WCA Workshop at AWFS Fair to tackle woodworking skills gap with in-house training

The Woodwork Career Alliance of North America (WCA) is taking action to address the critical shortage of skilled woodworkers in the American woodworking industry. At the upcoming AWFS Fair in Las Vegas, the WCA will host a workshop titled “Building an In-House Training Program for Your Workers.” This workshop aims to help wood product manufacturers develop effective in-house training programs that will boost workforce productivity, quality, and retention.

Scheduled for Tuesday, July 22, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, the workshop will be led by Scott Nelson, President of the WCA, and Bruce Spitz, a WCA Board Member and seasoned architectural woodworking expert. Both Nelson and Spitz bring decades of hands-on experience and success in managing woodworking companies, making this session highly relevant for business owners and managers.

Addressing the Woodworking Skills Shortage

The woodworking industry has been grappling with an acute skills shortage, which has created significant challenges for companies striving to meet customer demands while maintaining high-quality standards. To address this, the WCA workshop will provide valuable insights on how to build and enhance an internal training program that aligns with WCA skill standards and credentialing.

This session will offer attendees tangible strategies to:

• Develop a Training Overview: Learn how to implement a sample in-house training program that aligns with WCA skill standards, ensuring employees receive the knowledge and skills necessary for their roles.
• Increase Efficiency and Quality: Discover how training shop employees can improve production efficiency and elevate the quality of finished products.
• Safety Compliance: Integrate safety training to ensure your workforce adheres to essential safety protocols, helping mitigate risks and comply with industry regulations.
• Improve Employee Retention: Learn how fostering a positive work environment through comprehensive training programs can enhance job satisfaction and reduce turnover.
• Gain a Competitive Advantage: Differentiate your business by attracting top talent, improving employee performance, and securing long-term success in the marketplace.
• Leverage Artificial Intelligence: Gain insights into how AI tools can enhance training programs, making learning more efficient and impactful.

Spitz, who has seen the benefits of in-house training firsthand, shared his thoughts on the workshop: “My shop was constantly working to train our shop employees using apprentice programs and in-house classroom teaching. Our success was directly tied to the skill and dedication of our craftspeople. Investing in robust in-house training was the foundation upon which we built exceptional quality and fostered immense pride. This workshop offers invaluable insights for any woodworking business seeking that same expertise and commitment.”

Building a Sustainable Workforce

WCA President Scott Nelson emphasized the importance of workforce development for long-term success in the woodworking industry. “This workshop provides tangible, actionable strategies for companies to take control of their workforce development,” Nelson said. “By leveraging WCA standards and effective in-house training, businesses can enhance immediate productivity and quality while securing a sustainable talent pipeline.”

The WCA’s efforts are especially timely, as the industry continues to face challenges in attracting and retaining skilled workers. By equipping businesses with the tools to train their employees effectively, the WCA is helping to bridge the skills gap and ensure that the woodworking industry remains competitive and well-equipped to meet future demands.

Special Offer for Attendees

In addition to gaining valuable insights, attendees of the workshop will qualify for a $150 discount off the WCA’s $250 annual MANufacturing membership. This membership provides access to a wealth of resources, including skill standards, training materials, and networking opportunities, further enhancing businesses’ ability to grow and thrive in the woodworking industry.

Additional WCA Workshops at the AWFS Fair

In addition to the “Building an In-House Training Program for Your Workers” workshop, the WCA will offer two other valuable sessions at the AWFS Fair:

1. CAD for the Wood Shop with WCA Education Chairman Mark Smith: Wednesday, July 23, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
2. Overview of New WCA Online Employee Training Resources with WCA Vice President Greg Larson: Thursday, July 24, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

These workshops are designed to provide woodworking businesses with essential tools and resources to improve their operations and address the evolving needs of the industry.

About the Woodwork Career Alliance

The Woodwork Career Alliance of North America (WCA), founded in 2007, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to developing and administering a unified set of skill standards for the wood products industry. Since 2011, the WCA has been creating measurable performance standards and assessments for over 240 woodworking machine operations, helping companies ensure their workforce is properly trained and credentialed.

The WCA has issued more than 6,000 Passport credentials, which serve as a personal, permanent record of woodworking skill achievements. The organization has expanded its reach with over 140 high schools and post-secondary institutions across North America and continues to grow its MANufacturing membership to include woodworking companies committed to workforce development.

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