Burke Architectural Millwork honored at White House Apprenticeship Ambassador ceremony
Kelly Victor Burke, Burke Architectural Millwork

Kelly Victor-Burke

LIVONIA, Mich. - Burke Architectural Millwork co-founder and co-owner Kelly Victor-Burke will represent the company at a special White House Recognition Ceremony on Oct. 23, honoring the inaugural cohort of Apprenticeship Ambassadors appointed in 2022 by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Apprenticeship, who have excelled in their commitments as Apprenticeship Ambassadors to expand, modernize, and diversify Registered Apprenticeship programs.

Burke Architectural Millwork actively promotes workforce development in the woodworking industry. Under Victor-Burke's leadership, the company also spearheaded the creation of the first 21st century Department of Labor-approved Registered Apprenticeship in woodworking, the “Woodwork Manufacturing Specialist.” Approved by the DOL in 2019, the apprenticeship program aims to close the employment gap in the wood products manufacturing industry through innovative training in CAD, mechatronics, wood processing, coatings, estimating, and project management.

“We are thrilled to be recognized at this level for our commitment to advancing workforce development,” said Kelly Victor-Burke. “The Woodwork Manufacturing Specialist apprenticeship not only addresses the skills gap in our industry but also empowers individuals and businesses, especially small businesses, across the United States to thrive through competency-based training. It is incredibly impactful as a member of the woods industry to be honored at this event.”

Victor-Burke’s advocacy for wood industry apprenticeships extends beyond the confines of Burke Architectural Millwork. She has spoken at major industry events such as IWF, AWFS Fair, Wood Pro/Closet Pro, AWI-Great Lakes, Cabinet Makers Association, Association of Closet and Storage Professionals, KBIS, Women in Manufacturing and industry-related podcasts. She regularly counsels other woods industry companies on how to leverage the power of DOL Registered Apprenticeship. As a Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses alum and a recognized leader in manufacturing, Victor-Burke serves on various industry boards and committees, reinforcing her dedication to workforce development.

In recognition of her efforts in advancing the industry, and at her company, Victor-Burke was named a Wood Industry Market Leader in 2022 by Woodworking Network.

Burke Architectural Millwork and the other companies will be joined at the White House by more than 140 new Apprenticeship Ambassadors. The ceremony precedes the 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week, which takes place Nov. 17-23. 

Based in Livonia, Michigan, Burke Architectural Millwork (BAM) and its division Bespoke Closets & Organized Spaces (BCOS) is a premier design and build manufacturer specializing in custom cabinetry, closets, bars, booths, tables, wood paneling, and more for both commercial and luxury residential spaces. Both BAM and BCOS have been featured issues of FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines and on WoodworkingNetwork.com.

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About the author
Karen Koenig | Editor

Karen M. Koenig has more than 30 years of experience in the woodworking industry, including visits to wood products manufacturing facilities throughout North America, Europe and Asia. As editor of special publications under the Woodworking Network brand, including the Red Book Best Practices resource guide and website, Karen’s responsibilities include writing, editing and coordinating of editorial content. She is also a contributor to FDMC and other Woodworking Network online and print media owned by CCI Media. She can be reached at [email protected]