Monday, June 23, 2025
The National Woods Board (NWB), a non-profit organization focused on solving the critical workforce challenges within the American woodworking industry, has announced the renewal of support from several key industry partners. The latest contributions from Richelieu North America and the North American Building Material Distribution Association (NBMDA) add to a growing list of repeat donors committed to advancing workforce development and education in woodworking.
Richelieu North America and NBMDA’s renewed backing marks a significant step forward for the National Woods Board’s mission to address the industry’s growing skills gap. These two organizations join a robust group of contributors, including Burke Architectural Wood Products, CCI Media, Concepts in Millwork, and JB Cutting. In addition, Next Step of West Michigan, Safety Speed Manufacturing, and Timeless Closet & Cabinetry have also lent their support, underscoring the collaborative efforts to enhance the woodworking workforce.
To date, industry partners have contributed over $65,000 to the NWB, demonstrating their commitment to ensuring that the woodworking sector has access to a steady stream of highly skilled workers. These generous donations will fund the development of industry-approved curriculum, specialized training programs, and a scalable national solution for job placement.
The National Woods Board is dedicated to creating an efficient and sustainable workforce pipeline by addressing the skills shortage in the woodworking industry. With the growing demand for skilled labor in woodworking, cabinetmaking, and millwork, the NWB is committed to developing and implementing a comprehensive workforce training program that equips individuals with the essential skills required to thrive in the sector.
A core component of this initiative is the alignment of the Woodwork Career Alliance’s certification program, which ensures that the curriculum meets the high standards set by industry professionals. The program focuses on foundational skills as well as advanced techniques using cutting-edge technology and machinery. Through these efforts, the NWB aims to create a talent pool that not only meets industry demands but also drives innovation and growth within the woodworking industry.
John LeTorneau, President of the NWB, emphasized the importance of sustained investment from industry leaders in securing the future of the workforce. “Sustained investment from industry leaders is the bedrock upon which we build a future for the woodworking workforce,” LeTorneau stated. “Their commitment ensures our training and education meet real-world industry demands, securing a skilled pipeline for generations to come.”
The National Woods Board will be exhibiting at the AWFS Fair (Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers) in Las Vegas from July 22-25, 2025. Industry professionals and those interested in supporting the NWB’s mission are invited to visit booth #1171 to learn more about the organization’s efforts and how they can get involved. NWB representatives, including John LeTorneau and Dean Mattson, the founder of the renowned MiLL National Training Center in Colorado Springs, will be available for meetings and discussions during the fair.
Inspired by the success of the MiLL National Training Center in Colorado Springs, which provides comprehensive woodworking education from fundamentals to advanced production techniques, the National Woods Board seeks to replicate this model on a national scale. Through a combination of hands-on training, advanced curriculum, and strategic partnerships, the NWB is working to bridge the gap between education and the woodworking trades, ultimately creating career opportunities that meet the sector’s growing demand for skilled workers.
As the American woodworking industry continues to face workforce shortages, the NWB’s efforts are vital in developing a future workforce that is not only highly trained but also able to adapt to technological advancements in the industry. With the support of industry partners and donors, the NWB is well-positioned to address these challenges head-on and ensure the future success of the woodworking sector.
Read more woodworking news, follow us on LinkedIn.
Tags: AWFS Fair, AWFS Fair 2025, Colorado Springs, las vegas, National Woods Board, NBMDA, North America, NWB, Richelieu North America, skilled workers, United States, West Michigan, wood industry education, Woodwork Career Alliance, woodworking careers, woodworking education, woodworking industry, woodworking job placement, woodworking workforce, workforce training
