WoodLINKS USA and Woodwork Career Alliance of North America are considering the prospect of merging the two organizations.
The merger, subject to final approval by the board of directors for both organizations, will enable WoodLINKS USA members to become education members of the WCA.
WoodLINKS USA has received significant industry support and developed a strong network of schools
since it was first established in the U.S. in 1999. WoodLINKS USA members are active in 16 states and work with thousands of students.
Under the proposed merger, all current school members of WoodLINKS USA will become Education members of the merged organization and will be provided with the same benefits afforded them under their membership terms with WoodLINKS USA.
The WCA has developed industry-recognized skill standards and a certification system for the woodworking industry. This agreement furthers the partnership created in 2010 between these two organizations.
WCA’s credentialing program was established in 2011, and is being adapted by industry as an important standard for training and evaluating personnel.
An educational arm of the WCA is being established to develop new recruits for the industry, primarily at the secondary and post‐secondary levels. Merging these two organizations will provide a stronger
network to train and evaluate current and future woodworkers.
“Overall, this merger will allow both organizations to expand their reach through shared resources”, said
Patrick Molzahn, president of WoodLINKS USA. A special credential for high school students, the Saw
Blade certificate, is being created to help students begin their credential process and career path.
An education committee has been created to help develop enhanced membership benefits and training
materials for participating teachers. July, 2013 is the targeted date for completion of the merger. For more information on the organizations, see www.woodlinksusa.org and woodworkcareer.org.