#8211; Association of Woodworking &amp; Furnishing Suppliers</title>
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		<title>Congratulations SkillsUSA CA State Championship Gold Medalists</title>
		<link>https://www.awfs.org/2023/04/congratulations-skillsusa-ca-state-championship-gold-medalists/</link>
		
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		<pubDate>Fri, 21 Apr 2023 15:24:08 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[cabinetmaking]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Introductory Woodworking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SkillsUSA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SkillsUSA CA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[student contest]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Zoe Dewberry, Fortuna High School, Wins SkillsUSA CA 2023 Cabinetmaking Gold Forty-One high school and middle school students competed in the live woodworking contests ANAHEIM, CA – April 21, 2023 &#8212; SkillsUSA California hosted the State Cabinetmaking and Introductory Woodworking competitions on Saturday, April 15 at Chaffey High School in Ontario, California. Staff and industry volunteers [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org/2023/04/congratulations-skillsusa-ca-state-championship-gold-medalists/">Congratulations SkillsUSA CA State Championship Gold Medalists</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org">Association of Woodworking &amp; Furnishing Suppliers</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4>Zoe Dewberry, Fortuna High School, Wins SkillsUSA CA 2023 Cabinetmaking Gold</h4>
<p><em>Forty-One high school and middle school students competed in the live woodworking contests</em></p>
<div id="attachment_15468" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cab-medalists-2023.jpg"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-15468" class="wp-image-15468 size-medium" src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cab-medalists-2023-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cab-medalists-2023-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cab-medalists-2023-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cab-medalists-2023-67x50.jpg 67w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cab-medalists-2023.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-15468" class="wp-caption-text"><em>The 2023 SkillsUSA CA Cabinetmaking medalists with the Cabinetmaking (Saul Martin, left) and Intro Woodworking (Kenneth Thomas, center) Contest Coordinators.</em></p></div>
<p>ANAHEIM, CA – April 21, 2023 &#8212; SkillsUSA California hosted the State Cabinetmaking and Introductory Woodworking competitions on Saturday, April 15 at Chaffey High School in Ontario, California. Staff and industry volunteers from the Association of Woodworking &amp; Furnishings Suppliers® (AWFS®), Inland Woodworkers Association, and the Society of Wood Manufacturing (SWM) served as contest coordinators, judges, and with overall contest support.</p>
<p>Over $10,000 in contest materials, supplies, tools, and giveaways for students were donated by: Blum, Inc, Colonial Saw/Lamello, Decore-ative Specialties, Drawer Box Specialties, Edgebanding Services Inc (ESI), Grex Tools, Leitz Tooling, Rockler Woodworking, Royal Plywood, and Society of Wood Manufacturing (SWM), a chapter of AWFS®. For the second year in a row, female students won the Gold Medal in the Cabinetmaking and Introductory Woodworking contests, and for the first time, middle school students competed in the Introductory Woodworking Contest.</p>
<p><strong>Introductory Woodworking Contest Supports First-Year Students</strong></p>
<p>Nineteen students from eleven high schools and one middle school throughout California competed in the Introductory Woodworking contest. This contest is intended to introduce students to the SkillsUSA competitive environment and encourage them to return to compete in the Cabinetmaking contest the following year. Contestants are given a set of plans to construct a hanging wall shelf with a drawer and towel holder. For the first time, students in this contest were introduced to edgebanding (using irons) and pocket hole fastening to complete their project. Drawer Box Specialties donated dovetailed drawer boxes for students to assemble and incorporate into their project. Decore-ative Specialties donated solid oak doors and drawer fronts for both contests.</p>
<div id="attachment_15469" style="width: 235px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/blum-pic-2023-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-15469" class="wp-image-15469 size-medium" src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/blum-pic-2023-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/blum-pic-2023-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/blum-pic-2023-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/blum-pic-2023-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/blum-pic-2023-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/blum-pic-2023-38x50.jpg 38w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/blum-pic-2023-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-15469" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Lee Schuette from Blum helped students install TANDEM slides.</em></p></div>
<p><strong>Cabinetmaking Contest Prepares Students for Industry</strong><strong><br />
</strong>The 2023 SkillsUSA California State Cabinetmaking competition hosted twenty-two students from nine high schools across the state. Students competed for medals and the opportunity to represent California at the upcoming SkillsUSA National Championships, which will take place in Atlanta, Georgia in June.  The students built a nightstand that tested their skills using various woodworking machinery. Students had access to table saws, pocket machine, edgebanding machine, miter saws, and hand tools. Karl Frey from Colonial Saw helped students use the Lamello P-System with a contest loan of Zeta biscuit machines and a donation of Tenso and Clamex connectors for all the Cabinetmaking students. Local Blum representative Lee Schuette assisted the contestants with drilling and installing Blum TANDEM drawer slide clips.</p>
<p>The contestants had about three hours to review the plans during orientation the day prior, and just six and a half hours to finish the project. Contest judges used criteria such as accuracy of measurements, safety, and use of tools and machinery to determine the scores. Not all students completed the project, but all contestants took home their project after the event so that they could complete it.</p>
<p><strong>Contests Made Possible Through Volunteers and Industry Donations</strong><strong><br />
</strong>Materials for both contests were generously donated by Royal Plywood of Cerritos, CA. In addition to TANDEM slides, Blum provided tape measures and Pozi screwdrivers for the Cabinetmaking contestants. Colonial Saw/Lamello generously provided Zeta tools, Tenso and Clamex connectors. Drawer Box Specialties (DBS) contributed the pre-made dovetail drawer boxes that the students assembled during the contest, and Decore-ative Specialties donated solid oak drawer fronts. ESI donated the edge-banding and hot melt glue, Leitz provided three saw blades, and GREX loaned pin guns and pins. Rockler Woodworking provided a drill bit, glue, and screw caps. Tool prize packages for the top medalists were provided through donations from members of the Society of Wood Manufacturing.</p>
<p>AWFS® and SWM are grateful to the team of volunteers who contributed their time to plan, organize, and execute the contests:</p>
<p>— Jorge Garcia, Ontario High School– Overall Contest Support (and event host)</p>
<p>— Saúl Martín, Architectural Woodworking Company– <strong>Cabinetmaking Contest Coordinator</strong></p>
<p>— Diana Ramirez, Reborn Cabinets – Cabinetmaking Judge</p>
<p>— Rick Reimer, Inland Woodworkers – Cabinetmaking Judge</p>
<p>— Jordan Clarke, Palomar College – Cabinetmaking Judge</p>
<p>— Karl Frey, Colonial Saw– Cabinetmaking Support</p>
<p>— Lee Schuette, Blum Inc.– Cabinetmaking Support</p>
<p>— Juan Falcon, Falcon Arte Calado – Cabinetmaking support/safety</p>
<p>— R.J. Monsma, Inland Woodworkers – Cabinetmaking contest support/safety</p>
<p>— Imelda Martín – Overall Contest Support and Photography</p>
<p>— Alicia Mendez, Falcon Arte Calado – Overall Contest Support</p>
<div id="attachment_15466" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/intro-judging-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-15466" class="wp-image-15466 size-medium" src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/intro-judging-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/intro-judging-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/intro-judging-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/intro-judging-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/intro-judging-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/intro-judging-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/intro-judging-67x50.jpg 67w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-15466" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Judges scoring the SkillsUSA CA Introductory Woodworking projects</em></p></div>
<p>— Kenneth Thomas, Inland Woodworkers – Introductory Woodworking Contest Coordinator</p>
<p>— Mike Trejo, Inland Woodworkers – Introductory Woodworking Contest Coordinator</p>
<p>— John Hogancamp, Inland Woodworkers – Introductory Woodworking Judge</p>
<p>— Mike Miller, Inland Woodworkers – Introductory Woodworking Judge</p>
<p>— Charlie Rizzo, Montclair High School – Introductory Woodworking Judge</p>
<p>— Ron Chappell, Inland Woodworkers – Introductory Woodworking support/safety</p>
<p>— Matthew Martel, Inland Woodworkers – Introductory Woodworking support/safety</p>
<p>The project plans were developed by SWM volunteers and drafted by Erik Suzuki &amp; Saúl Martín of Architectural Woodworking Company in Monterey Park.</p>
<div id="attachment_15467" style="width: 235px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoe-with-saul-2023-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-15467" class="wp-image-15467 size-medium" src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoe-with-saul-2023-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoe-with-saul-2023-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoe-with-saul-2023-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoe-with-saul-2023-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoe-with-saul-2023-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoe-with-saul-2023-38x50.jpg 38w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoe-with-saul-2023-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-15467" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Zoe Dewberry, Fortuna High School, works on her project, which earned a Gold Medal in Cabinetmaking.</em></p></div>
<p><strong>Congratulations to the SkillsUSA California State Student Medalists!</strong><strong><br />
</strong>Zoe Dewberry of Fortuna High School (Humboldt County) received the highest score and the Gold medal in the state high school Cabinetmaking competition and has been invited to represent California at the SkillsUSA National Leadership &amp; Skills Championships Atlanta, Georgia, June 19-23, 2023, where she will compete against other top scoring high school competitors from other states. Rounding out the Cabinetmaking medalist are two students from Monache High School (Porterville, CA): Marriner Christenson earned Silver and Esteban Heredia earned Bronze. In the Introductory Woodworking contest, Avian Thai of Mark Keppel High School won Gold, Christopher Bu of Alhambra High School received Silver, and Carlie Ball from Serrano High School received Bronze. Adam Martinez Maravilla received Middle School Introductory Woodworking Gold, and Noah Johnson won Silver, both students at Academies of The Antelope Valley.</p>
<p>See images of the SkillsUSA CA 2023 State contests/event here: <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/gQiQM5q3K986ciNf9">https://photos.app.goo.gl/gQiQM5q3K986ciNf9</a></p>
<p>See the SkillsUSA CA 2023 State project plans here: <a href="https://www.awfs.org/education/skillsusa/skillsusa-ca-2023-state-woodworking-contests/">https://www.awfs.org/education/skillsusa/skillsusa-ca-2023-state-woodworking-contests/</a></p>
<p><strong>SkillsUSA California Virtual Regional Contests Held Earlier This Year</strong><strong><br />
</strong>In January and February, SWM volunteer members supported the SkillsUSA California Regional woodworking contests. Dozens of high school and middle school students competed in the regional Cabinetmaking and the Introductory Woodworking contests combined. The regional contests serve as a qualifier to determine which contestants advance to the State Conference. Students had to build a project in their school shop and submit a video about the process. After the judges reviewed the contestants’ videos, the judges also interviewed each contestant via Zoom.</p>
<p>If you would like to learn more about SkillsUSA California woodworking or participate in future SkillsUSA California woodworking events, please contact Adria Salvatore at <a href="mailto:adam@awfs.org">adria@awfs.org</a> or (323) 215-0311 for more information.</p>
<p>See the SkillsUSA CA 2023 Regional project plans here: <a href="https://www.awfs.org/education/skillsusa/skillsusa-ca-2023-regional-woodworking-contests/">https://www.awfs.org/education/skillsusa/skillsusa-ca-2023-regional-woodworking-contests/</a></p>
<p><strong>About SkillsUSA:</strong> SkillsUSA is one of the largest national career &amp; technical student organizations in the nation. It promotes job readiness with skills and leadership training and supports students entering skilled trades. SkillsUSA California is the California state organization for SkillsUSA. Learn more at <a href="https://www.skillsusa.org/">SkillsUSA.org</a> and <a href="https://www.skillsusaca.org/">SkillsUSACA.org</a></p>
