WoodDigest.com |

Richard Ungerbuehler, AWI's 2007-2008 president

Quality is one thing, but you need the correct skills to attain an optimum level of quality. That’s the thrust of an effort by the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI).

The AWI has been awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Forest Service, to spearhead the development of a national skills standard that will be widely used by manufacturers across industry lines to assist in the training and certification of young people entering the workplace as well as improving the skills of those already engaged.

A foundation, the Woodwork Career Alliance of North America, was created to oversee the skill standards initiative and has established writing teams to draft the skill standards for a wide variety of woodworking disciplines. Teams have been assigned to focus on specific machinery and new technologies which are emerging. A working draft of the standards will be unveiled at the International Woodworking Fair in August.

In addition, AWI has established an Education Foundation for the purpose of administrating existing scholarships as well as providing an avenue for AWI members, friends, and other industry shareholders to make tax deductible contributions to the scholarship fund to benefit those preparing for full-time participation in the woodworking industry. Those who would like to know more, may contact Phil Duvic at AWI Headquarters.

AWI president Richard Ungerbuehler says that like other industry sectors, AWI members are feeling the effects of a down housing market and a slow economy, in general. “As any industry observer is aware, the construction industry is in turmoil, complicated not by need or demand as much as by the poor choices made by banking and mortgage companies who chose to feed the ever-growing monster they created rather than make wise lending decisions,” he says. “ARM’s, sub-prime and no interest loans, coupled with the failure to be more selective when accommodating needy borrowers, has made the savings and loan debacle of a few years ago seem like a minor blip on the financial radar screen. Global competition continues to challenge our domestic markets and will continue to expand in the foreseeable future.”

So who has been affected the most?

“Lumberyards and commodity suppliers are hit the hardest, many of whom have closed satellite locations, reduced their staff by as much as 50 percent, sold trucks and consolidated their operations,” Ungerbuehler says. “AWI members have felt the pinch, developers have withdrawn as well, fine finish materials are being scaled back in design, and demand is slowing.

“Education and the healthcare sectors remain strong, as does hospital and public projects. Firms that focus on their core abilities will not only be able to survive; some are and will continue to do well.”

MORE CHALLENGES

So what other challenges do AWI members face? “As I noted before, the bear market, global competition, the falling dollar and the current housing market slump, coupled with what many are calling a recession, will challenge all within the Association,” Ungerbuehler explains. “While some have chosen to close their doors — and others are weighing their options — for many, in various parts of the country, they are looking at some of the best times for their business in years. Expansion is underway for several of our member firms; some are relocating into larger facilities.”

“So, for some, the challenge is to find a way to satisfy the demand; for others, it is a time to plan for survival,” he says.

Ungerbuehler notes a number of industry trends that may help AWI members and others to excel in a soft business climate. “Technology continues to be an essential competitive element in our industry,” he says.

“Most new equipment is computer driven and, as such, much of the skill formerly required is now replaced through automation. The improvements in software choices are tremendous although a bit confusing at times.

“Also, the green movement and LEED construction projects have certainly captured the attention of the industry; although, the added cost associated with the LEED standards are being met with some resistance.”

Still, the craftsman aspect of woodworkers can’t be left behind, Ungerbuehler says. “It has always been my belief that God gave us two hands to use for a reason,” he says. “Even with all of the technological advances being made, the one who is able to use, and enjoys working with, his hands will never want for work. In spite of what one may experience in his corner of the world, opportunities abound elsewhere.

“The world truly is a stage, and the number of stage hands required to produce the command performance that all expect continues to expand. New stars are being born every day and those that are fading willingly share their experiences with their replacements. Those who are hurting, fueled daily by negative press, feel like the curtain is falling. Not so. The curtain continues to rise… our best days remain before us.”