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| Wood Machinists/Woodworkers |
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| Employment Increase: |
28% |
| People In Field: |
332,000 |
| Average Salary: |
$21,000 |
| Qualifications: |
High School, Training |
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Nature of the Work:
Wood is one of the oldest, most basic building materials. Even in our age of
sophisticated composites and alloys, the demand for wood products continues
unabated. Helping to meet this demand are production woodworkers, precision
woodworkers, and wood machinists. Production woodworkers can be found in primary
industries, such as sawmills and plywood mills, as well as in secondary industries
that manufacture furniture, kitchen cabinets, musical instruments, and other
fabricated wood products. Precision woodworkers, on the other hand, usually work
in small shops that make architectural woodwork, furniture, and many other specialty
items.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement:
Most woodworkers are trained on the job, picking up
skills informally from experienced workers. Some acquire
skills through vocational education or by working as carpenters
on construction jobs. Others may attend colleges or
universities that offer training in many areas, including wood
technology, furniture manufacturing, wood engineering, and
production management. These programs prepare students for
positions in production, supervision, engineering, or management.
Job Outlook:
Employment in the woodworking occupations is expected to grow through
the year 2005. There will be approximately 60,000 wood machinists and
272,000 precision woodworkers by 2005. As the population, personal income,
and business expenditures grow, the demand for wood products will increase.
In addition, the continuing need for repair and renovation of residential
and commercial properties is expected to stimulate demand. Opportunities
for woodworkers who specialize in such items as moldings, cabinets, stairs,
and windows should therefore be particularly good.
Sources of Additional Information:
For general information about this occupation, contact:
The Association for Manufacturing Technology
7901 Westpark Dr.
McLean, VA 22102
The National Tooling and Machining Association
9300 Livingston Rd.
Fort Washington, MD 20744
The Tooling and Manufacturing Association
1177 South Dee Rd.
Park Ridge, IL 60068
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