<p><strong>About SWM: </strong>The Society of Wood manufacturing (SWM) is a Southern California chapter of AWFS that supports local schools, educators, and students through SkillsUSA contests, donations, networking events, and much more. Learn more at <a href="https://www.awfs.org/education/swm/">awfs.org/education/swm</a></p>
<p><strong>About Inland Woodworkers Association: </strong>The Inland Woodworkers Association is group of woodworkers dedicated to promoting the art and craftsmanship of woodworking. Through workshops, classes, and community projects, the members demonstrate various woodworking techniques in an open environment where experienced and novice woodworkers can get together. Each year, the members of the Inland Woodworkers Association produce and donate hundreds of handmade wooden toys to charities for children in need. Whether you&#8217;re looking to learn a new skill, connect with other woodworkers, or give back to your community, we invite you to join us at the Inland Woodworkers.</p>
<p><strong>ABOUT AWFS<sup>®</sup></strong></p>
<p>The Association of Woodworking &amp; Furnishings Suppliers<sup>®</sup> (AWFS®), founded in 1911, is a non-profit organization that wholly owns and produces the biennial AWFS<sup>®</sup>Fair. The largest trade association serving the entire home and commercial furnishings industry, AWFS has more than 400 members, including manufacturers and distributors of machinery, hardware, software, tooling, lumber, components, plastics, wood products and supplies for the woodworking industry including cabinet, furniture, millwork and custom woodworking products. To learn more, visit <a href="http://www.awfs.org/">awfs.org</a></p>
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<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org/2023/04/congratulations-skillsusa-ca-state-championship-gold-medalists/">Congratulations SkillsUSA CA State Championship Gold Medalists</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org">Association of Woodworking &amp; Furnishing Suppliers</a>.</p>
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		<title>AWFS Education Manager Honored by Education Association</title>
		<link>https://www.awfs.org/2022/05/awfs-education-manager-honored-by-education-association/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 May 2022 15:12:31 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>AWFS® Education Manager Adam Kessler was honored last week with the Industry Person of the Year award for his work in bringing industry and education together and providing services and support for school programs in Southern California. The award was presented by the Los Angeles County Industrial and Technology Education Association (LACITEA), a group comprised [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org/2022/05/awfs-education-manager-honored-by-education-association/">AWFS Education Manager Honored by Education Association</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org">Association of Woodworking &amp; Furnishing Suppliers</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_15141" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IMG_3025.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-15141" class="wp-image-15141 size-medium" src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IMG_3025-300x240.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="240" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IMG_3025-300x240.jpg 300w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IMG_3025-1024x820.jpg 1024w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IMG_3025-768x615.jpg 768w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IMG_3025-1536x1231.jpg 1536w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IMG_3025-62x50.jpg 62w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IMG_3025.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-15141" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Adam Kessler poses with his award and colleagues from AWFS and SWM. In the front, SkillsUSA CA 2022 State Introductory Woodworking Silver Medalist Lisa Liu.</em></p></div>
<p>AWFS<sup>®</sup> Education Manager Adam Kessler was honored last week with the Industry Person of the Year award for his work in bringing industry and education together and providing services and support for school programs in Southern California. The award was presented by the Los Angeles County Industrial and Technology Education Association (LACITEA), a group comprised of career tech ed/&#8221;vocational&#8221; educators and administrators throughout Southern California. The group is led by veteran leaders of education, including retired educator and administrator Dr. Roberta Floyd, and Mr. Richard Nicholson, who has a long legacy as a woodworking teacher in the Los Angeles area and later supporting other teachers at the LA County Office of Education. Mr. Nicholson is also an active member of AWFS&#8217; local industry-education networking chapter, the <a href="https://www.awfs.org/education/swm/">Society of Wood Manufacturing (SWM)</a>.</p>
<div id="attachment_15137" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/AWF_0777-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-15137" class="wp-image-15137 size-medium" src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/AWF_0777-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/AWF_0777-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/AWF_0777-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/AWF_0777-768x511.jpg 768w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/AWF_0777-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/AWF_0777-2048x1363.jpg 2048w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/AWF_0777-75x50.jpg 75w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-15137" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Adam Kessler receives the Industry Person of the Year award from Mr. Richard Nicholson of LACITEA.</em></p></div>
<p>Adam Kessler is the lead AWFS<sup>®</sup> staff for the SWM chapter, which is co-led by volunteer Board President Saúl Martín of Architectural Woodworking Company (AWC). The SWM group develops and deploys the <a href="https://www.awfs.org/2022/04/pr-female-students-sweep-gold-medals-in-california-woodworking-contests/">SkillsUSA California Cabinetmaking and Introductory Woodworking contests</a> at the regional and state level. Adam also serves on advisory committees for local high schools and post secondary programs, and he <a href="https://www.awfs.org/2021/05/visit-the-swm-booth-at-the-awfs-fair/">exhibits and participates in education and industry events to promote SWM</a>. He has served as an <a href="https://www.awfs.org/2021/11/nh-middle-school-students-get-an-online-factory-tour/">industry guest speaker</a> in virtual classroom sessions and leads and supports <a href="https://www.awfs.org/2021/11/dbs-hosts-over-100-students-at-mfg-day-event/">MFG Day events</a>. In 2020, he led a <a href="https://www.awfs.org/2020/10/wood-industry-supports-woodworking-teachers-and-students-during-pandemic/">donation program which provided over $60,000 in material and supplies to local schools</a> to help with remote learning for students. On his nights and weekends, Adam serves as a team mentor and judge for FIRST Robotics.</p>
<p>Adam also oversees the <a href="https://www.awfsfair.org/fresh-wood/">Fresh Wood student woodworking competition</a> at the AWFS<sup>®</sup>Fair, which has benefitted hundreds of students and school programs throughout its’ 23 year history. Adam is a former Fresh Wood winner himself (People&#8217;s Choice, 2011) and has a personal passion for woodworking and design.</p>
<div id="attachment_15136" style="width: 235px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Adams-award2-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-15136" class="wp-image-15136 size-medium" src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Adams-award2-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Adams-award2-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Adams-award2-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Adams-award2-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Adams-award2-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Adams-award2-38x50.jpg 38w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Adams-award2-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-15136" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Adam&#8217;s award featured a hand-turned pen made of oak from a local tree.</em></p></div>
<p>As a recipient of the Industry Person of the Year award, Adam received a handsome box with a pen, hand-turned by Mr. Nicholson. The oak wood used for the pen comes from a<a href="https://www.awfs.org/2022/03/local-groups-join-forces-to-honor-historic-tree/"> local tree which was recently honored at a celebration co-sponsored by SWM</a>. Adam also received a notebook with letters of support from teachers and his colleagues.</p>
<p>Awards were also given out for High School, Middle School, and Post Secondary Teacher of the Year, and Administrator of the Year. LACITEA also awarded three, $1,000 scholarships to career technical education students nominated by their teachers. The students and their families were in attendance. The scholarship funds are raised through live and silent auctions that take place during the awards banquet. Local contestants and medalists from the recent SkillsUSA California state championships were in attendance and recognized for their achievements: Lisa Liu (Silver medalist) and Carson Nguyen were both Introductory Woodworking contestants from San Gabriel High School.</p>
<p>&#8220;Adam&#8217;s ability to work effectively with educators and the numerous wood programs throughout Southern California and across the nation has enabled AWFS<sup>®</sup>, Society of Wood Manufacturing (SWM), and SkillsUSA California, to successfully support, organize, and conduct a multitude of educational events and contests for tens of thousands of students and prospective members of our industry’s future workforce,&#8221; says AWFS&#8217; Executive Vice President Angelo Gangone. &#8220;In fact, the work Adam has spearheaded in conjunction with Saúl Martín and the various volunteers that comprise SWM is at the very heart of our Association’s mission. That is why this award is an accurate representation of the spirit in which Adam has served, and will continue to serve, AWFS<sup>®</sup> and our industry.&#8221;</p>
<p>AWFS<sup>®</sup> has a history of camaraderie with LACITEA and this is the fourth time an AWFS<sup>®</sup> team member has received the Industry Person of the Year Award: Education Director Nancy Fister (now retired) in 2012, Volunteer leader Saúl Martín in 2014, and current Association Director Adria Salvatore in 2018.</p>
<p>To learn more about SWM or AWFS education efforts, or to reach Adam Kessler: <a href="mailto:adam@awfs.org">adam@awfs.org</a></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org/2022/05/awfs-education-manager-honored-by-education-association/">AWFS Education Manager Honored by Education Association</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org">Association of Woodworking &amp; Furnishing Suppliers</a>.</p>
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		<title>PR: Female Students Sweep Gold Medals in California Woodworking Contests</title>
		<link>https://www.awfs.org/2022/04/pr-female-students-sweep-gold-medals-in-california-woodworking-contests/</link>
					<comments>https://www.awfs.org/2022/04/pr-female-students-sweep-gold-medals-in-california-woodworking-contests/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 Apr 2022 20:15:50 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SWM Society of Wood Manufacturing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cabinetmaking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[California]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[high school]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[industry education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Introductory Woodworking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SkillsUSA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SkillsUSA CA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[students]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Woodworking]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.awfs.org/?p=15087</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Forty-three Woodworking Students Competed at the SkillsUSA California State Conference ANAHEIM, CA – April 27, 2022 – SkillsUSA California hosted the State Cabinetmaking and Introductory Woodworking competitions on Saturday, April 23rd at Chaffey High School in Ontario, California. Staff and industry volunteers from the Association of Woodworking &#38; Furnishings Suppliers® (AWFS®) and the Society of [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org/2022/04/pr-female-students-sweep-gold-medals-in-california-woodworking-contests/">PR: Female Students Sweep Gold Medals in California Woodworking Contests</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org">Association of Woodworking &amp; Furnishing Suppliers</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>Forty-three Woodworking Students Competed at the SkillsUSA California State Conference</em></p>
<p>ANAHEIM, CA – April 27, 2022 – SkillsUSA California hosted the State Cabinetmaking and Introductory Woodworking competitions on Saturday, April 23<sup>rd</sup> at Chaffey High School in Ontario, California. Staff and industry volunteers from the Association of Woodworking &amp; Furnishings Suppliers<sup>®</sup> (AWFS<sup>®</sup>) and the Society of Wood Manufacturing (SWM) served as contest coordinators, judges, and with overall contest support.</p>
