GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The National Woods Board (NWB) is set to make a significant presence at the upcoming AWFS Fair. This event provides a prime opportunity for woodworkers, industry suppliers, educators, and other stakeholders to discover how the NWB is revolutionizing woodworking programs in schools across the United States.

Attendees and exhibitors are encouraged to visit NWB booth #1171 to learn about the not-for-profit organization's mission and how to get involved.

In addition, NWB Chairman John LeTourneau and NWB Board Member Dean Mattson, founder of The MiLL in Colorado Springs, will be available for focused meetings to discuss how the NWB is providing scalable, high-impact workforce solutions for the future.

"This is a critical window to get involved," LeTourneau said.  "The NWB is moving fast, and the work we're doing today will define the workforce of tomorrow. We urge everyone at the AWFS Fair to connect with us at the NWB booth or schedule a meeting. Let's talk about how your leadership, support, or expertise can fuel this mission, and how being connected now positions you to benefit as this movement continues to grow."

Benefits of supporting the NWB
Investing in the NWB offers substantial advantages for your company:

• Access to Qualified Graduates: Sponsor local schools or districts for priority access to skilled workers.
• Streamlined Recruitment: Utilize the NWB Career Hub to efficiently connect with potential employees and fill open positions.
• Enhanced Brand Reputation: Be recognized as a leader in workforce development, attracting top talent.
• Networking Opportunities: Build valuable relationships with schools, students, and industry leaders.

Schedule a meeting with the NWB
To schedule an appointment with LeTourneau and Mattson, contact Amanda Conger, NWB Executive Director, at [email protected].

NWB workforce development presentations
Representatives of the NWB will participate in a pair of educational sessions on workforce training and skills training during the AWFS Fair on the first day of the show.

Experienced high school woodworking instructors Mark Smith, Molly Turner and Bobby Miller will present "Curriculum in the 21st Century," 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 22.

Smith and Conger will be joined by Kelly Victor-Burke and Jamison Scott to present “Moving the Next Generation Forward: From CTE Programs to Internships to Apprenticeships in the Wood Industry,” 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22.

Register to attend these sessions.

About the National Woods Board
The National Woods Board (NWB) was inspired by the MiLL National Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, which teaches woodworking students everything from fundamentals to advanced production using high-tech machinery. Ultimately, the vision of the NWB is to bridge the gap between education and the trades by creating advanced career opportunities that fulfill the industry’s massive workforce needs. Learn more about the NWB’s program and how to get involved with supporting its vital mission at NationalWoodsBoard.org.