Closing the Skills Gap in the Woodworking Industry

Discover how Microvellum, schools, and wood product manufacturers can collaborate to close the skills gap and create career opportunities for the next generation of woodworkers.

Our Adopt-a-School Initative

The woodworking industry is facing a critical shortage of skilled professionals, and the path from classroom to career isn’t always clear. Many schools and CTE programs lack the resources and training needed to fully prepare students for today’s high-tech woodworking roles.

Microvellum is tackling this challenge by equipping schools with the tools and training to bridge the skills gap and set students up for success. We call it our Adopt-a-School initiative.

Students in a classroom environment learning how to use MIcrovellum's AutoCAD-based cabinet design-to-manufacturing software, Toolbox.

Strengthening the Connection Between Schools and Wood Product Manufactures

Closing the skills gap in the woodworking industry requires strong partnerships between schools, teachers, students, and industry professionals. These connections raise awareness of career opportunities for students while supporting teachers in delivering industry-relevant education. By linking classroom learning with real-world experience, schools create clear paths to employment.

Through our Adopt-a-School initiative, we provide schools with the resources to bridge the gap between education and the workplace. This program gives students hands-on exposure to industry-standard tools and prepares them for the workforce. Beyond the classroom, job shadowing and internships offer students deeper insights into wood product design and manufacturing, helping them transition from learning to earning. Companies that participate in these opportunities play a key role by mentoring the next generation of woodworking professionals.

Hear from Concepts in Millwork, a custom architectural millwork company based in Colorado, as they share insights on nurturing the next generation of woodworkers.

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A Comprehensive Solution for Learning Cabinet Design

Through our Adopt-a-School initiative, we provide schools with free access to Microvellum’s AutoCAD-based Toolbox software and other resources designed to teach real-world skills. By introducing students to the advanced technology used in modern cabinet design, engineering, and manufacturing, we help them build practical, career-ready skills.

What are the eligibility requirements for schools?

Microvellum evaluates donation requests based on specific eligibility criteria:

Educators must demonstrate a willingness to partner with local manufacturers or industry professionals who use Microvellum software, giving students real-world learning opportunities.
The institution must be a K-12 public school, affiliated program, college, or university offering a wood technology program.
A valid, school-issued email address is required for application.

What's included in the donation?

Annual subscription(s) to Microvellum's AutoCAD-based Toolbox software – intended for use within school computer labs or tech centers.
Full access to all software modules for design, drafting, estimating, engineering, and CNC manufacturing.
Post processors for any CNC machine owned or used by the school.
Access to Microvellum University (MVU) training plans, sample projects, videos, and quizzes.
Introduction to local manufacturers who use Microvellum software.

Real-World Education in Cabinet Manufacturing Technology

Students participating in the Microvellum University (MVU) eLearning program have access to a wide range of resources, including sample projects, AutoCAD drawings, PDFs, and more. These tools enable students to follow along with their training, using real project data as reference points. The MVU training videos are taught by a cabinetmaker who has extensive experience using Microvellum software. This practical, project-based approach mirrors the professional environment, ensuring students gain the hands-on experience they'll need in the workforce.