<p>Over $10,000 in contest supplies, tools, and giveaways for students were donated by: Blum, Inc, Colonial Saw/Lamello, Decore-ative Specialties, Drawer Box Specialties, Edgebanding Services Inc (ESI), Grex Tools, Häfele America Co., Kemp Hardware, Royal Plywood, and Society of Wood Manufacturing (SWM), a chapter of AWFS<sup>®</sup>. For the first time in recent history, female students won the Gold Medal for both the Introductory Woodworking and Cabinetmaking contests, and a school from central California took home five of the six medals.</p>
<div id="attachment_15098" style="width: 321px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/AWF_0257-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-15098" class="wp-image-15098 " src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/AWF_0257-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="311" height="207" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/AWF_0257-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/AWF_0257-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/AWF_0257-768x511.jpg 768w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/AWF_0257-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/AWF_0257-2048x1363.jpg 2048w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/AWF_0257-75x50.jpg 75w" sizes="(max-width: 311px) 100vw, 311px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-15098" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Twenty-one students competed in the 2022 SkillsUSA CA Introductory Woodworking Contest.</em></p></div>
<p><strong>Introductory Woodworking Contest Supports First-Year Students<br />
</strong>Twenty-one students from nine schools throughout California competed in the Introductory Woodworking contest. This contest is intended to introduce students to the SkillsUSA competitive environment and encourage them to return to compete in the Cabinetmaking contest the following year. Contestants are given a set of plans to construct a folding shelf. They had access to chop saws, drill presses, a band saw, jig saws, power drills, and hand tools to create the component parts and assemble the shelf in a six-hour time span.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Cabinetmaking Contest Prepares Students for Industry<br />
</strong>The 2022 SkillsUSA California State Cabinetmaking competition hosted twenty-two students from eleven different high schools across the state. Students competed for medals and the opportunity to represent California at the upcoming SkillsUSA National Championships, which will take place in Atlanta, Georgia in June.  The students built a functioning cabinet that tested their skills using various woodworking machinery. Students had access to the table saw, router table, edgebanding machine, sliding panel saw, miter saw, and hand tools. Karl Frey from Colonial Saw introduced the students to the Zeta joinery system with a contest loan of a Zeta machine and a donation of Tenso connectors for all of the Cabinetmaking students. Local Blum representative Lee Schuette assisted the students in attaching their hinges using a Blum Minipress P and helped contestants install Blum TANDEM drawer slides. Decore-ative Specialties donated the beautiful solid oak doors and drawer fronts for the contest, saving the students’ time and enhancing the project.</p>
<div id="attachment_15097" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IRM_2752-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-15097" class="wp-image-15097 size-medium" src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IRM_2752-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IRM_2752-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IRM_2752-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IRM_2752-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IRM_2752-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IRM_2752-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IRM_2752-75x50.jpg 75w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-15097" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Twenty-two students competed in the 2022 SkillsUSA CA State Cabinetmaking Contest.</em></p></div>
<p>Cabinetmaking contestants had about three hours to review the plans and just six and a half hours to finish the project. Contest judges used criteria such as accuracy of measurements, safety, and use of tools and machinery to determine the scores. Not all students completed the project, but all contestants took home their cabinets after the event so that they could complete them if necessary.</p>
<p><strong>Contests Made Possible Through Volunteers and Industry Donations<br />
</strong>Materials for both contests were generously donated by Royal Plywood of Cerritos, CA. In addition to TANDEM slides and drawer hinges, Blum provided the students with tape measures and pencils. Drawer Box Specialties (DBS) provided pre-made dovetail drawer boxes that the students assembled during the contest, and Decore-ative Specialties donated solid oak doors and drawer fronts. Häfele America Co. donated the Hinges for the Introductory Woodworking contest and locking casters for the Cabinetmaking contest.  ESI donated the edge-banding and the knobs for the drawer and door were provided by Kemp Hardware. Prize packages for the top medalists were provided by members of the Society of Wood Manufacturing.</p>
<p>AWFS<sup>®</sup> and SWM are grateful to the team of volunteers who contributed their time to plan, organize, and execute the contests:</p>
<p>&#8212; Saúl Martín, <a href="http://www.awcla.com/">Architectural Woodworking Company</a>– <strong>Cabinetmaking Contest Coordinator</strong></p>
<p>&#8212; Imelda Torres – Cabinetmaking Contest Support and Photography</p>
<p>&#8212; Karl Frey, <a href="http://www.csaw.com/">Colonial Saw</a>– Cabinetmaking Judge</p>
<p>&#8212; Diana Ramirez, Reborn Cabinets – Cabinetmaking Judge</p>
<p>&#8212; Kenneth Thomas, Inland Woodworkers – Cabinetmaking Judge</p>
<p>&#8212; Jorge Garcia, <a href="https://chs-cjuhsd-ca.schoolloop.com/">Ontario High School</a>– Cabinetmaking Support</p>
<p>&#8212; Oton Gonzalez, Escondido High School – Cabinetmaking Support</p>
<p>&#8212; Charlie Rizzo, Ethan Allen – Cabinetmaking Support</p>
<p>&#8212; Lee Schuette, <a href="https://www.blum.com/us/en/">Blum Inc.</a>– Cabinetmaking Support</p>
<p>&#8212; Mike Trejo, Inland Woodworkers – Cabinetmaking Support</p>
<p>&#8212; George (Randy) Zubieta, Oceanside High School – Cabinetmaking Support</p>
<div id="attachment_15099" style="width: 265px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_0583c-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-15099" class="wp-image-15099" src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_0583c-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="255" height="255" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_0583c-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_0583c-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_0583c-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_0583c-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_0583c-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_0583c-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_0583c-50x50.jpg 50w" sizes="(max-width: 255px) 100vw, 255px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-15099" class="wp-caption-text"><em>SkillsUSA CA 2022 State Introductory Woodworking Medalists and their Advisors.</em></p></div>
<p>&#8212; Adam Kessler, AWFS/SWM – <strong>Introductory Woodworking Contest Coordinator</strong></p>
<p>&#8212; Devyn Bervid, Tecture San Diego – Introductory Woodworking Judge</p>
<p>&#8212; Nathaniel Hall, Made Lumber San Diego – Introductory Woodworking Judge</p>
<p>The project plans were developed by SWM and drafted by AWFS<sup>®</sup> Education Manager Adam Kessler, along with support from Saúl Martín of Architectural Woodworking Company.</p>
<p><strong>Congratulations to the SkillsUSA California State Student Medalists!<br />
</strong>Kyleen Mitchell of Monache High School (Porterville) received the highest score and the Gold medal in the state high school Cabinetmaking competition and has been invited to represent California at the SkillsUSA National Leadership &amp; Skills Championships Atlanta, Georgia, June 20-24, 2022, where she will compete against other top scoring high school competitors from other states. The Society of Wood Manufacturing, a chapter of AWFS<sup>®</sup>, raised the funds to cover Kyleen’s registration costs. Rounding out the Cabinetmaking medalist are two more students from Monache High School: Daniel Lopez earned Silver and Sebastian Corona earned Bronze. In the Introductory Woodworking contest, Maria Gamez of Monache High School won Gold, Jiarui Liu of San Gabriel High School (Alhambra) received Silver, and Marriner Christenson, also of Monache High School received Bronze.</p>
<div id="attachment_15099" style="width: 263px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_0603c-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-15099" class="wp-image-15096" src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_0603c-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="253" height="253" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_0603c-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_0603c-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_0603c-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_0603c-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_0603c-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_0603c-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_0603c-50x50.jpg 50w" sizes="(max-width: 253px) 100vw, 253px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-15099" class="wp-caption-text"><em>SkillsUSA CA 2022 State Cabinetmaking Medalists and their Advisor.</em></p></div>
<div class="mceTemp"></div>
<p><strong>SkillsUSA California Virtual Regional Contests Held Earlier This Year<br />
</strong>In January and February, SWM volunteer members supported the SkillsUSA California Regional woodworking contests. Over fifty high school students competed in the regional Cabinetmaking and the Introductory Woodworking contests combined. The regional contests serve as a qualifier to determine which contestants will advance to the State Conference. Students had to build a project in their school shop and submit a video about the process. After the judges reviewed the contestants’ videos, the judges also interviewed each contestant via Zoom.</p>
<p>If you would like to learn more about SkillsUSA woodworking or participate in future SkillsUSA California woodworking events, please contact Adam Kessler at <a href="mailto:adam@awfs.org">adam@awfs.org</a> or (323) 215-0312 for more information.</p>
<p>To see information on the SkillsUSA California Woodworking competitions from AWFS<sup>®</sup>, including photos, sponsor and volunteer information, contest plans, and results, visit this page: <a href="http://www.awfs.org/education/skillsusa/">awfs.org/education/skillsusa/</a> For high resolution images and captioning information, contact Adam Kessler at <a href="mailto:adam@awfs.org">adam@awfs.org</a> or (323) 215-0312.</p>
<p><strong>About SkillsUSA:</strong> SkillsUSA is one of the largest national career &amp; technical student organizations in the nation. It promotes job readiness with skills and leadership training and supports students entering skilled trades.</p>
<p><strong>About SWM: </strong>The Society of Wood manufacturing (SWM) is a Southern California chapter of AWFS<sup>®</sup> that supports local schools and students through SkillsUSA contests, donations, networking events, and much more. Learn more at <a href="https://www.awfs.org/education/swm/">awfs.org/education/swm</a></p>
<p><strong>ABOUT AWFS<sup>®</sup></strong></p>
<p>The Association of Woodworking &amp; Furnishings Suppliers<sup>®</sup> (AWFS<sup>®</sup>), founded in 1911, is a non-profit organization that wholly owns and produces the biennial AWFS<sup>®</sup>Fair. The largest trade association serving the entire home and commercial furnishings industry, AWFS<sup>®</sup> has more than 400 members, including manufacturers and distributors of machinery, hardware, software, tooling, lumber, components, plastics, wood products and supplies for the woodworking industry including cabinet, furniture, millwork and custom woodworking products. To learn more, visit <a href="http://www.awfs.org/">awfs.org</a></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org/2022/04/pr-female-students-sweep-gold-medals-in-california-woodworking-contests/">PR: Female Students Sweep Gold Medals in California Woodworking Contests</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org">Association of Woodworking &amp; Furnishing Suppliers</a>.</p>
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		<title>CA School District Hosts Competition for Wood Technology Students</title>
