Generous donation

The “International Woodworking Fair” – North America’s largest global wood industry technology and design event—is contributing $12,500 in unrestricted funds to the “Manufacturing Industry Learning Lab ” (Mill, Colorado Springs, Colorado), for the advancement of its mission to promote a stronger trade workforce in Colorado. “Mill” exists to expand opportunities for learners and offer students trade career paths in Cabinet Manufacturing, Construction Technology and Welding Technology.

For more than a half century, the “International Woodworking Fair” has served the ever-expanding needs of wood industry equipment and technology manufacturers and service providers and the tens of thousands of buyers attending its bi-annual trade show and conference produced every other August in Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center. The “IWF” contribution extends its long-standing commitment to industry advancement, innovation and education as evidenced in the “IWF” Education Conference, the “IWF Challengers Distinguished Achievement Award” and the “IWF Design Emphasis Student Furniture Design” competition.

“Mill” students receive hands-on experience using state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machines. With the potential for completing four school years of training before entering the workforce, “Mill” students begin their career paths fully prepared for immediate productivity. “Mill” Cabinet Manufacturing and Welding Technology students have the opportunity to enter into internships with Colorado businesses. “Mill” students enrolled in Cabinet Manufacturing are tasked with producing the cabinets needed for the Careers in Construction (CICC) home build project. Upon completion of year-one Cabinet Manufacturing study, students learn additional skills, including electrical and plumbing. Students who have completed two years of Cabinet Manufacturing classes have the opportunity to earn an industry-recognized certification called the Woodwork Career Alliance (WCA) certificate.

The $12,500 “IWF” contribution was unanimously approved by the “IWF” 2022 Management Committee members who are representatives of the Woodworking Machinery Industry Association (WMIA) and Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America (WMMA), the owners of the “IWF” show.