Welcome back everybody! I hope this article finds you well and hopefully succeeding. We are getting started for the 2026 Woodworking Network Young Wood Pro competition sponsored by Castle. Your enthusiasm for this contest has been amazing for the last couple years and has me optimistic for what this year might bring.

Last year’s competition exceeded all expectations and went so well that we’re going to stick with a very similar framework regarding the competition. This includes a $500 prize to winner and a feature in FMC magazine. 

New sponsor, new prize
In addition, with the new sponsorship from Castle comes a new prize for the winner: a Castle 110 Pocket Cutter Professional Bundle, which includes everything you need to set up for professional pocket hole joinery with a true pro-grade machine and accessories.

The contest will be open for entries on April 7 through May 22.  Submissions will be handled the same way we’ve been doing it with you putting together a little package with a photo along with a brief description shared on social media with the hashtag #YoungWoodPro, or submitting that information directly through the 2026 entry form. 

For more details about the entry eligibility and process go to the Young Wood Pro section on the Woodworking Network website . As usual, not only will I be your contest host but I’ll also be one of the judges. I have genuinely come to enjoy both roles equally and seeing your work has been inspiring.

Looking back
Now that we have the info stuff addressed, I’d like to add some personal notes about my experience from the contest last year.
For the last several years as a host and a judge of this contest, I have observed the quality in our entries increase by large measure every year. If you are planning to enter this year, I highly encourage you to take your time and make sure your submission is good quality. 

This is called the Young Wood Pro, so the perspective that you are an aspiring professional is a significantly relevant thing to the judges.

Professionalism counts
It is highly important for you to consider finding ways to demonstrate that professionalism in your submission. It will only help your cause better to add this element. Think about quality photos. Think about the professional quality of the submitted piece along with how the execution and design demonstrate your honoring clients’ wishes. Talk about how you planned the piece, considering potential replication or profit margin in your business. These are just examples. How you want to present your entry is up to you. But professionalism counts even if you are just getting started.

I emphasize that aspect now so that potential contestants can have some time to consider the perspective before the contest is open for entries. If this year’s submissions are anywhere as good as last year’s, then the smaller details I have just mentioned might be what decides the winner.

I know last year there were several entries that deserved consideration and conversation from the judges’ panel. Last year’s winner was one of the most exceptional entries I’ve ever seen. This makes me extremely excited and hopeful that this year the trend will continue and I look forward to somebody out there topping what’s already been put in front of us. I’m confident someone will.

More to come
You should also expect to see a couple more articles and videos from me while the contest is still open. I feel confident that I might come up with a little time for another topic in the next month or so. 

Maybe it will be about professionalism. I know from experience when I was a younger wood pro, my idea of what professionalism was and what it really was in reality needed a little help getting in sync. 

If you are really lucky, I might do an article about what my entry would look like if I were a young wood pro (the young part sounds nice) and my thinking behind my choices and presentation for the entry.

On that note, please stay tuned for forthcoming articles and videos in the next couple months during the contest that might help you with your submissions, but also just might help you grow as a young wood professional which is the overall goal for me. I look forward to some stellar entries, and as always, I truly enjoy your enthusiasm.