Monday, July 14, 2025
The National Woods Board (NWB) is poised to make a prominent impact at the 2025 AWFS Fair, a major event for the woodworking industry. As one of the largest woodworking trade shows in North America, the AWFS Fair serves as a critical hub for woodworkers, suppliers, educators, and industry leaders to gather and explore the latest trends, technologies, and innovations in the industry. This year, the NWB is spotlighting its pivotal role in transforming woodworking education across the United States, especially in high schools, and showcasing how it is shaping the future of the woodworking workforce.
Leveraging NWB’s mission to rewrite woodworking education
The NWB is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to developing and enhancing woodworking education in schools across the country. Its mission focuses on providing the resources, support, and networking opportunities necessary to help schools build strong, industry-aligned woodworking programs. By fostering collaboration between educators, students, and industry professionals, the NWB is helping to create a pipeline of highly skilled workers ready to meet the growing demands of the woodworking industry.
At the upcoming AWFS Fair, attendees will have the chance to learn firsthand how the NWB is making a tangible difference. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the NWB booth #1171 to discover more about the organization’s initiatives and how they can get involved in supporting this critical work. Whether a visitor is an educator, a supplier, or an industry leader, the NWB offers a wide array of opportunities for collaboration and engagement.
Meet the NWB Leadership at AWFS Fair
In addition to the informative booth presence, John LeTourneau, Chairman of the NWB, and Dean Mattson, NWB Board Member and founder of The MiLL in Colorado Springs, will be available for focused one-on-one meetings at the event. Both leaders bring extensive experience in woodworking education and workforce development, and they will be available to discuss how the NWB is spearheading efforts to address the skills gap and provide scalable workforce solutions for the future.
“This is a critical moment for anyone invested in the future of woodworking education and workforce development,” said LeTourneau. “The NWB is moving swiftly, and the work we’re doing today will define the industry’s workforce tomorrow. We encourage everyone attending the AWFS Fair to meet with us at booth #1171 or schedule a meeting to learn how your support, leadership, and expertise can help drive this movement forward. By connecting with us now, you’ll be positioned to benefit from the growth and success of these initiatives in the years to come.”
For woodworking professionals and industry suppliers, supporting the NWB comes with a range of significant benefits, including:
1. Access to a pool of qualified graduates
By sponsoring local schools or districts, companies can secure priority access to a growing pool of skilled workers who have received high-quality training through NWB-affiliated programs. This ensures that companies can hire qualified candidates who are already equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the industry.
2. Streamlined recruitment through NWB Career Hub
The NWB Career Hub offers an efficient platform for companies to connect with potential employees and fill open positions quickly. This streamlined recruitment process saves valuable time and resources for companies while ensuring they can tap into a network of well-trained professionals.
3. Enhanced brand reputation as a Workforce Development Leader
By aligning with the NWB, companies can enhance their reputation as leaders in workforce development. This association not only positions companies as forward-thinking employers but also attracts top talent who value industry engagement and educational support.
4. Valuable networking opportunities
The NWB provides valuable networking opportunities for companies to build relationships with schools, students, and industry leaders. These connections are instrumental in building a strong, collaborative workforce development ecosystem that benefits the entire woodworking industry.
Educational presentations on workforce development
In addition to the booth and one-on-one meetings, NWB representatives will participate in two educational sessions on workforce training and skills development at the AWFS Fair. These sessions are an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to gain insights into the future of woodworking education and workforce solutions.
1. “Curriculum in the 21st century”
Presented by experienced high school woodworking instructors Mark Smith, Molly Turner, and Bobby Miller, this session will take place on Tuesday, July 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. It will focus on how to modernize and improve the curriculum to meet the evolving needs of the woodworking industry, ensuring that students are well-prepared for careers in the field.
2. “Moving the Next Generation Forward: From CTE Programs to Internships to Apprenticeships in the Wood Industry”
This session, led by Mark Smith, Amanda Conger, Kelly Victor-Burke, and Jamison Scott, will be held from 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22. It will explore the progression of students from Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs to internships and apprenticeships, highlighting the importance of hands-on experience and mentorship in preparing the next generation of woodworking professionals.
For those interested in more personalized discussions about how to get involved with the NWB and contribute to workforce development efforts, meetings can be scheduled with John LeTourneau and Dean Mattson during the AWFS Fair.
The National Woods Board is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of the woodworking workforce through its educational initiatives, workforce development programs, and collaborative partnerships with schools and industry leaders. By attending the 2025 AWFS Fair and engaging with the NWB at booth #1171, woodworkers, suppliers, and educators can contribute to this transformative movement. Be a part of the conversation and join the NWB in building a strong, skilled workforce for the woodworking industry’s future.
Read more news on: AWFS, NWB, networking opportunities
For more updates, visit the European woodworking industry website: woodandpanel.com
Tags: AWFS Fair, AWFS Fair 2025, National Woods Board, NWB booth, school partnerships, skills training, woodworking education, Woodworking industry news, woodworking programs, workforce development, workforce recruitment, workforce solutions