		<link>https://www.awfs.org/2021/10/ca-school-district-hosts-competition-for-wood-technology-students/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Oct 2021 23:35:39 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SWM Society of Wood Manufacturing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Alhambra Unified School District]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SkillsUSA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SkillsUSA CA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SkillsUSA California]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Society of Wood Manufacturing]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[wood technology]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.awfs.org/?p=14778</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Nineteen students from three schools within the Alhambra Unified School District (AUSD) (California) participated in a district-wide student woodworking competition on Wednesday, October 20 at Mark Keppel High School. The students came from the wood technology programs at Alhambra High School, Mark Keppel High School, and San Gabriel High School.   For the competition, students [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org/2021/10/ca-school-district-hosts-competition-for-wood-technology-students/">CA School District Hosts Competition for Wood Technology Students</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org">Association of Woodworking &amp; Furnishing Suppliers</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/CA-Logo-2_c.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-11346 alignright" src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/CA-Logo-2_c-300x221.jpg" alt="" width="157" height="116" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/CA-Logo-2_c-300x221.jpg 300w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/CA-Logo-2_c-68x50.jpg 68w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/CA-Logo-2_c.jpg 567w" sizes="(max-width: 157px) 100vw, 157px" /></a></p>
<div id="attachment_14779" style="width: 114px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_20211020_172541-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-14779" class="wp-image-14779 " src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_20211020_172541-142x300.jpg" alt="" width="104" height="220" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_20211020_172541-142x300.jpg 142w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_20211020_172541-484x1024.jpg 484w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_20211020_172541-768x1626.jpg 768w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_20211020_172541-725x1536.jpg 725w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_20211020_172541-967x2048.jpg 967w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_20211020_172541-24x50.jpg 24w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_20211020_172541-scaled.jpg 1209w" sizes="(max-width: 104px) 100vw, 104px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-14779" class="wp-caption-text"><em>A student building his toolbox during the district qualifying competition.</em></p></div>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">Nineteen students from three schools within the Alhambra Unified School District (AUSD) (California) participated in a district-wide student woodworking competition on Wednesday, October 20 at Mark Keppel High School. The students came from the wood technology programs at Alhambra High School, Mark Keppel High School, and San Gabriel High School.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">For the competition, students built a tool box in two hours using hand tools, hand-held power tools, and machines. SWM (Society of Wood Manufacturing) donated $500 to the event, which covered the cost of material for the project. The material was provided by Royal Plywood, a long-standing local supporter of industry-education efforts. The students who earned the highest score from each school received an award for first, second, third, and honorable mention, and all students were able to take home the tool box that they completed.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<div id="attachment_14780" style="width: 255px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_20211020_181524-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-14780" class="wp-image-14780 " src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_20211020_181524-300x142.jpg" alt="" width="245" height="116" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_20211020_181524-300x142.jpg 300w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_20211020_181524-1024x484.jpg 1024w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_20211020_181524-768x363.jpg 768w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_20211020_181524-1536x725.jpg 1536w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_20211020_181524-2048x967.jpg 2048w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_20211020_181524-106x50.jpg 106w" sizes="(max-width: 245px) 100vw, 245px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-14780" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Alhambra Unified School District Wood Tech instructors: (from left) John Mason, Paul Lam, Carlos Sanchez</em></p></div>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">This is the ninth year that AUSD has hosted this qualifying event. Prior to the pandemic, the competition was accompanied by a meal, and parents and industry guests were encouraged to attend. “We are grateful to SWM and Royal Plywood for their involvement and support in our district competition,” says Mark Keppel High School woodworking instructor Paul Lam. “We hope that next year we can return to the lively event we have hosted in the past so that industry professionals can connect with and cheer the students on in person.”</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">The purpose of the district competition was for the Alhambra USD students to qualify spots in the SkillsUSA California regional Cabinetmaking contest and the Introductory Woodworking contest. Those with the highest scores will advance to represent their SkillsUSA school chapter in regionals, which will take place virtually in January and February 2022. </span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_14781" style="width: 257px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_20211020_194345-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-14781" class="wp-image-14781 " src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_20211020_194345-300x142.jpg" alt="" width="247" height="117" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_20211020_194345-300x142.jpg 300w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_20211020_194345-1024x484.jpg 1024w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_20211020_194345-768x363.jpg 768w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_20211020_194345-1536x725.jpg 1536w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_20211020_194345-2048x967.jpg 2048w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_20211020_194345-106x50.jpg 106w" sizes="(max-width: 247px) 100vw, 247px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-14781" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Instructor Paul Lam of Mark Keppel High School with his students and their finished tool boxes.</em></p></div>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">During the SkillsUSA CA regional competitions, students will submit a video showing their completion of an assigned project and will participate in a live virtual interview with an industry judging panel. Overall, the top-scoring contestants from each AUSD school chapter will be able to advance to the regional competitions. Students with the highest scores in the regional competitions will then be invited to compete at the State Conference, taking place April 21-24 in Ontario, California.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">“The Alhambra Unified School District qualifying event is an excellent model, it prepares students for competition and gets them excited to </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">participate in SkillsUSA CA events,” says Clay Mitchell, SkillsUSA CA State Director. “We wish all students at AUSD and throughout the state the best of luck as they prepare for the upcoming regional competitions.”</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>To learn more about SkillsUSA CA and SWM, contact Adam Kessler at adam@awfs.org</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org/2021/10/ca-school-district-hosts-competition-for-wood-technology-students/">CA School District Hosts Competition for Wood Technology Students</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org">Association of Woodworking &amp; Furnishing Suppliers</a>.</p>
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		<title>2021 SkillsUSA Nationals Held Live Cabinetmaking Competition Online</title>
		<link>https://www.awfs.org/2021/07/2021-skillsusa-nationals-held-live-cabinetmaking-competition-online/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 01 Jul 2021 18:27:34 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SWM Society of Wood Manufacturing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career awareness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[skilled trades careers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SkillsUSA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SkillsUSA CA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SkillsUSA California]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Society of Wood Manufacturing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SWM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wood industry education]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.awfs.org/?p=14508</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>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. On June 15-17th High School and Post-Secondary woodworking students from across the country [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org/2021/07/2021-skillsusa-nationals-held-live-cabinetmaking-competition-online/">2021 SkillsUSA Nationals Held Live Cabinetmaking Competition Online</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org">Association of Woodworking &amp; Furnishing Suppliers</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2c300dpi.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-14512" src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2c300dpi-300x195.png" alt="" width="175" height="114" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2c300dpi-300x195.png 300w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2c300dpi-1024x664.png 1024w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2c300dpi-768x498.png 768w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2c300dpi-1536x997.png 1536w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2c300dpi-77x50.png 77w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2c300dpi.png 1683w" sizes="(max-width: 175px) 100vw, 175px" /></a>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. On June 15-17<sup>th</sup> High School and Post-Secondary woodworking students from across the country competed in the live build portion of the SkillsUSA National Cabinetmaking contest which was organized by a group of Architectural Woodworking Institute leaders. AWI members recruited woodworking professionals across 22 states to act as contest proctors and video the student contestant throughout the six-hour long contest. Students used the woodworking facilities at their high school, trade school, or college to compete this year. This was a first for a SkillsUSA contest which are normally held as a live event at a large convention center.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2021-PS-Nationa-Cabinetmaking-contest-winner-project-image.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-14510 alignleft" src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2021-PS-Nationa-Cabinetmaking-contest-winner-project-image-300x167.png" alt="" width="300" height="167" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2021-PS-Nationa-Cabinetmaking-contest-winner-project-image-300x167.png 300w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2021-PS-Nationa-Cabinetmaking-contest-winner-project-image-90x50.png 90w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2021-PS-Nationa-Cabinetmaking-contest-winner-project-image.png 761w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>The live build project for the 2021 SkillsUSA National Cabinetmaking Contest was a hexagon box with a removable lid and trim pieces. Students and their Advisors (teachers) did not know what the project would be until the contest orientation, just a few days before the contest. The contest was designed to test the woodworking abilities, knowledge, and skill of each student. This year’s contest being virtual posed extra challenges for the contest coordinators, who had to limit the machines required to make the project to the basic woodworking machinery and tools typically found in most woodshops like the table saw, miter saw, and block plane. Student contestants were given a list of tools and materials which were the only items they are allowed to use to complete their project. The contest duration was also reduced from eight hours to six hours and the complexity of the contest project was also simpler than in previous years where students build full size case goods.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-14511" src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Nolin-Caleb-Saul-Adam-300x208.png" alt="" width="300" height="208" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Nolin-Caleb-Saul-Adam-300x208.png 300w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Nolin-Caleb-Saul-Adam-1024x709.png 1024w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Nolin-Caleb-Saul-Adam-768x532.png 768w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Nolin-Caleb-Saul-Adam-1536x1064.png 1536w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Nolin-Caleb-Saul-Adam-72x50.png 72w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Nolin-Caleb-Saul-Adam.png 1854w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p>In California, AWFS® was fortunate to be able to help with the proctoring process. AWFS and Society of Wood Manufacturing (SWM), its Southern California chapter focused on industry-education connection, coordinate woodworking competitions for SkillsUSA California, the state SkillsUSA organization. AWFS offered to help identify a proctor for the California contestant, and Adam Kessler (AWFS) and Saúl Martín (SWM President) stepped into the role. The two travelled to Martinez, CA in the Bay Area to proctor at Alhambra High School for the California contestant Nolin Searls. Nolin and his woodworking instructor Caleb Sydlaske are new to SkillsUSA. “This was a great experience even though everything was virtual this year, and we look forward to competing again,” said Sydlaske. “Nolin’s project placed fourth in high school at nationals, which is really an accomplishment!”</p>
