industry education

Tips on Guest Speaking for Classrooms

Industry Professional Speaks to High School Students about Wood Careers

by Adria Salvatore, AWFS In March 2021, Saúl Martín was invited to speak virtually to the woodworking classes at Redwood High School in Visalia, Calif. Martín is vice president of operations at Architectural Woodworking Company (AWC) in Southern California, a company that produces high end woodwork and furniture for commercial clients in Downtown Los Angeles. He is also a strong supporter of woodworking education programs: he is lead volunteer for the SkillsUSA California woodworking contests, he has hosted student internships and teacher externships, he serves on local school advisory committees and has hosted MFG Day (Manufacturing Day) events. In the fall[...]

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February is #CTEMonth…How to Get Involved!

By Adria Salvatore, AWFS® Education Director Happy #CTEMonth! In February, we celebrate Career Technical Education (CTE) and highlight ways to engage with CTE programs, teachers, and students! What is CTE? When you were in high school, you may have been aware of “vocational education” or “shop” classes -- this was historically how students learned woodworking skills. But today, the educational landscape has changed and the focus is now on Career Technical Education (CTE), which provides students with real-world skills to prepare them for future careers in industry. CTE spans many industry sectors, but for the wood industry, CTE programs that would[...]

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Learn how one woman launched a Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship program

SHARED FROM WOODWORKING NETWORK Kelly Victor-Burke, owner of Burke Architectural Woodwork, shared how she launched the nation's first woodwork manufacturing specialist apprenticeship in her Southeastern Michigan shop in a Woodworking Network webinar. Titled, "Grow your own: Training your future skilled woodworkers," the webinar was held in December 2020 and was aimed at showing how others can set up a Department of Labor-registered woodworking apprenticeship program. Victor-Burke drafted the initial framework of the program to address the employment gap in the wood products industry through cross-training and upskilling new and existing employees in a combination of CAD, mechatronics, wood processing, coatings, estimating and[...]

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Industry Rallies to Support Woodworking Teachers and Students During Pandemic

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[...]

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MFG Day 2020: Check out these events!

There are several MFG Day events taking place in October that are hosted by wood industry companies and featuring industry professionals! These events are specifically for students and teachers to attend to learn more about industry careers. Check them out and register ASAP! Wednesday, September 30, 2020 VIRTUAL, 12:00 NOON - 2:00 P.M. ET CERATIZIT USA's Virtual Event   Thursday, October 1, 2020 IN PERSON (Bassett, VA) 3:00 - 7:00 P.M. Bassett Furniture Industries - Explore Manufacturing and More!   Friday, October 2, 2020 VIRTUAL, sessions throughout the day SWM Presents MFG Day 2020 Virtual: Careers in the Wood Industry VIRTUAL, all day Mastercam Virtual MFG Day VIRTUAL, 8:00 A.M.[...]

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SWM Southern California Chapter of AWFS® focused on industry-education support

The Society of Wood Manufacturing, or “SWM”, is an AWFS® chapter focused on supporting high school woodshop programs in the United States. SWM is open to individuals working in wood product manufacturing and related industries. The primary goal is to support woodworking programs through fundraising activities and events. Members benefit from this program by gaining opportunities to learn the many facets of the industry via networking, leadership development, tours and educational programs. Members of SWM are industry-related business owners, educators, and professionals, who are focused on keeping woodworking relevant and exciting for students. The first SWM chapter is located in Southern California,[...]

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Breaking Down Barriers to Make Career and Technical Pathways Accessible for Everyone

Young professionals shared their experience working in the woodworking and finishing industry and answered questions via livestream from students…the Feb. 26 Careers in the Classroom event by Cue Career and AWFS…Read more…[...]

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Press Release: AWFS Supports Career Counseling Legislation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 15, 2019 CONTACT: Adria Salvatore, AWFS (323) 215-0311 Anaheim, CA – November 15, 2019 – The Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers® (AWFS®) is in support of the “Counseling for Career Choice Act”, introduced by Congressmen Jim Langevin (D-RI-2) and Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA-15). The bill would provide grants to states to establish a comprehensive school counseling program. “School counselors play a critical role in the information students receive about career opportunities and the choices they make”, says AWFS Executive Vice President Angelo Gangone. “We welcome any efforts to strengthen the counseling system and allow more resources to reach students.” The “Counseling[...]

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MFG Day 2019 is Friday, October 4

MFG Day is Friday, October 4, 2019 MFG Day ("Manufacturing Day") is a nation-wide campaign to strengthen student awareness of manufacturing career opportunities. This is your chance to open your doors, welcome students, and make a positive impact on career awareness (and your future employee pipeline)! Did you know... ...89% of students who attended MFG Day events are "more aware of manufacturing jobs in their communities" ...84% are "more convinced that manufacturing provides careers that are interesting and rewarding" ...64% are "more motivated to pursue careers in manufacturing" (source) How to Get Started Once you decide to host an event, publish it on the MFG Day website. Here are some additional resources to help[...]

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Educational Opportunities Add Value for Teachers Attending the AWFS®Fair

Two unique educational opportunities that took place at the 2019 AWFS®Fair enhanced the experience for teachers, students, and general attendees by providing more resources and information related to career awareness. The Industry-Education Networking Breakfast on Thursday morning was a jam-packed event, with over fifty teachers and industry professionals coming together to share their challenges and how they can work together to find solutions and “bridge the skills gap”. A big conversation was the “language barrier” between industry and education, which many people find a common issue when trying to address the skilled careers gap and work with partners on the other[...]

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