Advanced Lumber Grading 10465180

Expands of the skills previously introduced through the use of more advanced standard grade classifications and methods.  Learners build additional experience in the grading of hardwood lumber and logs and enhance their merchandising knowledge and understanding with emphasis on hands-on exercises and techniques.

Advanced Wood Manufacturing 10465195

Apply upper-level topics and business metrics to guide manufacturing decisions. Key topics will include incorporating technology and automation to optimize production, yield and value. In addition, this case study-based class will focus on lean manufacturing, understanding cost structure, data analysis and statistical process control.

Business Applications of AI 10156122

Explores the use of AI in modern business environments, focusing on practical applications such as predictive analytics, customer relationship management, and automation. Students will analyze real-world case studies, assess the benefits and challenges of integrating AI into business operations, and explore AI-powered business tools and platforms.

CNC Router 1 10465188

Explore Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Routers and how they are used in the secondary manufacturing industry. Learners will attain a fundamental understanding of Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) and Computer Aided Machining (CAM) software as well as machine operation. Learners will also get a basic overview of the types of tooling used with CNC routers.

Data Concepts 1 10156131

Data Concepts 2 10156132

Data Mining & Predicitve Analytics 2 10156111

Employs RapidMiner, R, and Orange software packages in order to explore text mining using classification algorithms. Uses k-nearest neighbor and decision trees to further explore classification on structured data. Lastly, learners evaluate time series data using forecasting algorithms. Learners demonstrate their findings via PowerPoint and short video presentations.

Data Mining & Predictive Analytics 1 10156109

Employs RapidMiner, R, and Orange software packages in order to facilitate exploration of clustering, association, and text mining algorithms. Learners import a variety of data and use the algorithms in the various software products to extract meaningful information. Learners demonstrate their findings via PowerPoint and short video presentations.

Data Mining & Predictive Analytics 3 10156115

Employs Python, Excel, R, and other GUI software to explore a variety of algorithms that fall under the umbrella of predictive analytics and data mining. Learners derive meaning from data using neural networks. Learners apply statistical models including linear and logistic regression. Lastly, learners evaluate data using Naïve Bayes and Bayesian Networks. Learners demonstrate their findings via PowerPoint and short video presentations.

Data Visualizations 1 10156113

Design charts, graphs, dashboards, and other visualizations with an understanding of color and chart type. Learners use the appropriate types of chart based on the data that is being presented and the audience that is viewing the presentation and also build charts for the purpose of exploratory data analysis.

Data Visualizations 2 10156117

Builds on Data Visualizations 1 and emphasizes choosing proper charts for quantitative and time-series analysis. Learners build effective dashboards and tell effective stories based on audience needs and analytical comfort. Learners contrast the ways in which data visualization can be used to tell truthful and untruthful stories.

Drying Science Of Wood 10465182

Explores the full process of drying wood, including wood structure, the full relationship between different environmental variables, and developing kiln operating schedules.  Learners also examine all stages of drying, how to prevent the material degradation, air drying, and steaming. 

Ethics and Implications of AI 10156123

Examines the ethical, legal, and societal implications of artificial intelligence (AI). Students will explore issues such as bias in algorithms, data privacy, and the broader impact of AI on employment and social structures and will utilize frameworks for ethical AI development and deployment, emphasizing responsible data-driven decision making.

Foundations of Data Engineering 10156124

Provides a comprehensive introduction to data engineering principles and foundational cloud computing for data. Students will learn to build and maintain scalable data pipelines, process and store large datasets, and implement cloud-based solutions for secure and efficient data management. With a focus on real-world applications, this course explores data ingestion, transformation, and storage strategies using AWS tools. By combining essential cloud computing skills with data engineering techniques, students will develop the expertise needed to support analytics, machine learning, and business intelligence workflows across diverse environments.

Fundamentals Of Furniture Manufacturing 10465119

This course is designed to provide the foundational knowledge and skills to manufacture furniture. Topics covered include: furniture design styles, sourcing raw material for projects, tool selection, machine operation, joinery and furniture construction.

Intro to Hardwood Grading 10465179

Expands of the skills previously introduced through the use of more advanced standard grade classifications and methods.  Learners build additional experience in the grading of hardwood lumber and logs and enhance their merchandising knowledge and understanding with emphasis on hands-on exercises and techniques.

