Adam Kessler, AWFS Education ManagerSaúl Martín, VP Operations, AWC; SkillsUSA CA volunteer Adria Torrez, AWFS Education Director

Who are we and why are we doing this?

The woodworking industry today

SkillsUSA overview; industry’s role

SkillsUSA California overview

SkillsUSA CA contests –review packets

Contest “pro tips”

Demonstrations

Adam Kessler: Buffalo State (NY) BFAs in wood/fibers design 5 years at high-end commercial office furniture company in NY At AWFS; supporting SkillsUSA CA since 2016

Saúl Martín: LA Trade Tech Cabinetmaking Certificate and AA; VICA alum (Montebello HS) 25+ years in the industry Oversees a high-end commercial architectural woodworking shop in Monterey Park, CA 10 years of experience supporting industry education; SkillsUSA CA since 2011

Adria Torrez: AWFS Education department since 2007 SkillsUSA CA since 2011; SkillsUSA CA Board of Directors since 2012

We believe: Industry and students/teachers need opportunities to network Students and teachers benefit from learning about current industry processes, machinery,

and technology advancements Industry benefits from learning about current education environment and how we can

engage

…SkillsUSA is a great “vehicle” for this interaction and education on both sides!

We want you to be aware of this opportunity and have a great experience!

We are experiencing a “skills gap” – companies cannot grow because they are limited by their ability to find skilled workers

Companies are exploring other ways to maintain productivity (i.e. through technology)

10,000 baby boomers are retiring EACH DAY (through 2024)

2 million jobs in manufacturing are expected to go unfilled (through 2025)

Students aren’t aware of the woodworking industry and career opportunities

There are less education and training programs dedicated to woodworking

The 2017 NAM Manufacturers Outlook Survey reflected a 9.4% growth in concern about “attracting and retaining a quality workforce”, and this issue grew from second most important current business challenge to the top challenge by the end of the year.

SkillsUSA is a leading CTSO (Career Technical Student Organization) that serves 335,000 CTE student and teacher members nationwide.

“A partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce.”

“Empowers its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens.” (www.SkillsUSA.org)

Industry develops and executes the skill competitions

Industry sponsors, donates, and volunteers as judges and contest coordinators

6 regions statewide

Over 100 skill and leadership contests

Opportunities for student leadership (Student Officer team)

Two woodworking-related contests: Introductory Woodworking - for high school first-year woodworking students only; state-

only contest Cabinetmaking - for high school and post secondary students (scored separately)

Aug – Technical Committee planning meeting (Ontario)

Oct - Fall leadership meetings (2 per region)

Nov – deadline to join (chapter), register for regional competition

Feb - Regional Conferences

Apr - State Conference (Ontario)

Jun – National Conference (Louisville, KY)

SkillsUSA CA State Director: Clay Mitchell

Contest Technical Committees: consist of industry partners and educators

Regional Coordinators: each region has at least 1 (this is your contact for most questions and info)

SkillsUSA CA

Regions

SUBMIT the chapter charter application and the completed chapter bylaws

RECEIVE chapter ID number (via e-mail)

ADD student and advisor (teacher) members to the chapter (min 7 students/1 advisor)

NOTE: SkillsUSA CA is “Total Participation” (secondary only) – all students enrolled in CTE course are members of the chapter; Post Secondary is not TPP

RECEIVE a mailed packet with materials and information about chapter management, Fundamentals, CareerEssentials. You will also receive $500 chapter incentive funds.

CONNECT with your Regional Coordinators

ATTEND the regional Fall Leadership Conferences (2), which have information for both advisors and students and addresses key deadlines and information about upcoming events!

TIPS: Attend state conference (if possible) first to network and learn! Get student interest, ideally sophomore/juniors so that they can be involved for a couple years

and get others involved

Use chapter incentive funds to cover dues, blazers, other materials

Most schools use Perkins funding to pay for SkillsUSA (CTSO) participation fees

Student membership dues can be paid as a club fee, or through fundraising

Student registration fees can be paid through fundraising, industry support

TIP: students write letters to administration explaining the importance of SkillsUSA involvement

Speaking of Money…

There are scholarship and grant opportunities listed on the SkillsUSA.org website!

STATE CABINETMAKING CONTEST (2017)

KEY

2015 Sao Paolo, Brazil WorldSkills Cabinetmaking Competitor - Jake Wozniak (NY)

2013 Leipzig, Germany WorldSkills Cabinetmaking Competitor - Daniel Berrios (PA)

Don’t make “silly” mistakes – turn in your resume; follow dress code guidelines

Don’t forget your tape measure and a pencil

Watch for “squared” dimensions on plans – these are the ones that are scored

Measurements are key!

Don’t use the tape measure on the saw – use your own tape measure, check the machine rip fence to saw blade distance first!

Pay attention to grain direction

Hand tools – know how to use them

Be familiarized with reading drawings; preparing optimization sheet and BOM

Teach students how to use stops to make multiple cuts of the same size

Reverse engineer the project

Practice PRACTICE PRACTICE!!!

Biscuit joiner: Zetas and Tensos

Kreg jig

Miter folding

New Blum MOVENTO slides

Q: Why are we introducing these new tools/techniques during the contest?A: This is what we are using in industry, it will benefit students who are entering industry

careers.

Q: How do the contestants know how to use these?A: They will be demo-ed during the orientation; an industry volunteer will help them use it

during the contest.

Q: Is the students’ score impacted by how well they use these new technologies/processes?A: Not at all, this is strictly to introduce them to the new concept. In fact, in some cases they

can choose between using the new one or the “traditional” one.

Questions?

Contact information: Adam Kessler: adam@awfs.org (323) 215-0312 Saul Martin: smartin@awcla.com Adria Torrez: adria@awfs.org (323) 215-0311

Find this presentation and other resources here:

http://www.woodindustryed.org/citeawwskills2018/