A 16-week hardwood manufacturing training program is open for registration
hardwood-manufacturers.jpg
PITTSBURGH, Pa. -  The Hardwood Manufacturers Association (HMA) has launched of the Hardwood Manufacturers Certificate Program—a 16-week, 14-credit course of study that will prepare learners for fast-growing, in-demand positions within the hardwood manufacturing industry.
 
Endorsed by the HMA, and in conjunction with the Northcentral Technical College, Antigo, Wisconsin, the program is open to all hardwood industry stakeholders and is an excellent vehicle to advance that promising, career-minded employee within your organization who is looking for more.
 
“Like other industries in the manufacturing sector,” says Linda Jovanovich, Executive Vice President of the HMA, “hardwood producers and processors have been challenged by our nation’s skilled labor crisis. In response, our industry has found it necessary to grow our own workforce. And this Hardwood Manufacturers Certificate Program will enable us to do just that.”
 
About the course of study:
  • Upon program completion, certificate holders will be able to identify hardwood species; scale, grade and value hardwood logs; breakdown logs and edge/trim lumber; investigate slicer and rotary veneer manufacturing; examine the physical and mechanical properties of wood; operate a conventional dry kiln; and apply basic hardwood lumber inspection grading rules.
  • Courses are conducted at Northcentral Technical College’s 27,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Wood Technology Center of Excellence, Antigo, Wisconsin.
  • Program specifics—detailed course descriptions, course costs, housing information—are available at www.HMAmembers.org.
  • Prospective students may apply at bit.ly/HardwoodCertificate. And questions regarding the Hardwood Manufacturers Certificate Program should be directed to Travis Allen, wood science instructor, at 715.348.7723 or [email protected].
  • “The Hardwood Manufacturers Certificate Program was developed for the greater good of the hardwood industry,” says Jovanovich. “It is our opportunity to grow, groom and inspire the supervisors, lumber inspectors, kiln operators, quality control technicians and plant managers who we so desperately need in our hardwood facilities. I’m very excited about this collaborative effort. And I encourage interested employers and potential students to act quickly.”
 
The Hardwood Manufacturers Association is a national trade organization with membership limited to U.S. hardwood lumber producers and processors. HMA is a member-driven association; providing member companies peer-networking opportunities, valuable information exchange and strategic management tools. The Association also conducts a focused, far-reaching promotion campaign, directed to both consumers and build professionals, extolling the beauty, environmental preference and lasting value of solid American hardwood flooring, furniture, cabinetry and millwork.

Have something to say? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Profile picture for user billesler
About the author
Bill Esler | ConfSenior Editor

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines. 

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers. 

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.