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Why Wood

Wood is Responsible for 4% of the World’s Economy

Wood is vital to the global economy in ways we don't often notice. From utility poles to anti-tumor treatments extracted from trees, manufactured wood products and processes contribute to reduced fossil fuel dependency and create healthier, safer and more sustainable communities.

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What It Really Is

The Wood Industry is vibrant and growing, driven by a desire for renewable sources and higher quality products. Tools and automation have helped make many new careers possible in engineering, manufacturing, design and education.

What It Really Is

  • A Home For Creators

    From craftsman to carpenters, builders and designers, the wood industry has many ways to put your passion to work and make a career out of something you love or something you love or to use the skills you have.

  • New Possibilities

    The intersection of technology and improvements in machinery, supplies, and wood materials has allowed new design possibilities. Creating products from renewable sources is another path with big upsides.

  • Viable Career Paths

    There are multiple paths to a career in the wood industry. Some employers offer on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs, and you can also attain certifications through community colleges and trade schools.

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What You Think It Is

If you think woodworking is just for hobbyists, that the wood industry has seen its best days, or taken a back seat to metals and plastics, think again. Wood is a sustainable economic engine that is in more demand than ever.

What You Think It Is

  • The Industry Is Stagnant

    The wood industry is expected to grow by 4.6% annually through 2025, which is driven by increased demand for high-quality flooring, cabinetry, furniture and other uses for wood products.

  • The Future is Unsustainable

    With modern forestry practices focused on sustainable harvesting, the rise in demand for green buildings, and emerging wood technologies increasingly being used in commercial buildings, wood is good for more than just business.

  • It’s All Low-Tech Work

    High-tech skills in engineering and software are in high demand, and automation and robotic machinery are among the emerging trends in the wood industry and modern manufacturing.

Get to Know the Wood Industry

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Flooring

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Flooring

Wood flooring is one of the fastest growing sectors of the industry with jobs in manufacturing, distribution, retail, finance and more. Careers include operations, machinists, sales and marketing, installations and more.

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Cabinetry

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Cabinetry

Shipping cost and concerns over the carbon footprint of products produced abroad are driving the demand to manufacture products locally using advanced technology.

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Architectural Millwork

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Architectural Millwork

Ranging from residential and commercial cabinetry to just about anything made of wood that is built for, in, or attached to a building, architectural millwork (also known as architectural woodworking) is a growing field with exciting opportunities.

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Technology & Machinery

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Technology & Machinery

Technology and machining jobs are projected to grow by approximately 7% annually through 2025 as more engineers and technicians are needed for CAD, programming automated systems and monitoring controls and production cells.