Wood industry workforce development is an important role for the BWA and its members! Read on to learn more!
One important part of the BWA’s cluster mandate is to work with regional schools to help provide information to students and shop teachers about opportunities in the wood industry.
On March 3, in cooperation with the MNRF, Bluewater Board of Education, and the Four County Labour Market Planning Board, and Georgian College, the BWA hosted a day of learning for students and shop teachers about the latest manufacturing trends and opportunities in the wood industry in the region.
One hundred high school students and teachers participated in two plant tours before participating in a panel discussion with four wood manufacturing companies. Vokes Furniture and Exquisite Wood Designs on Owen Sound hosted the tours, and representatives from Durham Furniture and Upper Canada Stretchers joined those two companies in the panel, followed by Q & A.
Students were able to observe solid wood furniture and cabinetry move from raw material to finished product in very short order. Included with these tours were exposure to new CNC technologies, finishing processes, and the realities of workplace culture and teamwork.
Question period themes included pay ranges, employment opportunities, and what it takes to enter the industry. A big message was sent to the students: work ethic and habits that you develop and demonstrate at school go a long way to carry you into the workplace! Stay tuned for more of these events in the greater cluster region! The next one is scheduled for March 23 in Huron/Perth Counties!
For more information on the Bluewater Wood Alliance and its activities, contact BWA Executive Director Mike Baker: manager@bluewaterwoodalliance.com
Mike Vokes explains the CNC process and a sample of the components for his solid wood furniture
Mike Vokes of Vokes Furniture explains the finishing process to students
Panel discussion: Mike Baker, BWA, Bob Nadon, Upper Canada Stretchers, Bryan Dunca, Exquisite Wood Designs, Luke Simpson, Durham Furniture, Mike Vokes, Vokes Furniture
Comments are closed.