WIRC formed to spark workforce growth

Eleven wood industry associations have announced the formation of a coalition, the Wood Industry Resource Collaborative, aimed primarily at perpetuating the long-term growth of the industry by sustaining an engaged workforce.

The collaborative group is a consortium of trade associations, all related to the woodworking or the wood products manufacturing industry. The group’s purpose is to provide a collection of tools and solutions for the wood industry to attract and retain employees, while improving the perception of the industry.

Charter members are the Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers; Architectural Woodwork Institute; Cabinet Makers Association; Hardwood Manufacturers Association; North American Building Material Distribution Association; National Wood Flooring Association; Wood Component Manufacturers Association; Woodworking Machinery Industry Association; Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America; Wood Product Manufacturers Association, and Moulding & Millwork Producers Association.

The primary target for the group’s efforts will be Generation Z ― people born between 1995 and 2014.

“The group is working to identify what each association brings to the table, and what each needs for their members to change corporate culture and attract and retain good employees,” group organizer Adria Salvatore, education director of AWFS, said in a statement.

For more, visit www.woodindustryed.org/wirc.