Value-Added Woodworker Direct to Work Program
Free Training Program Delivered as a Pilot for Those Interested in BC’s Value-Added Wood Industry
The Direct-to-Work Program was launched as a pilot project in early 2024 and has since been completed. At this time, there are no confirmed plans for future offerings. We are currently evaluating the outcomes of the pilot, and further information may follow—stay tuned for updates. For any inquiries, please contact: workforce@bcvalueaddedwood.com.
If your organization offers woodworking training and is interested in integrating the Direct-to-Work Program into your curriculum, the program materials are available at no charge. To request access, please contact BC Wood.
Looking to Start a Career in the Value-Added Wood Industry?
BC Wood launched the Work Ready Program in early 2024—a four-week, no-cost training course designed to equip participants with the essential knowledge and hands-on skills needed to enter BC’s value-added wood industry.
The program was offered at various institutions across BC and was open to all individuals interested in pursuing a career in the sector, with no prior experience or education required. The curriculum included practical technical training, site visits, industry-led presentations, and networking opportunities to help participants connect with potential employers in the industry.
Why Pursue a Career in the Value-Added Wood Industry?
Careers in BC’s value-added wood industry provide a number of benefits including:
- Desirable careers with hands-on work and creativity
- Predictable pay, benefits, and the chance to work in your local community
- Promising career prospects in a pivotal sector of BC’s economy
- Lots of growth opportunities
What is Value-Added Wood?
Value-added wood refers to the process of enhancing the value of wood products through various manufacturing, processing, and customization techniques. It involves taking raw or semi-processed wood materials and transforming them into higher-value, finished, or semi-finished wood products. Value-added products include treated lumber, engineered wood products, shakes and shingles, posts, poles, log and timber-frame homes, mouldings, pallets, boxes, cabinets, furniture, art and other finished or semi-finished goods.
The value-added wood industry adds value by increasing the versatility, performance, and market appeal of wood products. This not only benefits consumers by providing more diverse and specialized wood products but also supports the sustainable use of wood resources, as it encourages efficient processing and minimizes waste. As such, pursuing a career in the value-added wood industry allows individuals to be at the forefront of innovation, sustainability, and economic growth within the wood sector.
What are Some Job Opportunities Within the Value-Added Wood Industry?
From Operations Managers to Machine Operating, there are a lot of different jobs within the VAW sector. These are some that are the most in demand:
CNC Operators
Set up, program and operate computer numerical controlled (CNC) woodworking machines to fabricate components for a variety of wood products from cabinets and furniture all the way to building elements for mass timber construction.
Machine Operators
Select, cut and shape wood in a value-added way, working in a fast-paced environment to make wood products using a variety of machinery.
Assemblers
Assemble components to form subassemblies such as prefabricated structural wood products or complete articles such as furniture.
Fabricators
Fabricate all components of a modern timber structure in a prefabrication plant—from mass timber products to steel connectors, cables, and castings, and integrated structural panels complete with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems pre-installed.
Mass timber Installers
Collaborate in the design and pre-construction of buildings, use 3D virtual models in building information modelling (BIM), and erect and connect the prefabricated mass timber elements.
Operations Managers
Plan, organize, direct and evaluate daily wood manufacturing operations. Contribute to the development and monitoring of operational budgets, and promote efficiencies and high quality products through all manufacturing processes.
Occupation and Competency Profiles
Our Competency and Occupational Profiles outline what employers look for in both entry-level and experienced workers, highlighting the progression from foundational abilities to advanced expertise. Discover more by visiting our detailed profiles linked below.
Program Curriculum and Content
The Direct-to-Work program is designed to prepare participants for an exciting career in BC’s Value-added Wood Products Industry. The Industry is a diverse collection of manufacturers creating a variety of products such as: Kitchen Cabinets, Furniture, Millwork, Remanufactured Wood, Log Homes & Timber Frame, Factory Built Homes, and Engineered Wood Products which includes Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) & Trusses. The Program is designed to be delivered over 4 weeks (140 hours) in both a classroom- and shop-setting.
Participants will learn:
- Health & Safety inclusive of some First Aid;
- the correct, safe use and maintenance of entry-level hand- and power-tools which in turn will be used to create a project;
- interpretation of Shop drawings inclusive of measurements and layout;
- work communications and collaboration techniques;
- Recognition of wood grades and species, types of fasteners and finishes used.
These will be all be complemented with Industry tours and presentations. Upon completion, participants will receive a First Aid Certificate as well as Certificate of Completion recognizable by Industry Members.
Apply for the Value-Added Woodworker Direct to Work Program
To inquire more about the Direct to Work program, please email workforce@bcvalueaddedwood.com.