Vero Software’s woodworking “Lunch and Learn” mentoring scheme is going from strength in the US. Consultant Pete Robertson introduced the Cabinet Vision software to nearly 60 students at Auburn High School who wanted to learn about careers in the woodworking industry.

Vero’s Pacific Northwest office has teamed up with the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) to educate young adults about the industry.

Pete, of Vero’s Reseller Division in Washington State, says: “We learned at the AWI’s national convention that the average age of workers in our industry is over 40. This led us to wonder who will buy or takeover shops when owners retire. We felt the need to interest today’s young adults, in order to lower the average age. Our goal is to maintain interest in the woodworking industry and nurture its growth for another generation.”

Along with Peter and his wife and business partner, Jill, Stiles Machinery and ten AWI members and affiliates, attended the “Lunch and Learn” event Auburn High School, where students were given a detailed demonstration of Cabinet Vision and its Screen-to-Machine technology.

The school’s shop teacher Lew Keliher was excited to see so many students interested in the industry, and says the presentation had a big impact on them.

Some student comments:

• “I’m impressed with how quickly you can design a kitchen – the photos look real”

• “I want to be an architect and design a coffee shop for my family, and would like to learn Cabinet Vision”

• “Can I really have a free 30 day trial? I want to design a dog house for my new dog and be able to build it in shop class to surprise my Dad”

• “I can’t believe a software company would really give my high school free software for me to learn. When can we get the software? My Mom is remodelling our kitchen now.”

Pete Robertson’s philosophy is to take time now to mentor a young adult and seed the market at the same time. “We all need to get involved in the future, today, by participating in events like this.”

And Jill says: “I remember when companies came to my high school to talk about careers, and now we have the opportunity to give something back, and do the same, increasing interest in the woodworking industry.”

Source: Cabinet Vision