Mill Technology Certificate 

The Mill Technology Certificate is designed for individuals seeking practical experience in Sawmill operations. Learners develop knowledge and skills via a short-term hands-on immersive learning experience, using state-of-the-art equipment in NTC’s training sawmill.  Foundational topics learners will cover include log and lumber grading, kiln drying, and mill operations.  Learners will also develop essential best practices related to sawmill safety, lumber manufacturing and basic maintenance tasks in a commercial-scale sawmill environment. Due to the hands-on nature of these classes, the program is limited to 12 students.

Focus Areas: 

  • Log Identification, Scaling and Grading
  • Hardwood Lumber Grading
  • Grade and Quarter Sawing Practices
  • Remanufacturing to Upgrade Lumber
  • Sawmill Safety an Operator Maintenance
  • Quality Control and Industry Metrics
  • Wood Science Fundamentals
  • Conventional Steam and DH Kiln Operation 
  • Sawmill Machine Centers Include: 
    • 54” Double Cut Band Headrig with a two-knee tilted carriage
    • 54” Horizontal Resaw and Preturning Workstation
    • 2-Saw Optimized Edger and a 2-Saw Double End Trimmer
    • Vibrating Conveyor, Chipper and Telehandler   

Classes:

Sawmill Safety and Maintenance

Lumber Manufacturing: Sawing, Edging and Trimming

Mill Operations Overview

Introduction to Hardwood Grading

Introduction to Kiln Drying

View class descriptions HERE. 

 

When:

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

March 17 – April 17, 2025

Where:

NTC Wood Technology Center of Excellence

312 Forrest Avenue Antigo, WI 54409

Cost:

Tuition, housing, and materials supported through a Workforce Innovation Grant!

This program is was developed as part of a Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Workforce Innovation Grant to create impactful training opportunities for the Forest Products Industry. As part of the grant, Wisconsin residents who participate in this first program offering will have all of the tuition, materials and housing costs covered! This is an incredible opportunity for individuals looking to explore the sawmill industry as a potential career as well as for people currently in the industry looking to upskill and learn more.