AWFS® brings together Industry and Education with hands-on workshop for educators and students
In collaboration with Shaper Tools and Cerritos College
Anaheim, CA April 25, 2025 — The Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers® (AWFS®), in partnership with Cerritos College and AWFS® member Shaper Tools, hosted a successful hands-on workshop designed to bridge the gap between woodworking education and the modern manufacturing industry. The “Modern Design & Production Workshop” was held at Cerritos College and the event welcomed a full house of 45 attendees, including educators, guidance counselors, college and high school students, and even a middle school student — underscoring the wide-reaching interest in woodworking and manufacturing careers.
The workshop focused on empowering educators and students with real-world, practical skills by integrating cutting-edge technology into woodworking instruction. Participants used the Shaper Origin, a handheld CNC router, to create custom cherry wood boxes featuring machined joinery, profile shaping, and personalized engraving. The experience gave attendees a tangible introduction to digital fabrication and advanced woodworking techniques.
A major component of the workshop was dedicated to computer-aided design (CAD), showcasing how digital tools can enhance the classroom experience and prepare students for careers in today’s technology-driven wood manufacturing industry. By engaging directly with modern equipment and software, educators gained insight into how to incorporate industry-relevant skills into their curricula.
“This workshop exemplifies AWFS®’s commitment to connecting education and industry,” said Tovi Spero, Education Director at AWFS®. “We’re not just teaching woodworking—we’re preparing the next generation for careers in a rapidly evolving, high-tech manufacturing landscape.”
To further foster meaningful connections, AWFS® brought together industry representatives for networking throughout the day with participants. Exhibitors included AWFS® member companies and local partners such as Royal Plywood, Carbide 3D, E.B. Bradley, Colonial Saw, SurfPrep Sanding, Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI), SoCal CITEA, and Vital Link. These interactions gave students and educators direct access to professionals, products, and career information, strengthening ties between classrooms and the industry.
Each attendee left with a completed project, CAD-based project plans, and a wealth of resources including contact information from exhibitors and details on AWFS’s educational initiatives. These include the AWFS Fair’s Fresh Wood student competition and the College of Woodworking Knowledge (CWWK) education conference, which further support student achievement and educator development.
By providing immersive, project-based experiences like this, AWFS continues to advance its mission of supporting the future of the woodworking industry through meaningful collaboration and innovation in education.
AWFS® extends its gratitude to:
For more information on how to get involved in future events or support woodworking education initiatives, please contact:
Tovi Spero
Education Director
AWFS® – Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers®
(323) 215-0311
tovi@awfs.org
www.awfs.org