<p>Six student winners were announced on June 24<sup>th</sup> at the 2021 SkillsUSA National Awards and Recognition Session. Congratulations to all of the winners!</p>
<p><u>High School Cabinetmaking </u></p>
<p>Gold Medal – Max Soares from Greater New Bedford RVTHS in Massachusetts</p>
<p>Silver Medal – Hayden Clarke from College State High School in Texas</p>
<p>Bronze Medal – Cole Murray from Greene River High School in Wyoming</p>
<p><u>Post- Secondary Cabinetmaking</u></p>
<p>Gold Medal – Christopher Midgley from Indian Capital Technology Center-Sallisaw in Oklahoma</p>
<p>Silver Medal – Chris Todd from Wayne State College in Nebraska</p>
<p>Bronze Medal – Ryan Faust from Saint Paul College in Minnesota</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org/2021/07/2021-skillsusa-nationals-held-live-cabinetmaking-competition-online/">2021 SkillsUSA Nationals Held Live Cabinetmaking Competition Online</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org">Association of Woodworking &amp; Furnishing Suppliers</a>.</p>
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		<title>SkillsUSA California Woodworking Students Compete Remotely</title>
		<link>https://www.awfs.org/2021/04/skillsusa-ca-students-compete-remotely-with-industry-support/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Apr 2021 15:36:18 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SWM Society of Wood Manufacturing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career awareness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Career Technical Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CTE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[skilled trades]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[skills gap]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[skills training]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SkillsUSA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SkillsUSA CA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Society of Wood Manufacturing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SWM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wood industry education]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.awfs.org/?p=14342</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Industry professionals from AWFS® (Association of Woodworking and Furnishings Suppliers®) 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. The contests were designed to be completed entirely at home, and students submitted videos and [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org/2021/04/skillsusa-ca-students-compete-remotely-with-industry-support/">SkillsUSA California Woodworking Students Compete Remotely</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org">Association of Woodworking &amp; Furnishing Suppliers</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Industry professionals from AWFS<sup>®</sup> (Association of Woodworking and Furnishings Suppliers<sup>®</sup>) 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. The contests were designed to be completed entirely at home, and students submitted videos and participated in virtual interviews with the judges.</p>
<h3>Virtual Competitions a New Experience for All</h3>
<p>The virtual woodworking skill contests consisted of four components: a written test, which included safety, mathematical, and woodworking knowledge questions; a woodworking project that could be built at home; a brief video presentation to explain the project; and a live virtual interview with the judging panel. The skill contests were designed so that the students could complete the projects using basic hand tools and items they could purchase using gift cards generously provided by Lowe&#8217;s. A team of AWFS<sup>®</sup> staff and industry volunteers developed the project plans, using the same industry standards and practices as usually followed for an in-person competition.</p>
<p>&#8220;The SkillsUSA contests are a valuable way to introduce students to concepts and processes that are used in our industry,&#8221; says SkillsUSA CA Cabinetmaking Technical Committee Chair Saúl Martín. &#8220;Even in the new virtual environment, the students were able to read shop drawings, prepare a bill of materials, and practice fundamental woodworking skills.&#8221;</p>
<p>The virtual live interviews served as an opportunity for students to practice their career preparedness &#8220;soft skills&#8221;. During the 3-5 minute interviews, judges asked the students questions about what they learned during the process, challenges they overcame, and their favorite part of the experience. Contest judges used criteria such as accuracy of measurements, safety, and use of tools to determine the scores.</p>
<h3>Regional Contests are the First Competitive Level</h3>
<p>The virtual regional contests took place in February. California is divided into six regions which typically compete independently of one another, however in the virtual scenario, many elements of the regional contest were combined across regions. For example, all regions received the same instructions and were scored by the same judging panel on the same day.</p>
<p>The regional Cabinetmaking project was a triangular shelf and required cutting a 45 degree angle using hand tools and assembly with nails and glue. The regional Introductory Woodworking project was a rectangular bookshelf which had to be constructed by hand and assembled with nails. Introductory Woodworking is a California state-only contest, intended to give first year woodworking students exposure to the competitive environment and encourage them to return to compete in the Cabinetmaking contest the following year. Fifty-one students from across the state registered to participate in both regional contests.</p>
<h3>State Championships Determine Who Advances to Nationals</h3>
<p>The students who earned the top scores from the regional contests were invited to compete in the state championships, which took place virtually on April 16. In a process similar to the regional contests, the Cabinetmaking students built a small wall cabinet with a drawer and two doors, and included mounting drawer hinges, knobs, and a magnetic latch. The Introductory Woodworking students built a tool box, requiring the use of a coping saw to cut out the handle. A total of twenty students participated in both state contests.</p>
<p>&#8220;We were incredibly impressed with the quality of the students&#8217; projects and presentation videos,&#8221; says AWFS Education Manager Adam Kessler. &#8220;Most of them had to build these projects in their homes, backyards, or garages. But they overcame challenges and they should be very proud of their work.&#8221; During the interviews, students shared with the judges that this was their first time using hand tools and some students shared that the project was more difficult than they anticipated. Some encountered a new learning experience by going to Lowe&#8217;s to procure the required tools and supplies.</p>
<p><strong>Industry Volunteers Contributed Time to Serve as Judges<br />
</strong>AWFS<sup>®</sup> is grateful to the team of volunteers from Society of Wood Manufacturing (SWM), a chapter of AWFS®, who contributed their time to serve as judges:</p>
<p>Saúl Martín, <a href="http://www.awcla.com/">Architectural Woodworking Company</a>– <strong>Contest Coordinator</strong></p>
<p>Kenneth Thomas, <a href="https://inlandwoodworkers.org/">Inland Woodworkers Association</a> &#8211; Cabinetmaking Judge</p>
<p>Mike Trejo, <a href="https://inlandwoodworkers.org/">Inland Woodworkers Association</a> &#8211; Cabinetmaking Judge</p>
<p>Randy Zubieta, Oceanside High School &#8211; Cabinetmaking Judge</p>
<p>Jordan Clarke, Bellflower High School– Introductory Woodworking Judge</p>
<p>Karl Frey, <a href="http://www.csaw.com/">Colonial Saw</a>– Introductory Woodworking Judge</p>
<p>John Mason, San Gabriel High School &#8211; Introductory Woodworking Judge</p>
<p>The project plans were developed by SWM and drafted by AWFS<sup>®</sup> Education Manager Adam Kessler, along with support from Saúl Martín of Architectural Woodworking Company.</p>
<p><strong>Congratulations to the SkillsUSA California State Student Medalists!<br />
</strong>Eileen Nguyen of Mark Keppel High School (Alhambra, CA) received the highest score and the Gold medal in the state high school Cabinetmaking competition and has been invited to represent California in the 2021 SkillsUSA National Leadership &amp; Skills Championships.  The national competition was developed by the National Cabinetmaking Technical Committee, consisting of AWI members, and will involve a timed project completed in a school or professional shop and proctored by a neutral third party industry professional. SWM has raised funds to cover national registration fees for the California competitor.</p>
<p>Rounding out the Cabinetmaking medalists: Nolin Searls of Alhambra High School (Martinez, CA) earned Silver and Daniel Lopez of Monache High School (Porterville, CA) earned Bronze. In the Introductory Woodworking contest, Emily Tran of Mark Keppel High School won Gold, Chris Tse of Mark Keppel High School received Silver, and Kyleen Mitchell of Monache High School received Bronze. Congratulations to all student competitors!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you would like to learn more about SkillsUSA woodworking or participate in future SkillsUSA California woodworking events, please contact Adam Kessler at <a href="mailto:adam@awfs.org">adam@awfs.org</a> or (323) 215-0312 for more information.</p>
<p><strong>About SkillsUSA:</strong> SkillsUSA is one of the largest national career &amp; technical student organizations in the nation. It promotes job readiness with skills and leadership training and supports students entering skilled trades.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org/2021/04/skillsusa-ca-students-compete-remotely-with-industry-support/">SkillsUSA California Woodworking Students Compete Remotely</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org">Association of Woodworking &amp; Furnishing Suppliers</a>.</p>
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		<title>SWM Volunteers Make it Happen</title>
		<link>https://www.awfs.org/2021/04/swm-volunteers-make-it-happen/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Apr 2021 06:10:54 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SWM Society of Wood Manufacturing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career awareness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[industry education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SkillsUSA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SkillsUSA CA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Society of Wood Manufacturing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SWM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Volunteer Appreciation Week]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[volunteers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wood industry careers]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.awfs.org/?p=14299</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>In honor of National Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 18-24), AWFS® and SWM recognize and thank the volunteers who we serve and who make our work possible! The Society of Wood Manufacturing, or &#8220;SWM&#8221;, is AWFS&#8217; Southern California chapter. SWM exists to connect local wood industry professionals with educators and students. It was established in 2017 [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org/2021/04/swm-volunteers-make-it-happen/">SWM Volunteers Make it Happen</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org">Association of Woodworking &amp; Furnishing Suppliers</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>In honor of National Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 18-24), AWFS<sup>®</sup> and SWM recognize and thank the volunteers who we serve and who make our work possible!</em></p>
<p><a href="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWM-logo.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-13898 alignleft" src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWM-logo-300x143.jpg" alt="" width="195" height="93" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWM-logo-300x143.jpg 300w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWM-logo-768x367.jpg 768w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWM-logo-105x50.jpg 105w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWM-logo.jpg 907w" sizes="(max-width: 195px) 100vw, 195px" /></a>The <a href="https://www.awfs.org/education/swm/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Society of Wood Manufacturing</a>, or &#8220;SWM&#8221;, is AWFS&#8217; Southern California chapter. SWM exists to connect local wood industry professionals with educators and students. It was established in 2017 and since then, it has supported fourteen SkillsUSA California student competitions, serving hundreds of local high school students. It has collected well over $100,000 in tools, supplies, and material to donate to schools and students, and it has represented the wood industry at dozens of education events&#8230;<strong>but NONE of this would have been possible without the commitment of the SWM volunteers!</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Saul-Martin-Award-2019c.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14300 alignright" src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Saul-Martin-Award-2019c-197x300.jpg" alt="" width="167" height="254" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Saul-Martin-Award-2019c-197x300.jpg 197w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Saul-Martin-Award-2019c-672x1024.jpg 672w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Saul-Martin-Award-2019c-768x1170.jpg 768w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Saul-Martin-Award-2019c-33x50.jpg 33w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Saul-Martin-Award-2019c.jpg 827w" sizes="(max-width: 167px) 100vw, 167px" /></a></p>
