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.
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.
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.
Examines proven strategies designed to help learners achieve greater personal, academic, and professional success. Learners will apply personal responsibility thinking and behaviors; self- management, awareness, and motivation strategies; as well as interdependence skills to develop a proactive life plan.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Introduces learners to the format and types of questions given in the math, chemistry, and anatomy & physiology portions of the HESI test. Sample questions and possible study materials will be discussed. Upon completion of the course, learners will have a greater understanding of the test. Additionally, course completion will assist in determining if learners feel ready to test, or would like to pursue additional study opportunities prior to testing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
