Preparing Students for Careers in Woodworking

The NWB Education Program features four progressive levels of hands-on woodworking instruction: Foundations 1, 2, 3, and 4. Each level builds upon previously developed skills, helping students advance from essential safety practices and woodworking fundamentals to more complex manufacturing processes and projects.

Designed for classroom implementation, the curriculum provides educators with structured lessons, hands-on projects, and opportunities to assess student progress.

• Foundations 1 — Building the Basics: Introduces essential shop safety, tools, equipment, materials, and fundamental woodworking skills through structured, hands-on projects.
• Foundations 2 — Developing Skills: Builds upon introductory concepts with more involved projects, increased technical knowledge, and continued development of safe, accurate woodworking practices.
• Foundations 3 — Advancing Capabilities: Expands students' knowledge of woodworking processes, equipment, and manufacturing techniques through progressively more challenging work.
• Foundations 4 — Preparing for Industry: Reinforces technical skills, independent problem-solving, and industry-aligned practices to help prepare students for continued education or employment.

 The NWB Education Program incorporates the Woodwork Career Alliance (WCA) national skill standards, providing students with a pathway to demonstrate their woodworking knowledge and abilities.

Through hands-on assessments and the WCA Passport credentialing system, students can document their progress and earn recognition for skills valued by woodworking and wood manufacturing employers.

This partnership helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations, preparing students for continued education and career opportunities.