<h4>SWM President Saúl Martín is an Example to All</h4>
<p>In 2019, AWFS<sup>®</sup> presented Saúl Martín with the inaugural <strong>Saúl Martín Volunteer of Excellence Award</strong>, recognizing Saúl for his tireless dedication to industry education. Saúl is the founding and current President of the Society of Wood Manufacturing, and leads the group&#8217;s activities and efforts in connecting and serving students and educators. Saúl has done it all&#8230;from designing and developing SkillsUSA California project plans, to strategizing, organizing, setting-up, overseeing, judging and tearing down the contests. From staying up late nights and weekends to prepare material to hosting shop tours, student internships, and teacher externships. From setting up, manning, and tearing down the SWM booth at the AWFS Fair and other events to presenting sessions and speaking on podcasts. Saúl serves as a pillar to the SWM team and is constantly seeking ways to strengthen industry education and serve students and teachers. Beyond SWM, Saúl has served on the AWFS Education Committee, and AWFS Public Policy Committee and has participated in the annual AWFS DC Fly-In. He was a founding committee member and judge for the Design it Digital student competition, and has helped the AWFS<sup>®</sup>Fair education features in immeasurable ways. Saúl&#8217;s heart for service comes from his educational background and experience with VICA (now SkillsUSA), and his passion for the wood industry and earnest desire to see it thrive.</p>
<h3>AWFS<sup>®</sup> is proud of it&#8217;s strong history as a leader in industry education, but much of what we do cannot be accomplished without the hard work and support of our volunteers!</h3>
<p>There&#8217;s always room for more&#8230;contact AWFS to learn how to get involved! We also want to highlight those who are volunteering elsewhere &#8211; please <a href="mailto:elena@awfs.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">share your service story with us</a>!</p>
<h2><a href="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/DSC_00097.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-12132 alignleft" src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/DSC_00097-300x249.jpg" alt="" width="202" height="168" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/DSC_00097-300x249.jpg 300w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/DSC_00097-768x637.jpg 768w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/DSC_00097-1024x850.jpg 1024w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/DSC_00097-60x50.jpg 60w" sizes="(max-width: 202px) 100vw, 202px" /></a></h2>
<h1>AWFS<sup>®</sup> and SWM sends its heartfelt gratitude to the SWM Board and the army of volunteers for their efforts and countless hours contributed:</h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Saúl Martín, SWM President (<a href="http://www.awcla.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Architectural Woodworking Company</a>)</p>
<p>John Mason, SWM Vice President (<a href="https://www.sghsmatadors.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">San Gabriel High School</a>)</p>
<p>Karl Frey, SWM Treasurer (<a href="https://www.csaw.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Colonial Saw/Lammello</a>)</p>
<p>Alec Alejo, <a href="https://ant3dprinting.com/?v=7516fd43adaa" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ant3DPrinting.com</a></p>
<p>Gordon Belt, <a href="https://www.stilesmachinery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Stiles Machinery</a></p>
<p>Roy Castillo, <a href="http://sjhs.sanjacinto.k12.ca.us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Jacinto High School</a></p>
<p>Tawny Castillo, <a href="https://roosevelt.cnusd.k12.ca.us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Eleanor Roosevelt High School</a></p>
<div id="attachment_12287" style="width: 147px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-12287" class="wp-image-12287" src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/IMG_39161-e1524519706655-245x300.jpg" alt="" width="137" height="168" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/IMG_39161-e1524519706655-245x300.jpg 245w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/IMG_39161-e1524519706655-768x940.jpg 768w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/IMG_39161-e1524519706655-837x1024.jpg 837w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/IMG_39161-e1524519706655-41x50.jpg 41w" sizes="(max-width: 137px) 100vw, 137px" /><p id="caption-attachment-12287" class="wp-caption-text"><em>SWM Treasurer Karl Frey helping a student</em></p></div>
<p>Jordan Clarke, <a href="https://www.busd.k12.ca.us/bellflowerhigh">Bellflower High School</a></p>
<p>John Cleland, <a href="https://www.blum.com/us/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Blum Inc.</a></p>
<p>Juan Falcon, <a href="https://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/home/FalconArte" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Falcon Arte Calado</a></p>
<p>Paul Fiala, <a href="http://www.grexusa.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Grex Power Tools</a></p>
<p>Reuben Foat, <a href="https://www.cerritos.edu/woodworking/">Cerritos College</a></p>
<p>Anthony Fortner, <a href="https://www.cerritos.edu/woodworking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cerritos College</a></p>
<p>Jorge Garcia, <a href="https://chs-cjuhsd-ca.schoolloop.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chaffey High School</a></p>
<p>Jorge Garcia, <a href="https://www2.palomar.edu/pages/woodworking/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Palomar College</a></p>
<p>Dennis Hays, <a href="https://inlandwoodworkers.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Inland Woodworkers Association</a></p>
<div id="attachment_13910" style="width: 306px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13910" class="wp-image-13910" src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWM-Donations-2-300x169.jpg" alt="" width="296" height="167" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWM-Donations-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWM-Donations-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWM-Donations-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWM-Donations-2-89x50.jpg 89w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWM-Donations-2.jpg 1162w" sizes="(max-width: 296px) 100vw, 296px" /><p id="caption-attachment-13910" class="wp-caption-text"><em>SWM volunteers providing supplies to teachers</em></p></div>
<p>Jim Irving, <a href="http://www.dbsdrawers.com/">Drawer Box Specialties</a></p>
<p>Carl Knapp, <a href="https://www.felder-group.com/us-us" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Felder Group</a></p>
<p>Paul Lam, <a href="https://www.mkhs.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mark Keppel High School</a></p>
<p>Duncan Mahoney, <a href="https://dramaticarts.usc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">University of Southern California, School of Dramatic Arts</a></p>
<p>Imelda Martín, Phi-Wud Creations</p>
<p>Alicia Mendez, <a href="https://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/home/FalconArte" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Falcon Arte Calado</a></p>
<p>Clay Mitchell, <a href="https://www.skillsusaca.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SkillsUSA California</a></p>
<p>Vince Nardo, <a href="https://www.reborncabinets.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Reborn Cabinets</a></p>
<p>Anthony Nardo, <a href="https://www.reborncabinets.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Reborn Cabinets</a></p>
<p>Seth Nardo, <a href="https://www.reborncabinets.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Reborn Cabinets</a></p>
<p>Richard Nicholson, Educator Mentor</p>
<p>John Paine, <a href="https://www.blum.com/us/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Blum Inc.</a></p>
<p>Matt Postrel, <a href="https://www.cerritos.edu/woodworking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cerritos College</a></p>
<p>Diana Ramirez, <a href="https://www.reborncabinets.com/">Reborn Cabinets</a></p>
<p>Charlie Rizzo, <a href="https://www.ethanallen.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ethan Allen</a></p>
<div id="attachment_14301" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/swm-xmas-2020.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-14301" class="wp-image-14301 size-medium" src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/swm-xmas-2020-300x136.png" alt="" width="300" height="136" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/swm-xmas-2020-300x136.png 300w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/swm-xmas-2020-1024x464.png 1024w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/swm-xmas-2020-768x348.png 768w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/swm-xmas-2020-1536x696.png 1536w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/swm-xmas-2020-2048x929.png 2048w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/swm-xmas-2020-110x50.png 110w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-14301" class="wp-caption-text"><em>SWM Volunteers at 2020 Zoom Holiday Party</em></p></div>
<p>Carlos Sanchez, <a href="https://www.ahsmoors.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alhambra High School</a></p>
<p>Greg Saunders, <a href="http://www.annexpaint.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Annex Paint</a></p>
<p>Lee Schuette, <a href="https://www.blum.com/us/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Blum, Inc.</a></p>
<p>Jeff Schulz, <a href="https://www.cerritos.edu/woodworking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cerritos College</a></p>
<p>Mitchell Schwartz, <a href="https://www.stilesmachinery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Stiles Machinery</a></p>
<p>Richard Simms, <a href="https://www.usc.edu/">University of Southern California</a></p>
<p>Kenneth Thomas <a href="https://inlandwoodworkers.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Inland Woodworkers Association</a></p>
<p>Mike Trejo <a href="https://inlandwoodworkers.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Inland Woodworkers Association</a></p>
<p>Kevin Walgate, <a href="http://grex%20power%20tools/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">OneSource Distributors</a></p>
<p>Randy Zubieta, <a href="https://ohs-ousd-ca.schoolloop.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Oceanside High School</a></p>
<p>If you would like to learn more about the Society of Wood Manufacturing, contact <a href="mailto:adam@awfs.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AWFS<sup>®</sup> Education Manager Adam Kessler</a></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org/2021/04/swm-volunteers-make-it-happen/">SWM Volunteers Make it Happen</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org">Association of Woodworking &amp; Furnishing Suppliers</a>.</p>
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		<title>Why AWFS Loves SkillsUSA</title>
		<link>https://www.awfs.org/2021/02/why-awfs-loves-skillsusa/</link>
					<comments>https://www.awfs.org/2021/02/why-awfs-loves-skillsusa/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 10 Feb 2021 00:34:15 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career awareness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career pathways]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Career Technical Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career technical student organization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[skilled trade careers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SkillsUSA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SkillsUSA CA]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.awfs.org/?p=14068</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>by Adria Salvatore, AWFS® Education Director AWFS® has been an enthusiastic supporter of SkillsUSA for a decade now, and in honor of #SkillsUSA week (Feb 8-12, 2021), I would like to share some of the reasons why we believe in SkillsUSA, and some ideas on how you can get involved with SkillsUSA: Why we Believe [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org/2021/02/why-awfs-loves-skillsusa/">Why AWFS Loves SkillsUSA</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org">Association of Woodworking &amp; Furnishing Suppliers</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-14069 aligncenter" src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2c300dpi-300x195.jpg" alt="" width="248" height="161" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2c300dpi-300x195.jpg 300w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2c300dpi-1024x664.jpg 1024w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2c300dpi-768x498.jpg 768w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2c300dpi-1536x997.jpg 1536w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2c300dpi-77x50.jpg 77w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2c300dpi.jpg 1683w" sizes="(max-width: 248px) 100vw, 248px" /></p>
