Business

Harvard Study Gets Thumbs Up by Woodworking Group

By Mike Botta

Tuscola, IL – The head of WoodLINKS USA, the non-profit national program designed to aid the nation’s wood manufacturing industry, recently applauded a report by Harvard University calling for high schools to improve their vocational training programs.

Harvard’s "Pathways to Prosperity" study suggests that attending a four-year college may not be the best choice for all students and that the current system of education is not adequately preparing students for the world of work, according to Mark Smith, WoodLINKS national director.

Lacking Skills and Work Ethic

Smith, in a message to members, said the university’s report found that many young adults lack the skills and work ethic needed for today's work environment, and that schools should partner with industry to include more industry driven education, internships, field trips, and greater access to job related experiences while still in school.

To see the full report, click on the following link: http://www.gse.harvard.edu/news_events/features/2011/Pathways_to_Prosperity_Feb2011.pdf

“Thank you Harvard University, this is exactly what WoodLINKS USA wants to see happen as well,” Smith said. “As all those in the (WoodLINKS) family know, education partnering with industry is exactly what our teachers and students need for relevant, up-to-date education and for industry to have access to entry level skilled employees.”

Going Forward

He thanked members and other supporters for help over the last decade at helping in the overall effort. “Your support has changed the course of many wood programs throughout the USA,” he said. “An estimated 60,000 students have been exposed to the wood industry as a career and 6,000 enter the industry as skilled, entry level employees.”

Looking ahead, Smith said WoodLINKS in 2011 is working on four major goals: Updating the organization’s website; generating new revenue streams; increasing the number of board members from the manufacturing sector, and developing a stronger marketing program. www.woodlinksusa.org