ForestryWorks® Piloting New Sawmill Worker Curriculum

Like much of the forest industry, lumber manufacturing companies are struggling to find qualified workers to fill essential jobs which threatens production, and in-turn, local economies. Oftentimes, traditional recruitment methods only address immediate openings, but don’t fully satisfy the ongoing needs created by a rapidly retiring workforce and high turnover in younger workers. While workforce challenges are complex, it stands to reason that a critical component of creating a sustainable workforce is capturing the attention of the next generations of workers. The ForestryWorks Sawmill Worker Curriculum is meeting this objective by introducing high school students to careers in lumber manufacturing. By teaching key sawmilling concepts, students are prepared for entry-level positions or more advanced training, and connections are being forged between local industry and its next generation of workers. 

This new curriculum in the ForestryWorks' catalog is being piloted in Alabama during spring and fall semesters of 2025, and will be available for expansion to other states beginning spring 2026. 

Curriculums by ForestryWorks are developed to prepare workers for employment in the forest industry. The Sawmill Worker Certificate Program specifically targets lumber manufacturing and is structured with 10 modules covering introductory topics like sawmill history and safety, to process-based topics featuring information about log processing, sawmilling, dry kilns, and planing. The curriculum also covers general maintenance information as well as the importance of quality control and performance metrics. As with all ForestryWorks curriculums, specific focus is given to industry careers, and students are provided with important career pathway information and resources to help then step directly into an entry-level position or to guide them to next steps for further training and career preparation.

These programs provide teachers and students with an adaptable curriculum to fit their schedule, learning resources, and online testing options. In addition, ForestryWorks program administrators and industry members provide support by assisting with mill tours and practical demonstrations to give students a firsthand look at sawmill operations. These interactive experiences offer practical insights into the work environment, helping students determine if sawmill work aligns with their skills and interests.

Teachers interested in teaching ForestryWorks curriculums are invited to attend a training to receive their certification(s). After teacher certification(s), the curriculum(s) can be taught in their classrooms and their students can then be tested on the program to receive their industry-recognized credential that is in many cases, also supportive of student graduation requirements. Current program availability can be seen at forestryworks.com/educators.

The Sawmill Worker and other ForestryWorks curriculums are implemented alongside a suite of workforce development programs working in tandem to address both short- and long-term employment needs of the forest industry. Other programs included in the ForestryWorks initiative include targeted marketing campaigns, custom employee recruitment programs, online job board, training programs, and the Tiny Timber Crew children’s book series.

For questions about ForestryWorks curriculum and credential programs, please reach out to ForestryWorks Education Director, Maggie Pope.