<p><em>by Adria Salvatore, AWFS<sup>® </sup> Education Director</em></p>
<p>AWFS<sup>® </sup> has been an enthusiastic supporter of SkillsUSA for a decade now, and in honor of <strong>#SkillsUSA week (Feb 8-12, 2021)</strong>, I would like to share some of the reasons why we believe in SkillsUSA, and some ideas on how you can get involved with SkillsUSA:</p>
<h1>Why we Believe in SkillsUSA</h1>
<p><strong>1. <a href="https://www.skillsusa.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SkillsUSA</a> serves students preparing for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations.</strong> This strengthens <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-12881" src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IRM_2272-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IRM_2272-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IRM_2272-75x50.jpg 75w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IRM_2272.jpg 640w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />our industry&#8217;s future workforce by encouraging students to learn more about career options. SkillsUSA is a national Career Technical Student Organization (CTSO), which means that students join a SkillsUSA chapter at their school site. The chapter supports students in the different Career Technical Education (CTE) sectors that are taught at their school. CTE sectors may include woodworking, construction, manufacturing, culinary arts, medical careers, and many more. There are SkillsUSA chapters in middle schools, high schools, and post secondary schools on thousands of campuses throughout the U.S., and nearly 400,000 SkillsUSA student and advisor (educator) members nationwide.</p>
<h3 class="p1" style="text-align: center;">SkillsUSA&#8217;s vision is to produce the most highly skilled workforce in the world, providing every member the opportunity for career success. <a href="https://www.skillsusa.org/about/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em><span style="font-size: 10px;">SkillsUSA.com</span></em></a></h3>
<p><strong>2. Students interact with SkillsUSA through skill competitions</strong>, an exciting way for students to showcase and test their knowledge and abilities in their skilled trades area. AWFS<sup>® </sup> supports the <a href="https://www.skillsusaca.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SkillsUSA CA</a> Cabinetmaking and Introductory Woodworking competitions, where students complete a timed, live build. AWI runs the national Cabinetmaking competition, and other associations and companies within our industry support competitions at their state level. In this way, we can introduce industry standards and practices to students in a fun and challenging way.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>3. Beyond skill competitions, SkillsUSA emphasizes the importance of personal and employability skills.</strong> It&#8217;s not just about technical/trade skills! We know that you, employers, need a workforce with a strong work ethic, including traits like accountability, professionalism, responsibility, and problem-solving skills. Many employers will contend that the trade skills can be taught, while the employability skills must be there from Day One. Through tools like the <a href="https://www.skillsusa.org/about/skillsusa-framework/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Framework</a> and <a href="https://www.skillsusa.org/programs/career-essentials/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Career Essentials</a> curriculum, SkillsUSA is a valuable partner in helping your future employees be ready for Day One at your company.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">SkillsUSA empowers its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens. <a href="https://www.skillsusa.org/about/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em><span style="font-size: 10px;">SkillsUSA.com</span></em></a></h3>
<p><strong>4. SkillsUSA provides a meaningful way for us (industry) to directly interact with students and advisors (educators).</strong> We don&#8217;t have many opportunities to interact with students. Likewise, educators are busy and at best, we hear from them at quarterly advisory committee meetings. SkillsUSA provides a common ground where industry and education can work together and interact with one another. The opportunity to talk with students and get to know them, their aspirations, and interests, is invaluable. And connecting with educators can be the start of a long-lasting partnership of supporting a school program!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>5. SkillsUSA is FUN!</strong> Most volunteers and sponsors who attend a SkillsUSA conference or competitive event leave feeling impressed and enthusiastic. I often hear &#8220;Wow, I didn&#8217;t realize how talented these students would be!&#8221; or &#8220;These students are so professional and respectful!&#8221; While it&#8217;s a lot of hard work in a busy day, most everyone has a great time at SkillsUSA events &#8212; most importantly the students!</p>
<h1>How YOU Can Get Involved with SkillsUSA</h1>
<p><strong>1. Connect!</strong> Each state has it&#8217;s own SkillsUSA organization. You can find them by Googling &#8220;SkillsUSA&#8221; + your state&#8217;s name. <a href="https://public.3.basecamp.com/p/MkoRGtGXJvkeHPghbtCQks4E" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">This is a list of all SkillsUSA State Directors</a> &#8211; reach out to your state&#8217;s director and ask how you and your company can get involved.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>2. Volunteer!</strong> In California, the competition projects are developed by industry volunteers, and the competitive skill events are organized, run, and judged by industry volunteers. It&#8217;s a fun and generally &#8220;easy&#8221; way to <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-12289" src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/IMG_39971-e1524520055731-300x242.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="242" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/IMG_39971-e1524520055731-300x242.jpg 300w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/IMG_39971-e1524520055731-768x619.jpg 768w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/IMG_39971-e1524520055731-1024x825.jpg 1024w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/IMG_39971-e1524520055731-62x50.jpg 62w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />participate: most state events have 4-6 hour contests. Your state may have additional opportunities to volunteer! <a href="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2019-State-Cabinet.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Check out these SkillsUSA CA Cabinetmaking State Contest plans</a> as an example of the student expectations and requirements.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>3. Sponsor!</strong> Most states hold an annual state conference where live competitive events take place and an awards ceremony where prizes are awarded. Corporate sponsors can donate prizes, or sponsor a contest or other aspects of the conference. There could also be an opportunity to sponsor your local school chapter  These options also exist at the national SkillsUSA level. You can see statewide <a href="https://www.awfs.org/education/skillsusa/skillsusa-ca-2019-state-woodworking-contests/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SkillsUSA CA woodworking contest sponsors on this page</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>4. Donate!</strong> Do you have tools that you could provide to students for competitions, or to give as prizes? Do you have wood material or supplies that students can use for practicing the competition, or a significant amount that contest organizers could use for the competition?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>5. Promote! </strong>If you are already familiar with or engaged with SkillsUSA, spread the word! Feb 8-12 is #SkillsUSAWeek, and February is #CTEMonth, so this is a perfect time to post about how great SkillsUSA is and encourage other companies to get involved!</p>
<h3>Follow SkillsUSA on social media to learn more, and look for your state&#8217;s accounts on social media channels as well!</h3>
<p>SkillsUSA on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/skillsusa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/skillsusa/</a><br />
SkillsUSA Cabinetmaking on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/skillsusacabinetmaking/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/skillsusacabinetmaking/</a><br />
SkillsUSA on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SkillsUSA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.facebook.com/SkillsUSA</a><br />
SkillsUSA Cabinetmaking on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SkillsUSACabinetmaking" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.facebook.com/SkillsUSACabinetmaking</a><br />
SkillsUSA Company Page on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/skillsusa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.linkedin.com/company/skillsusa/</a><br />
SkillsUSA on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/SkillsUSAOfficial" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/user/SkillsUSAOfficial</a></p>
<p>If you have questions or comments or would like to share your own SkillsUSA story, contact <a href="mailto:Adria@awfs.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Adria@awfs.org</a></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org/2021/02/why-awfs-loves-skillsusa/">Why AWFS Loves SkillsUSA</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org">Association of Woodworking &amp; Furnishing Suppliers</a>.</p>
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		<title>Industry Rallies to Support Woodworking Teachers and Students During Pandemic</title>
		<link>https://www.awfs.org/2020/10/wood-industry-supports-woodworking-teachers-and-students-during-pandemic/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 19 Oct 2020 07:00:39 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Current Items in the News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.awfs.org/?p=13908</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Anaheim, October 19 &#8212; In July, the Society of Wood Manufacturing (SWM), a Southern California industry-education focused group, identified a challenge that many high school woodworking teachers would soon face as the new school year began: how to teach woodworking while students are distance learning due to the pandemic. SWM decided to reallocate their budget [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org/2020/10/wood-industry-supports-woodworking-teachers-and-students-during-pandemic/">Industry Rallies to Support Woodworking Teachers and Students During Pandemic</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org">Association of Woodworking &amp; Furnishing Suppliers</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><span style="font-size: 16px;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-13898 alignleft" src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWM-logo-300x143.jpg" alt="" width="174" height="83" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWM-logo-300x143.jpg 300w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWM-logo-768x367.jpg 768w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWM-logo-105x50.jpg 105w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWM-logo.jpg 907w" sizes="(max-width: 174px) 100vw, 174px" />Anaheim, October 19</span></em> &#8212; In July, the Society of Wood Manufacturing (SWM), a Southern California industry-education focused group, identified a challenge that many high school woodworking teachers would soon face as the new school year began: how to teach woodworking while students are distance learning due to the pandemic. SWM decided to reallocate their budget and resources towards helping as many teachers and students as they could in this new, challenging educational environment. Three main issues were identified in which SWM could provide support: procuring wood materials for students, securing tools and supplies for students, and assisting teachers in preparing the materials and tool kits.</p>
<p><strong>Companies Answered the Call to Help Schools</strong></p>
<p>SWM, a chapter of Association of Woodworking &amp; Furnishing Suppliers<sup>®</sup> (AWFS<sup>®</sup>), requested donations of materials and supplies from AWFS<sup>®</sup> member companies, and companies responded to the call quickly and generously. It was not long before donations began arriving. SWM and AWFS<sup>® </sup>thank the following companies for their generous donations:</p>
<div id="attachment_13909" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13909" class="wp-image-13909 size-medium" src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWM-Donations-1-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWM-Donations-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWM-Donations-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWM-Donations-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWM-Donations-1-67x50.jpg 67w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWM-Donations-1.jpg 1161w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><p id="caption-attachment-13909" class="wp-caption-text"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><em>First truckload of wood materials donated by Royal Plywood and Roseburg Forrest Products for high school students.</em></span></p></div>
<p>Royal Plywood: two trucks of hardwood and panel material</p>
<p>Roseburg Forest Products: lumber and a financial contribution</p>
<p>Bessey Tools: spring clamps</p>
