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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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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Society of Wood Manufacturing (SWM) group members recently created videos about their careers in the woodworking industry.
Current SWM President Saul Martin produced a 2 minute video with a quick tour around his shop while he talked about his role and responsibilities at Architectural Woodworking Company in Los Angeles. Diana Ramirez prepared a 1.5 minute video about her career at Reborn Cabinets in Anaheim. Both Saul and Diana have been at their employers for the majority of their careers and are passionate and accomplished members of their teams. Thank you to Diana Ramirez for bringing this opportunity to the SWM group after[...]
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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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Society of Wood Manufacturing (SWM) Southern California Chapter members and volunteers helped AWFS®Fair attendees make an item out of wood at the Make and Take booth. Attendees could choose to make a tea light candle holder, a cell phone holder, or customize a work apron. There was a raffle for a table top drill press, donated by SWM, and a set of clamps from Bessey Tools North America. Kayleen McCabe, a skilled trades advocate, spent time at the booth helping attendees, as did Ethan Abramson, a woodworker and social media influencer.
Festool provided a Kapex saw, and Weinig Holz-Her provided pre-milled[...]
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[caption id="attachment_12688" align="alignleft" width="349"] SWM donations for SkillsUSA California State winners.[/caption]
The Southern California chapter of the Society of Wood Manufacturing (SWM) recently held their annual holiday party and meeting. In lieu of a gift exchange, SWM members contributed tool donations which will become part of the Prize package for students in SkillsUSA California State Cabinetmaking and Introductory woodworking competitions. SkillsUSA is one of the largest national Career Technical Student Organizations serving students who are pursuing jobs in skilled trades. The Southern California SWM chapter organizes the woodworking competitions for the SkillsUSA CA Los Angeles Region and at the State level.[...]
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