One of the issues frequently discussed among wood flooring professionals is the difficulty of finding skilled labor. The NWFA is addressing this by creating awareness about careers within the wood flooring industry. As part of this effort, the NWFA recently partnered with Burns, Tennessee-based Middle TN Lumber for its fourth annual Manufacturing Day.
Manufacturing Day is an annual celebration of modern manufacturing during which manufacturers invite members of their communities to their facilities to educate them about career opportunities and improve public perceptions about jobs in manufacturing.
Nearly 100 students and teachers from three area high schools participated in Middle TN Lumber’s event, which included hands-on activities and a tour of the drying yard, kilns, sawmill, grading line, and flooring mill. The day was designed to help students gain insight into the many careers available in the lumber and wood flooring industries.
“Many students who visited us were high school seniors enrolled in construction classes trying to figure out what they will do with their lives. It was so satisfying to watch their eyes light up as they toured our plant,” says Jesse Joyce, president and owner of Middle TN Lumber. “Giving them a first-hand experience is a great way for us to make an introduction, with the hope they might seek us out in the future.”
Click here to watch a video recap of Manufacturing Day.
Learn more about the education and training opportunities NWFA members can implement in their communities by contacting the NWFA at education@nwfa.org.
