The Woodwork Career Alliance – WCA registered a 40 percent increase in the number of credentials it issued last year.
Proving the level of interest in woodworking careers and skills, the Woodwork Career Alliance of North America said it issued a record-shattering 1,359 credentials in 2023, nearly 40 percent more than the year before and double its 2021 total.
“The record number of WCA credentials in 2023 isn’t just a statistic; it’s a seismic shift in our industry,” said Scott Nelson, president of the WCA. “Each credential signifies not just technical achievement, but a dedication to quality and safety.
“For employers, it’s the golden ticket to a reliable workforce. For individuals, it’s a passport to career advancement, increased wages, and a sense of pride in their craftsmanship. This milestone isn’t just about numbers; it’s about building a brighter future for woodworking, one credential at a time.”
The vast majority of the credentials were sawblade and core issued to high school and postsecondary woodworking students, WCA said. A small, but growing number of Green, Blue, and other credentialing levels were issued to woodworking professionals.
Last year also saw the WCA record modest gains in the number of participating woodworking educators, wood products manufacturers, and sponsors.
The Woodwork Career Alliance will be exhibiting at this year’s International Woodworking Fair in Atlanta in August and will also be conducting the “Building a Training Program for Your Workers” session focused on helping woodworking companies establish or enhance in-house training programs as part of the Fair program of educational seminars and presentations.
