AWFS® Supports SkillsUSA CA by connecting industry and education
Anaheim, CA April 21, 2025 – The Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers® (AWFS®), in collaboration with the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI), proudly coordinated the woodworking competitions at the 2025 SkillsUSA California Regional Competition and State Conference, elevating the craftsmanship and creativity of 144 students in the Regional qualifiers and 43 students at the State Conference from middle and high schools across the state.
Students competed in both the Introductory Woodworking and Cabinetmaking contests, where the focus was on demonstrating industry-level skills and gaining meaningful exposure to wood manufacturing companies, modern equipment, and professional techniques. These competitions provide students with a real-world glimpse into the woodworking industry and open doors to future career pathways.
This year’s event was marked by exceptional industry participation, with twenty wood industry companies, non-profits, and schools volunteering their time and expertise. These volunteers are AWFS members, AWI members, and other dedicated professionals passionate about trade education. Industry members served as judges, provided technical guidance, and helped students safely operate modern woodworking equipment such as sliding table saws, edgebanders, and handheld CNCs. Many companies also generously donated materials and equipment, ensuring that every participant had access to the tools and resources necessary to succeed—at no cost to the students. Volunteer participation included: Royal Plywood, Colonial Saw, Blum, Drawer Box Specialties, Decore-ative Specialties, SurfPrep Sanding, Hafele, Leitz Tooling, Shaper Tools, Frama-Tech, ClosetCRM, Grex Tools, DuckWorks, The Phillips Screw Co., JBI Interiors, Cerritos College, Palomar College, Chaffey High School, and the Inland Woodworkers.
“By bringing together educators, students, and industry leaders, we’re creating opportunities for students to experience what a career in woodworking really looks like,” said Tovi Spero, Education Director at AWFS®. “The hands-on support from the industry—whether it’s judging, mentoring, or providing materials—makes these competitions incredibly impactful.”
AWFS® and AWI collaborated to manage the logistical planning for the contests, including developing project plans, sourcing materials and equipment, and recruiting skilled volunteers from the wood industry. Their shared commitment ensures that every student has a quality experience and feels excited to compete and pursue a career in wood manufacturing.
This effort reflects the broader mission of both organizations to promote workforce development in the wood products industry and to build strong connections between education and industry.
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