How can we help?

Appalachian Hardwood Training Initiative (AHTI)

Need Help? Let’s Chat
<<< Back to Programs and Careers

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 AND TRAINING

If you're an employer or industry professional interested in earning credentials or expanding your training, connect with your local contact to explore customized training opportunities that may be available to you.

 

HARDWOOD INDUSTRY PATHWAYS

Forester
  • Forest Management: Develop and implement plans to maintain and enhance forest health.
  • Wildlife Conservation: Preserve wildlife habitats and support animal species.
  • Fire Prevention: Assess risks and implement suppression protocols.
  • Public Outreach: Raise awareness about forest conservation.
Utility Forester
  • Vegetation Inspection: Identify tree hazards near utility lines.
  • Coordination: Work with utility companies for safety.
  • Management Plans: Maintain clearances around infrastructure.
  • Public Education: Promote responsible planting.
Private Timber Land Forester
  • Timberland Assessment: Survey tree health and value.
  • Harvesting: Oversee sustainable logging.
  • Conservation: Protect biodiversity.
  • Client Education: Advise on best practices.
Research Forester
  • Practice Development: Improve forest management methods.
  • Data Collection: Study ecosystems for decision-making.
  • Collaboration: Work with scientists and stakeholders.
  • Climate Mitigation: Develop sustainable practices.
Land Surveyor
  • Site Surveys: Measure land with precision tools.
  • Survey Reports: Create maps and legal documents.
  • Stakeholder Coordination: Support engineers and architects.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure accurate boundaries.
GIS Technician
  • Data Collection: Use GPS and satellite for forest data.
  • Spatial Analysis: Plan optimal harvesting areas.
  • Map Creation: Build maps for timber and logistics.
  • Database Maintenance: Keep GIS data updated and compliant.
Sawmill Operator
  • Overall Management and Operations: Oversee the entire process of wood processing, from log intake to finished lumber production.
  • Staff Management and Training: Manage and train staff, ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
  • Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Perform routine maintenance and repairs on sawmill machinery.
  • Quality Control and Safety Compliance: Implement quality control measures and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Sawmill Manager
  • Daily Operations and Production Management: Oversee daily production processes, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
  • Quality Control and Safety Compliance: Implement and monitor quality control measures and enforce safety protocols.
  • Employee Management and Training: Manage and train staff, conducting regular training sessions and performance evaluations.
  • Sales and Inventory Management: Oversee lumber and log sales, managing inventory levels and coordinating with sales teams.
Office Manager
  • Administrative Oversight: Oversee day-to-day administrative operations, including scheduling meetings and managing office supplies.
  • Coordination and Communication: Coordinate with various departments to ensure seamless operations and effective communication.
  • Staff Management and Training: Manage office staff, conduct training sessions, and ensure productivity.
  • Budgeting and Resource Management: Create and manage office budgets, monitor supplies, and ensure a safe and productive office environment.
Business Manager
  • Strategic Planning and Execution: Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve organizational goals.
  • Financial Oversight and Budget Management: Manage budgets, forecast financial performance, and ensure efficient resource allocation.
  • Team Leadership and Development: Lead and motivate teams, ensuring alignment with company objectives.
  • Operational Efficiency and Process Improvement: Assess and improve business processes to enhance operational efficiency.
Administrative Assistant
  • Clerical and Organizational Support: Perform a variety of clerical tasks, such as managing calendars and organizing files.
  • Communication and Correspondence: Handle communication tasks, including answering phone calls and drafting emails.
  • Data Management and Reporting: Maintain and update databases, prepare reports, and manage office records.
  • Office Supply Management: Order and manage office supplies, ensuring the office is well-stocked and equipped.
Accountant
  • Financial Record Management: Prepare and examine financial records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with laws.
  • Budgeting and Forecasting: Prepare budget forecasts and financial reports, analyzing data to identify trends.
  • Tax Preparation and Compliance: Handle tax-related tasks, including preparing tax returns and ensuring compliance with tax laws.
  • Auditing and Internal Controls: Conduct audits to assess financial operations and ensure effective internal controls.
Industrial Maintenance Mechanic
  • Inspection and Diagnosis: Perform thorough inspections of machinery to identify faults and malfunctions.
  • Repair and Maintenance: Repair and maintain mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic components of heavy machinery.
  • Preventative Maintenance: Conduct regular preventative maintenance to prevent equipment failures.
