New video promotes careers in today's woodworking industry


ANAHEIM, Calif. – Three woodworking organizations partnered to produce a six-minute video that is airing on public television stations nationwide to create awareness of career opportunities in the wood products industry.

The video, produced by “In Depth with Laurence Fishburne,” an award-winning educational television series highlighting the evolution of education, medicine, science, technology, and industry through inspiring stories. It was funded by the Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers (AWFS), Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI), and Woodwork Career Alliance of North America (WCA). In addition, a one-minute commercial version of the video (below) was produced. It will air on Fox Business Network and other cable networks.

The program showcases the operations of Hollywood Woodwork, a high-end commercial architectural woodworking firm in Hollywood, Fla. It introduces the audience to potential careers in a modern woodworking facility using advanced machinery in a safe and clean environment. 

Those interviewed in the video discuss skills needed for wood industry careers, education and training opportunities, and various career pathways available.

Sebastien DesMarais, president of Hollywood Woodwork and current AWI Board president, is prominently featured in the video. Others included are Brian Joyce, vice president of sales, Blum Inc. and AWFS executive board member; Doug Hague, AWI executive vice president; Scott Nelson, WCA president; and Jennifer Glender, senior project Manager, Hollywood Woodwork.
 
“We are so excited to partner with In Depth on this video project,” said AWFS Executive Vice President Angelo Gangone. “This is a fantastic way to reach a new audience through In Depth’s distribution channels. By collaborating with AWI and WCA, we could access the fantastic manufacturing facility at Hollywood Woodwork, add more voices to the story, and ensure that our industry’s skill standards are included in the conversation.”

“This video project was a lot of fun,” said Hague. “Video is an ideal way to reach a universal audience, including young people and those who influence their career-making decisions like parents, educators, and school counselors. We feel this video will make a positive impact on shifting the perception of wood industry careers. We are extremely grateful to Hollywood Woodwork for opening their doors to serve as an example of today’s wood products manufacturing facility.”

“This was a unique opportunity, and it was important that WCA could participate in it,” Nelson said. “We are very satisfied with the end-product and hope this can be an asset that our industry can continue to use to introduce wood manufacturing to our future workforce and the general public.”
 

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Rich Christianson | President/Owner/C-Level

Rich Christianson is the owner of Richson Media LLC, a Chicago-based communications firm focused on the industrial woodworking sector. Rich is the former long-time editorial director and associate publisher of Woodworking Network. During his nearly 35-year career, Rich has toured more than 250 woodworking operations throughout North America, Europe and Asia and has written extensively on woodworking technology, design and supply trends. He has also directed and promoted dozens of woodworking trade shows, conferences and seminars including the Cabinets & Closets Conference & Expo and the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo, Canada’s largest woodworking show.