Lunch and Learn Grows for USA’s Young Woodworkers

More than 70 students attended a special “Lunch and Learn” session presented by Vero Software in the USA, aimed at mentoring woodworkers of the future. And following its success, another school has asked for a similar presentation for over 220 of its students.

CABINET VISION consultant Pete Robertson, of Vero Software’s Pacific Northwest office, Planned Solutions LLC, in Kirkland WA, introduced the range of Vero’s woodworking software to students from Rogers High School in Puyallop, WA, who were interested in learning about potential careers in the woodworking industry.
 
“We learned at the Architectural Woodwork Institute’s National Convention that the average age of workers in our industry is over 40,” he says. “This led us to think who will buy or takeover shops when owners retire? We felt we need to lower the average age of workers, to maintain interest in the industry, and nurture its growth for another generation.”

Backed by the theme of supporting partnerships in the woodworking community, Pete Robertson, along with Stiles Machinery and eight AWI members and affiliates, attended Rogers High School’s “Lunch and Learn” event. He gave a detailed demonstration of CABINET VISION and its Screen-to-MachineTM technology.

The school’s shop teacher, Jon Cerio, says the presentation about Vero’s woodworking software had a big impact on his students. Students’ comments include:
•    “Can I really own my own wood shop and have computer software to run it?”
•    “I can’t believe how easy your software can design and build kitchens! I’ve always dreamed of designing rooms since I was a little girl.”
•    “CABINET VISION will let me have a free trial of software. I can’t wait to get home and try it out.”
•    “I can’t believe a software company would really give my high school free software for me to learn.”
•    “I downloaded the trial, and it worked awesome – I’m going to cut out the pieces for the cabinet on our shop CNC equipment tomorrow.”

Pete Robertson says: “We all need to get involved for the future, today, by participating in High School events like this and mentoring young adults to seed the market.”  

Following the success of the software demonstration at Rogers High School, he is now lining up a similar presentation to 228 youngsters, following a request from North Salem High School in Oregon.

* Image shows typical class learning about CABINET VISION