“Utilizing systems that compensated woodworkers based on their advancements in demonstrated skill and knowledge proved advantageous for us, and I believe the Skills Standards effort could be a godsend for the industry.”

~ Don Gaze, President, Level 5 Careers

Heart of America Chapter AWI Donates  - Visit TalkAboutIt to learn more.

Why Skill Standards?

   1. Professional recognition for our skills

   2. Identify the skills required

   3. Provide benchmarks for performance

   4. Help trainers respond to industry requirements

   5. Foundation for credentials

   6. Validation of accredited training programs

Use Skill Standards . . .

    • to develop training and curricula

    • to develop a credentialing program

    • to define job requirements

    • to recruit woodworking professionals

    • to plan career learning and development paths

    • to enhance labor value and mobility

The Woodwork Career Alliance of North America [WCANA] is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization actively promoting a skilled work force for the advanced woodworking industry in the United States and Canada. The Woodwork Career Alliance hopes to develop Skill Standards as a means to support the woodworking industry in preparing productive woodworkers. It will sponsor a voluntary assessment program which will allow woodworkers to demonstrate their competency in the Skills and earn credentials that are recognized nationwide.

The Woodwork Career Alliance Board met 8-9 May, in Virginia for a major planning and writing session. Notes of the meeting are posted in  Meeting Notes.

Click the TalkAboutIt link anytime you’d like to participate. Look there for links to the WoodLINKS USA library at Virginia Tech.

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Some pages updated: Thursday; June 12, 2008