Employment of industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, woodworkers and millwrights is projected to grow 7 percent from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The need to keep increasingly sophisticated machinery functioning and efficient will continue to create demand for these workers. The industry needs workers and is actively hiring. There’s a variety of career options – from CAD Drafters and Designers to Sales, Marketing and Engineering.
CNC Operator, Programmer, Specialist, Engineers, mechanical and industrial, Quality Control Specialist, CAD/CAM Specialist, Schedulers, Planners, Assemblers, Maintenance, Production Managers, General Managers, Finance Staff, Accounting, Human Resource, Sales Representative, Marketing, Environmental, Health and Safety Staff, Supervisors, Managers, General laborers, Furniture Designer/Maker, Management Trainee, Production Supervisor, Moulder Technician, Lean Manufacturing Specialist, Hardwood Lumber Inspector, Wood Technologist, Hardwood Log Scaler/Grader, Wood Products Field Inspector, Dry Kiln Operator, EWP Technical Support Specialist, International Lumber Trader, Log Procurement, Production Superintendent, Finisher, Millworker, Solid Surface Laminator, Production Scheduler, Machine Operator (various machines)
WCMA hosts a fall conference each year, and students involved in a wood manufacturing program are invited to attend. The event consists of speakers, as well as touring manufacturing facilities in the area.
The Wood Component Manufacturers Association (WCMA) represents manufacturers of dimension and wood component products who can supply any component you might need for cabinetry, furniture, architectural millwork, closets, flooring, staircases, building materials, and decorative/specialty wood products made from hardwoods, softwoods, and a variety of engineered wood materials. WCMA member companies are located throughout the United States and Canada. The WCMA makes it easy for buyers to find WCMA members that can produce the wood component products they need in both solid and engineered wood materials.
Most millwrights go through an apprenticeship program that may last up to 4 years. Educational requirements vary for sales representatives and depend on the type of products sold. If the products are not scientific or technical, a high school diploma is generally sufficient for entry into the occupation. If the products are scientific or technical, sales representatives typically need at least a bachelor’s degree. Most sales managers have a bachelor’s degree and work experience as a sales representative.
