"In partnership with the Wood Education and Resource Center, Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture."

Some pages updated: Thursday; April 23, 2009

First 30 Tools and Machines are Ready!

We are launching the Skill Standards Pilot Program. Selected woodworking companies are testing the assessment tools and standards. Send an email from any of the “Email Me” links on this this site if you are interested in participating.

Full industry involvement will ramp up at the AWFS show in Las Vegas this July. Watch for announcements.

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.

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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