TBD
Program Overview and Course Structure
The Sawmill Operations Certificate Program provides the ideal preparation for fulfilling work in the high-demand forestry and wood products sector, with the overarching goal of developing the practical and business skills to run a small to medium-sized sawmill. You will gain proficiency in tree and lumber identification, and develop competency recognizing and sorting lumber quality parameters and defects.
With a unique combination of online lectures and in-person intensives, you’ll engage in applied learning to acclimate with the equipment related to log preparation, and the efficient dimensioning and grading of lumber, with strict adherence to required safely protocols. There is also the opportunity to customize your learning experience to enrich the certificate through an elective course specific to your career goals.
A capstone internship intensive with one of our vetted partners provides strong on-the-job skill-building and industry connections to hit the ground running with a network of commercial sawmill and wood product operations in Vermont and throughout the Northeast.
Program Outcomes
Understand roles and responsibilities within the forestry sector.
Gain practical skills with timber identification, selection and management, and, chainsaw operation.
Safely and effectively operate a bandsaw mill and milling attachments to gain competency in different lumber milling practices.
Learn and demonstrate competency in lumber grading; understand regulations and processes around lumber handling, grading and drying.
Tackle realistic problems and variables in complex, high-pressure workforce scenarios.
Demonstrate on-the-job competencies in sawmilling and/or select wood product operations.
Identify career pathways in the industry and establish professional contacts.
As an SME, you will create and revise original course materials following VTSU Online’s established course development process, including templates, milestones, and quality reviews. Compensation per course is $1,000.00/credit.
Course Details:
AFF-1040: From Logs to Lumber
Catalog Title: From Logs to Lumber
Credit Hours: 3
Format:
Hybrid (100% Remote Lectures, with one 3 day in-Person Lab Intensive at the Randolph Campus, including off-campus tours), AFF1030
.
Catalog Description:
In this course, students learn the principles of tree harvesting for wood product production. Students will demonstrate the abilities of choosing, cutting, skidding, and milling of common types of lumber in Vermont. Students will learn how to successfully operate and maintain a professional bandsaw mill, and receive an introduction in how to grade, stack and dry lumber.
Learning Outcomes:
Understand log standards, selection and grading. Scale lumber and understand milling practices related to the log and the lumber to maximize commercial value from harvesting to milling. Understand how a sawmill and various mill equipment work, including equipment maintenance. Safely and effectively operate a Wood Mizer Bandsaw mill and milling attachments to gain competency in different saw milling practices. Understand basic principles of lumber stacking, lumber grading and lumber drying.
Prerequisites: None.
Minimum Qualifications
Required minimum qualifications:
Qualified candidates should have applied (workforce) subject matter experience, either through direct work experience in the industry, educational degree(s)/certifications, or a combination thereof. Prior experience teaching is preferred.
Applicants should include a brief statement of interest and a resume or CV showing any relevant work and/or educational experience.
Scheduled Hours Weekly:
40
Budgeted Wage for this Position:
$1,000.00/credit.
Exempt Status:
Exempt
Grade:
T02
Job Posting Responsibilities: