Students and Parents,

When I became a teacher in 2015 after nearly 20 years in the Wood Products Manufacturing and Construction industries, it was clear that we were in desperate need of an influx of talented, passionate young people. While not as glamorous as some industries, Wood Manufacturing and Construction provide some of the most rewarding and lucrative opportunities available to you.

A common misconception is that Manufacturing and Construction only offer low pay and require no higher education. While this is true of entry level jobs, these industries are vast and diverse with a huge supporting cast. Take my experience for example: I started on the shop floor like most young workers without higher education, but I was soon able to transition into the office doing customer service. Later, I became a sales representative and started my own Cabinet Manufacturing company which I ran successfully for 12 years.

During the great recession, I worked as a Global Sourcing Manager traveling to China numerous times to meet with suppliers and oversee large retail display projects. There's no limit to where you can go in these industries and unlike most careers, at the end of the day, you can step back and marvel at the beautiful, functional things you have created.

I invite you to join me and the millions of others that earn their living through Woodworking and Construction. You will learn skills that will serve you and your community throughout your lifetime and you will have a ton of fun doing it.

-Mr. Clarke