AWFS® works with its members and other industry companies to promote wood industry careers to students and teachers. Through:
Are you an industry member looking to give back? Contact AWFS Education Director Tovi Spero at tovi@awfs.org to learn how.
AWFS® works with educators and students locally in Southern California and nationally to encourage students to explore the wood industry as a career option. We offer information and support to existing wood manufacturing programs and provide cross-curricular connections to other subject areas. If you are an educator or student see if you are interested in:
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Society of Wood Manufacturing (SWM)AWFS®‘ volunteer branch, comprised of educators and industry professionals, works to bridge the gap between industry and education through local outreach activities. Live/work in Southern California or the New Jersey/NYC area? Contact AWFS® Education Director Tovi Spero at tovi@awfs.org to find out how to get involved. |
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SkillsUSA CaliforniaSkillsUSA (formerly known as VICA) is a national nonprofit organization serving high school and college students preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. It consists of more than 400,000 student and instructor members, with 1,700 students in Cabinetmaking or Woodworking programs –this is the future of our industry in training! AWFS® has assisted with SkillsUSA CA regional and state woodworking contests since 2011 and hosted the 2011 and 2013 SkillsUSA World Team Cabinetmaking Qualifying Event at the AWFS®Fair. Click here to see more about AWFS®’ involvement with SkillsUSA. |
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Vital LinkVital Link is a non-profit local to Southern California that focuses on career exploration for students from elementary school through college. Hosting more than 150 events a year for thousands of students across the Orange County area, Vital Link has been a valuable partner for AWFS® since 2024, working with us to expose students to wood industry careers. |
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Manufacturing DayLooking for a way to attract skilled workers? Would you like to connect students interested in woodworking-related careers? Have you considered hosting a company tour or open house? 64% of students who attend a company tour or open house are “more motivated to pursue a career in manufacturing”! MFG Day – a national campaign to increase student awareness of manufacturing careers – provides resources to help you plan your company event. |
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Armada Corporate IntelligenceAWFS® has the pleasure of working with Armada and Dr. Chris Kuehl to offer weekly economic updates to AWFS® members in our Flagship Report and quarterly economic update webinars to the whole industry. |