GLENVILLE, WV – Last month, Glenville State University hosted a Lumber Grading Training through the Appalachian Hardwood Training Initiative and the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA).

NHLA Lumber Inspector Mark Depp was on hand for the three-day lumber grading short course. Ten students representing five different sawmills took part in the daylong classes. They learned the basics of lumber grading and practiced grading after completing work in the classroom.

Glenville State University’s Workforce Coach Gabrielle Dean has been working to identify training needs within the industry and helped create and facilitate the training.

“This was a great opportunity for those who attended to learn directly from industry experts. We hope to offer another log grading short course in the future,” Dean said.

The training was funded in part by a grant Glenville State received from the Appalachian Regional Commission Power Initiative. Through the grant, the Appalachian Hardwood Training Initiative aims to help strengthen the hardwood industry workforce and ensure a steady supply of future applicants. Students who wish to enroll into the forestry program at Glenville State may also be eligible for a scholarship as part of the grant.

Hardwood industry companies are encouraged to contact Dean at Gabrielle.Dean@glenville.edu or (304) 462-6377 for additional information or for future training opportunities.