Industry associations form workforce coalition
No less than 11 wood industry associations have formed a coalition aimed at the long-term growth of the industry by sustaining an engaged workforce.
The Wood Industry Resource Collaborative (WIRC). Pronounced “Work,” the collaboration includes a consortium of trade associations, all related to the woodworking or the wood products manufacturing industry. The group said its purpose is to provide a collection of tools and solutions for the wood industry to attract and retain employees, while improving the perception of the industry. This group exists to connect industry associations with one another and support and strengthen the woodworking industry and their associations’ members by sharing information and resources.
Charter members include AWFS (Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers); AWI (Architectural Woodwork Institute); CMA (Cabinet Makers Association); HMA (Hardwood Manufacturers Association); NBMDA (North American Building Material Distribution Association); NWFA (National Wood Flooring Association); WCMA (Wood Component Manufacturers Association); WMIA (Woodworking Machinery Industry Association); WMMA (Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America); WPMA (Wood Product Manufacturers Association); and WMMPA (Moulding & Millwork Producers Association).
WIRC has set series of goals and identified influencers who can drive interest in the wood industry as a career path, including parents, teachers, social media, and financial resources. Goals include:
Attract Employees: Increase student awareness of wood industry careers; increase parent awareness of wood industry careers; increase student engagement; and increase High School counselor awareness of wood industry careers.
Retain Employees: Increase association memberships; improve association member engagement and satisfaction; and improve work culture at member companies.
Improve the Perception of the Industry: Develop and communicate the stories of the industry; increase positive media coverage; increase engagement with legislative and educator communities; and involve more associations in WIRC initiatives.
The primary target for the group’s efforts will be Generation Z―people born between 1995 and 2014 who are the most diverse and multicultural of any generation in the U.S. About 55% are Caucasian, 24% are Hispanic, 14% are African-American and 4% are Asian, the group said. In addition to the youngest generation, the group will also target Millennials and possibly Gen Xers.
“The group is working to identify what each association brings to the table, and what each needs for their members to change corporate culture and attract and retain good employees,” said group organizer Adria Salvatore, education director of the Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers.
For more information about WIRC, visit www.woodindustryed.org/wirc.
The Wood Industry Resource Collaborative (WIRC). Pronounced “Work,” the collaboration includes a consortium of trade associations, all related to the woodworking or the wood products manufacturing industry. The group said its purpose is to provide a collection of tools and solutions for the wood industry to attract and retain employees, while improving the perception of the industry. This group exists to connect industry associations with one another and support and strengthen the woodworking industry and their associations’ members by sharing information and resources.
Charter members include AWFS (Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers); AWI (Architectural Woodwork Institute); CMA (Cabinet Makers Association); HMA (Hardwood Manufacturers Association); NBMDA (North American Building Material Distribution Association); NWFA (National Wood Flooring Association); WCMA (Wood Component Manufacturers Association); WMIA (Woodworking Machinery Industry Association); WMMA (Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America); WPMA (Wood Product Manufacturers Association); and WMMPA (Moulding & Millwork Producers Association).
WIRC has set series of goals and identified influencers who can drive interest in the wood industry as a career path, including parents, teachers, social media, and financial resources. Goals include:
Attract Employees: Increase student awareness of wood industry careers; increase parent awareness of wood industry careers; increase student engagement; and increase High School counselor awareness of wood industry careers.
Retain Employees: Increase association memberships; improve association member engagement and satisfaction; and improve work culture at member companies.
Improve the Perception of the Industry: Develop and communicate the stories of the industry; increase positive media coverage; increase engagement with legislative and educator communities; and involve more associations in WIRC initiatives.
The primary target for the group’s efforts will be Generation Z―people born between 1995 and 2014 who are the most diverse and multicultural of any generation in the U.S. About 55% are Caucasian, 24% are Hispanic, 14% are African-American and 4% are Asian, the group said. In addition to the youngest generation, the group will also target Millennials and possibly Gen Xers.
“The group is working to identify what each association brings to the table, and what each needs for their members to change corporate culture and attract and retain good employees,” said group organizer Adria Salvatore, education director of the Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers.
For more information about WIRC, visit www.woodindustryed.org/wirc.