  • Technical Expertise and Safety Compliance: Interpret technical manuals and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Welder
  • Manufacturing and Maintenance of Logging Equipment: Ensure logging machinery is durable and reliable.
  • Repair and Reinforcement of Machinery: Repair and reinforce critical components of forestry equipment.
  • Customization and Adaptation of Equipment: Modify machinery to meet specific operational needs.
  • Construction and Maintenance of Sawmill Infrastructure: Construct and maintain sawmill infrastructure for optimal performance.
Machinist
  • Manufacturing and Maintenance of Machinery: Produce and maintain specialized machinery used in logging and sawmills.
  • Customization and Fabrication: Create custom parts and tools needed for specific forestry and lumber processing tasks.
  • Precision and Quality Control: Ensure all machinery and tools meet stringent quality standards.
  • Repair and Troubleshooting: Diagnose and repair mechanical issues in forestry and lumber processing equipment.
CNC Operator
  • Machine Setup and Operation: Set up, program, and operate CNC machines to cut, shape, and finish hardwood lumber.
  • Quality Control: Inspect and measure finished products to ensure they meet specifications.
  • Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Perform routine maintenance on CNC machinery and troubleshoot issues.
  • Safety Compliance: Adhere to safety protocols to prevent accidents.
Instrumentation Technician
  • Instrument Setup and Operation: Install, calibrate, and maintain instruments and control systems.
  • Quality Control: Use devices to measure and control variables like temperature, pressure, and flow.
  • Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot and repair control system malfunctions.
  • Compliance: Ensure accuracy and reliability of process control systems.
Industrial Electrician
  • Equipment Maintenance: Install, maintain, and repair electrical systems and equipment.
  • Quality Control: Read and interpret electrical blueprints and schematics.
  • Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot and repair electrical systems.
  • Safety Compliance: Ensure compliance with electrical codes and safety regulations.
Facilities Maintenance Technician
  • Equipment Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance and repairs on sawmill machinery and equipment.
  • Building Upkeep: Maintain the physical infrastructure, including electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
  • Safety Compliance: Ensure all activities adhere to safety regulations.
  • Preventive Maintenance: Conduct regular inspections to prevent failures or disruptions.
Timber Cutter
  • Timber Harvesting: Fell and cut trees efficiently and sustainably.
  • Forest Management and Sustainability: Select appropriate trees for harvesting to maintain forest health.
  • Safety and Precision: Use specialized tools and techniques to safely and precisely cut trees.
  • Collaboration with Forestry Teams: Work closely with forestry management teams to adhere to regulatory standards.
Heavy Equipment Operator
  • Operation of Specialized Machinery: Drive and operate large machinery for efficient logging operations.
  • Maintenance and Repair: Maintain and repair heavy machinery to ensure optimal working condition.
  • Road Construction and Maintenance: Build and maintain access roads in forested areas.
  • Safety and Environmental Compliance: Ensure operations comply with safety regulations and environmental standards.
Truck Driver
  • Transportation of Raw Materials: Transport harvested logs from forests to sawmills and processing facilities.
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Play a key role in the logistics and supply chain of the forestry industry.
  • Safety and Compliance: Adhere to strict safety protocols and regulatory requirements.
  • Economic Impact: Contribute significantly to the economic viability of the forestry and hardwood lumber industries.
Logistics Coordinator
  • Transportation of Raw Materials: Coordinate the transportation of logs and lumber.
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Schedule truck deliveries and manage routing.
  • Inventory Control: Track inventory and monitor shipments.
  • Client Engagement: Communicate with drivers and customers.
Mill Manager
  • Operational Efficiency and Productivity: Oversee all aspects of sawmill operations, ensuring smooth and efficient production processes.
  • Quality Control and Customer Satisfaction: Implement and monitor quality control measures to ensure product standards.
  • Safety and Compliance: Enforce safety protocols and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
  • Financial Management and Cost Control: Manage budgets, control expenses, and implement cost-saving measures.
Safety Manager
  • Risk Mitigation and Hazard Control: Identify potential hazards and implement risk mitigation strategies.
  • Compliance with Regulations: Ensure all operations comply with local, state, and federal safety regulations.
  • Training and Education: Develop and conduct training programs on safe work practices and emergency response procedures.
  • Enhancing Operational Efficiency: Reduce workplace accidents and injuries to maintain operational efficiency.

 

 

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

AHTI Partners