Intro To Kiln Drying 10465181

Introduces participants to the fundamentals of kiln drying lumber. The basics of determining moisture content, preparing samples and operating a dry kiln will be covered as well as an overview of different types of dry kiln equipment.

Introduction to AI 10156121

Introduces the fundamental concepts and history of artificial intelligence (AI), including machine learning, neural networks, large language models and natural language processing. Students will explore AI technologies, review their development over time, and study their impact on society. This foundation will provide students with the necessary framework to understand and work with AI in future courses and professional settings.

Introduction to Forest Products 10465183

Explores the entire forest products supply-chain including sectors, current trends, career paths, and environments related to wood manufacturing. Establishes the importance of health and safety practices in the industry and introduces learners to various hazards they will encounter across industry, including sawmills, wood shops, and industrial settings. Learners will develop basic knowledge of OSHA, mills and shops in the forest products industry, and will have the opportunity to earn an NTC Forklift Operator Certificate.

Introduction to Python 10156102

Introduces computer programming and terminology in the Python programming language. Special attention is paid to concepts essential to writing basic computer programs. These concepts include: Data Types, Expressions, Loops, File Interaction, Collections, and Functions. Additionally, several tools required to develop Python applications will be explored. Throughout the course learners will develop increasingly complex applications as new topics are introduced.

Introduction to R 10156114

Introduce learners to the foundational concepts of data programming in the open-source language R. Learners explore ways to visualize data, examine data structures, and model the relationship between variables using commands in R. Learners incorporate problem-solving and critical thinking skills as they write commands to support their work with data analysis.

Lumber Manufacturing: Sawing, Edging & Trimming 10465178

Explores the general overview of plant layout, machine centers, and different product flow in a lumber manufacturing setting.  Learners focus on the mix of species, and how these can be utilized in various product lines, and examine the processing of lumber through sawing, edging, and trimming manufacturing operations.

Mill Operations Overview 10465186

Explores the hierarchy of the forest products industry structure as it relates to sawmill production facilities.  Learners will examine best practices and key performance indicators and apply these concepts in a live mill environment.  Topics that learners will focus on include lumber yield, grade proficiency, optimization of production flow, and downtime mitigation. 

Python for Data Analytics 10156103

Introduces topics and libraries related to data analytics in the Python programming language. Learners will explore reading, processing, and writing files in native Python. Then they will explore data analytics, processing and visualization using NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib and Seaborn.

Rough Mill 10465187

Explore rough mill operations in secondary wood manufacturing with emphasis on material flow, machine setup, and process efficiency. Learners operate planers, ripsaws, and chopsaws safely; analyze yield data; and develop rip and cut lists that meet production specifications and optimize material use.

Sawmill Safety & Maintenance 10465184

Builds on the safety and sawmill knowledge from previous classes to provide learners with more in-depth working knowledge of sawmills and their related hazards. Examines the need for regular preventive and essential maintenance of equipment, tools, and blades, and the safety challenges related to each, including where maintenance fails. Prepares students to prevent injuries, fatalities and break-downs in a mill environment within a safe and secure dedicated learning facility.

Wood Industry Teacher Camp 47465558

The Wood Industry Teacher Camp is an immersive, hands-on professional development experience designed to connect K12 educators and administrators with the forest products industry. This program highlights all the steps and careers in the wood industry from log evaluation and lumber manufacturing to drying lumber and making finished products. Participants will operate commercial scale equipment at the NTC Wood Technology Center of Excellence including the new state of the art training sawmill. In addition to hands on experience, participants will also learn about resources to take back to their classrooms and go on an industry tour to gain further insight into this field.

Wood Species Identification 10465185

Identify wood species and develop knowledge on the applications for different woods.  Learners will explore these concepts via hands-on experience, and establish basic understanding of wood cell types, identification characteristics, and material features. 

Wood Veneer, Panels & Composites 10465177

Establishes the breakdown of logs into veneers, panels and wood composites. Learners identify and explore the basic breakdown processes, uses of these different material types, and their various applications in the woods and manufacturing industries.