<p>EB Bradley: sandpaper, glue bottles, safety glasses</p>
<p>WEIMA: cutting tools</p>
<p>Rubio Monocoat: individual bottles of finish</p>
<p>Colonial Saw: Lamello glue bottles</p>
<p>Franklin Adhesives: Titebond wood glue</p>
<p>Kemp Hardware: drawer hardware</p>
<p>SkillsUSA CA State Director Clay Mitchell: financial contribution</p>
<p>SWM: tape measures</p>
<p>In total, SWM collected and distributed about $60,000 in donated wood materials and supplies from the woodworking industry. In addition, SWM awarded nineteen $500 grants to California woodworking teachers to use towards distance learning supplies.</p>
<p>Of the donations, AWFS<sup>® </sup>member company Royal Plywood of Cerritos, California contributed over $50,000 in materials. Arriving in two flatbed trucks, it included laminated panels and multiple species of hardwood for high school woodworking programs throughout the region. They also shipped materials from Roseburg Forest Products in Oregon. Dave Golling, Vice President of Business Development at Royal Plywood said, “We are just thrilled that we could help out the local high school students by donating some of the materials we have in stock. We think this is a great program and will make a real difference for the woodworking teachers and students.”</p>
<div id="attachment_13910" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13910" class="wp-image-13910 size-medium" src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWM-Donations-2-300x169.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="169" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWM-Donations-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWM-Donations-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWM-Donations-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWM-Donations-2-89x50.jpg 89w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SWM-Donations-2.jpg 1162w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><p id="caption-attachment-13910" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Southern California woodworking instructors loading up donated materials.</em></p></div>
<p>SWM received so much material from Royal Plywood and Roseburg that the program was expanded to support any woodworking instructor in Southern California. Woodworking teachers were allowed to load their trucks and trailers with as much wood as they could safely transport back to their schools. “Never in my 23 plus years teaching woodshop have I ever seen or met people so willing and able to help me and my students like you guys are,” said Matt Gilmour, woodworking instructor at Gabrielino High School.</p>
<p><strong>SWM President Organized Distribution and Worked with Teachers Directly</strong></p>
<p>SWM President Saúl Martín, who is also Vice President of Manufacturing at Architectural Woodworking Company (AWC), volunteered to cut and distribute wood materials for the teachers. He worked with several different instructors to help develop complete woodworking kits to be sent home to students. He then cut over 20,000 pieces of poplar for students to use to frame model houses and make model furniture following plans developed by the teachers. Martín opened AWC to the teachers on three separate Saturdays to let them load as much free wood as they could take. “SWM wanted to do something that would impact as many woodworking students as possible”, says Martín. “This was when the teachers really needed some help from industry to boost their woodworking program.”</p>
<p>In total, the efforts of SWM and AWFS member companies are expected to impact well over 1,000 woodworking students from twenty-five high school programs in Southern California.</p>
<p>If you would like to learn more about SWM and get involved, contact AWFS<sup>® </sup>Education Manager Adam Kessler, <a href="mailto:adam@awfs.org">adam@awfs.org</a>  , or (323) 215-0312.</p>
<p>To see more photos from this donation process click here: <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/VULrkDAuL1tGngFA7">https://photos.app.goo.gl/VULrkDAuL1tGngFA7</a></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org/2020/10/wood-industry-supports-woodworking-teachers-and-students-during-pandemic/">Industry Rallies to Support Woodworking Teachers and Students During Pandemic</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org">Association of Woodworking &amp; Furnishing Suppliers</a>.</p>
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		<title>Woodworking Students Compete in SkillsUSA California Regional Contests</title>
		<link>https://www.awfs.org/2020/04/woodworking-students-compete-in-skillsusa-california-regional-contests/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2020 21:44:38 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Release]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Suppliers Edge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Career Technical Education]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[volunteerism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wood industry education]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.awfs.org/?p=13422</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>This year, SkillsUSA California put students&#8217; woodworking skills to the test at six regional competitions throughout the state. As the national SkillsUSA website states: “Skills USA is a national nonprofit organization serving middle school, high school and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. SkillsUSA is a partnership [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org/2020/04/woodworking-students-compete-in-skillsusa-california-regional-contests/">Woodworking Students Compete in SkillsUSA California Regional Contests</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org">Association of Woodworking &amp; Furnishing Suppliers</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-11346" src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/CA-Logo-2_c-300x221.jpg" alt="" width="145" height="107" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/CA-Logo-2_c-300x221.jpg 300w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/CA-Logo-2_c-68x50.jpg 68w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/CA-Logo-2_c.jpg 567w" sizes="(max-width: 145px) 100vw, 145px" />This year, SkillsUSA California put students&#8217; woodworking skills to the test at six regional competitions throughout the state. As the national SkillsUSA website states: “Skills USA is a national nonprofit organization serving middle school, high school and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce.” AWFS<sup>®</sup> sponsored Society of Wood Manufacturing (SWM) members volunteered at three of these California events.</p>
<div id="attachment_13425" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13425" class="wp-image-13425 size-medium" src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Adam-Kessler-86FC10FC-4950-4629-A023-6B259659EB71c2-300x225.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Adam-Kessler-86FC10FC-4950-4629-A023-6B259659EB71c2-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Adam-Kessler-86FC10FC-4950-4629-A023-6B259659EB71c2-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Adam-Kessler-86FC10FC-4950-4629-A023-6B259659EB71c2-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Adam-Kessler-86FC10FC-4950-4629-A023-6B259659EB71c2-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Adam-Kessler-86FC10FC-4950-4629-A023-6B259659EB71c2-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Adam-Kessler-86FC10FC-4950-4629-A023-6B259659EB71c2-67x50.jpeg 67w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><p id="caption-attachment-13425" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Region 3 Introductory Woodworking Students with their projects.</em></p></div>
<p>The SkillsUSA CA Region 3 Conference was held on January 25<sup>th</sup> at Pasadena City College (CA). Students from Los Angeles and Ventura county competed in the Cabinetmaking and Introductory Woodworking contest among other skilled trade contests. Each student had 3 hours to build a wood project from a set of plans to be judged by woodworking professionals.  The Cabinetmaking contestants prepared a bill of materials and built a portable cabinet with a drawer and chest handles. The Introductory Woodworking contestants built a wood shelf with coat hooks. Plywood and solid lumber for each contest was generously donated by Royal Plywood in Cerritos, CA. Students used machinery like the table saw, crosscut saw, and jig saw; and tools like an air pinner from Grex, the Kreg pocket hole jig, and the Lamello Zeta P2 biscuit joiner to assemble their cabinet. Volunteers from Cerritos College, Colonial Saw, local woodworking professionals, members of the Inland Woodworkers Association, and members of Society of Wood Manufacturing volunteered as contest coordinators, saw safety monitors, and judges. The top student finalists in the Introductory Woodworking contest came from Mark Keppel, San Gabriel, Alhambra, and Temple City High School.  The Cabinetmaking contest had finalists from Los Angeles Trade Tech College, Temple City High School, and Mark Keppel High School.</p>
<p>The SkillsUSA CA Region 6 Conference was held on February 1<sup>st</sup> at Riverside City College (CA). Students from seven southern California</p>
<div id="attachment_13426" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13426" class="wp-image-13426 size-medium" src="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Tawny-Stevenson-IMG_9660c2-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Tawny-Stevenson-IMG_9660c2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Tawny-Stevenson-IMG_9660c2-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Tawny-Stevenson-IMG_9660c2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Tawny-Stevenson-IMG_9660c2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Tawny-Stevenson-IMG_9660c2-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://www.awfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Tawny-Stevenson-IMG_9660c2-75x50.jpg 75w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><p id="caption-attachment-13426" class="wp-caption-text"><em>SkillsUSA CA Region 6 2020 Cabinetmaking contestants.</em></p></div>
<p>counties including San Diego, Riverside, and Orange county competed in this event. Plywood and solid lumber for the woodworking contests were generously donated by Reborn Cabinets of Anaheim, CA. Reborn Cabinets management team volunteered to judge the Cabinetmaking competition. Members of the Inland Woodworkers Association graciously judged the Introductory Woodworking Competition. Society of Wood Manufacturing members acted as contest coordinators and saw safety monitors throughout the competitions. Lunch for all the students and volunteers was provided by the Stiles Machinery showroom in Rancho Cucamonga. The top finalists from the Introductory Woodworking Competition were from San Marcos, Serrano, and Fontana High School. The top students in the Cabinetmaking competition came from San Marcos and Norco High School. This was the first year that SWM and AWFS<sup>®</sup> officially organized and managed the Region 6 event.</p>
<p>In addition, for the first time, SWM President Saúl Martín provided significant donations of material and supplies and volunteered as coordinator for both woodworking contests at the SkillsUSA CA Region 2 event in the Bakersfield area. “We are incredibly grateful to Saúl Martín and the AWFS<sup>®</sup> and SWM team for their involvement in SkillsUSA California,” says SkillsUSA CA Executive Director Clay Mitchell. “We have seen the quality of the contests elevated under their care and look forward to a continued relationship between our organization and theirs.”</p>
<p>Due to COVID-19 concerns, both the 2020 SkillsUSA California State and 2020 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference were cancelled. We will begin developing the 2021 SkillsUSA CA woodworking contests in August 2020.</p>
<p>If you would like to learn more about SkillsUSA woodworking or participate in future SkillsUSA California woodworking events, please contact Adam Kessler at <a href="mailto:adam@awfs.org">adam@awfs.org</a> or (323) 215-0312 for more information.</p>
<p>To see information on the SkillsUSA California Woodworking competitions from AWFS<sup>®</sup>, including photos, sponsor and volunteer information, contest plans, and results, <a href="http://www.awfs.org/education/skillsusa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">visit this page.</a> <a href="https://www.awfs.org/2020-skillsusa-california-woodworking-contests/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Go to this page</a> for the 2020 SkillsUSA CA Region 3 and Region 6 event info and results. For high resolution images and captioning information, contact Adam Kessler at <a href="mailto:adam@awfs.org">adam@awfs.org</a> or (323) 215-0312.</p>
<p><strong>About SkillsUSA:</strong> SkillsUSA is a leading national career &amp; technical student organization in the nation. It promotes job readiness with skills and leadership training and supports students entering skilled trades. SkillsUSA California is one of the largest and most active SkillsUSA state organizations in the national network. Learn more at <a href="https://www.skillsusa.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SkillsUSA.org</a> and <a href="https://www.skillsusaca.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SkillsUSACA.org</a></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org/2020/04/woodworking-students-compete-in-skillsusa-california-regional-contests/">Woodworking Students Compete in SkillsUSA California Regional Contests</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.awfs.org">Association of Woodworking &amp; Furnishing Suppliers</a>.</p>
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