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Appalachian Hardwood Training Initiative (AHTI)

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ABOUT

The Appalachian Hardwood Training Initiative (AHTI) will develop educational and training opportunities for those employed in the industry's sawmills and wood manufacturing facilities throughout the ARC region as well as for underemployed and unemployed individuals in the region. 

A Hardwood Federation study attributes $91.7 billion in economic impact and over 510,000 related jobs in ARC states. Educators, businesses, and workforce providers in Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia will develop opportunities and extend them to all ARC states. Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Inc. members identified key skills required by the industry, providing a foundation to address current gaps. 

AHTI will use a multi-pronged strategy that:

  • minimizes geographical boundary impact
  • engages employers
  • develops shared curricula

 

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Education and training, complemented by workforce assets, will assist those seeking entry-level positions and provide a laddered approach to other positions within the industry that require higher-level skills at higher wages. 
  
Focused Instruction in these areas:

  • Log Grading and Scaling
  • Lumber Grading and Scaling
  • Hardwood Sawing for Grade Lumber
  • Edging Lumber and Resaw Operation
  • Lumber Drying Techniques and Grading
  • Lumber Stresses, Figures, and Character
  • Log Yard Equipment Operation (loading and unloading with Knuckleboom and Wheel-Loader)
  • Log Yard OSHA Safety and Environmental Monitoring
  • Sawmill OSHA Safety and Environmental Monitoring
  • General Maintenance
  • Basic Machinist
  • Basic Welding
  • Basic Commercial Electronics
  • Basic Computer Operations
  • Operating Microsoft Excel, Access or other Database software
  • Class A CDL/Class B CDL
  • First Aid/CPR/Pandemic Safeguards
  • Chainsaw Operation and Maintenance
  • Knowledge such as reading, writing, and mathematics for the industry

 

UPCOMING TRAININGS

See upcoming courses and trainings offered through MGCC's Workforce Solutions, visit www.mgcc.edu/workforce.

 

 

Participating Colleges: MGCC (lead), Big Sandy Community and Technical College (Kentucky), Haywood Community College (North Carolina) and Glenville State University (West Virginia).

AHTI Partners