NHLA Lumber Inspection School
At The West Virginia Wood Technology Center
A Proud Tradition Continues…
The National Hardwood Lumber Association is a nonprofit trade association of over 1,800 member firms that produce, sell and use hardwood lumber, or provide services to the hardwood industry. The Association was founded in 1898 to establish a uniform system of grading rules for the measurement and inspection of hardwood lumber. The NHLA still functions as the administrator and keeper of these rules.
In 1948, the Association established a vocational training school in Memphis, Tennessee, to teach the rules and application of the NHLA grading system, and help fill an increasing demand for skilled lumber inspectors throughout the United States, Canada and the world. In 55 years, the Inspection School has trained over 6,500 lumber inspectors. As testimony to the value of the school, many graduates from the early classes are now in ownership or management positions in the industry and are sending their sons, daughters and employees to complete the course.
In 2002, the NHLA recognized the need to locate an additional training site in the Eastern US hardwood region. As a result of this initiative, a partnership agreement was forged with the West Virginia Wood Technology Center and Fairmont State Community and Technical College. This partnership provides an additional training venue that companies in the central Appalachian forest can utilize to meet the growing need for trained lumber inspectors.
What is a Lumber Inspector?
The high value of hardwood lumber dictates that boards are graded each time they are bought or sold within the hardwood industry on their way from the sawmill to their final use in furniture, flooring or paneling. Hardwood lumber inspectors are responsible for determining the species, grade and volume of each piece of lumber. Inspectors are employed by sawmills, dry kiln operators, wholesale lumber distributors, manufacturing plants, exporters, importers, and countless other types of firms that utilize hardwood lumber.
What Does It Take to Become A Lumber Inspector?
The minimum admission requirements for the NHLA Inspection School are a high school diploma, or equivalent, and the ability to speak, read and write the English language. Additionally, students must have an understanding of basic math principles, including addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication of fractions.
No prior experience in the hardwood industry is required.
A Comprehensive Training Program
The 14-week Inspection School curriculum provides students with both the technical knowledge of the NHLA grading rules, and the practical skills and experience necessary to become a lumber inspector. Classes meet from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Students are provided classroom instruction and extensive hands-on experience in our modern training facility.
Our instructor is NHLA certified, and is a skilled inspector with many years of experience in the hardwood lumber industry. Upon successful completion of the program, students receive an NHLA diploma in a formal graduation ceremony.
Will You Find a Job?
Inspection School graduates are qualified for immediate employment as lumber inspectors. The Inspection School in Memphis maintains a job listing board to assist current and former students in finding jobs. Students in Elkins will have access to this job board. In addition, at least one day of the course is set aside to allow NHLA member firms to conduct on-site interviews with students. Because of the reputation of the school, and the strong and steady demand for lumber inspectors, each NHLA Inspection School graduate generally receives two to five job offers. Graduates can often select the region of the country in which they would like to work.
While neither the WV Wood Technology Center nor NHLA assumes the responsibility of job placement, we will assist the student in every way possible.
"The Inspection School is a fantastic way for a person to get started in the industry. Over the years it has given young men and women an opportunity to advance themselves, to get a good job, and to assume industry leadership roles.”
-Wally Fields III, Fields Lumber Company, Memphis,TN
Tuition
Tuition for the NHLA Inspection school is $2000. School supplies are an additional $200. Applicants must remit a $100 non-refundable deposit with their application, which will be applied to the tuition fee. Applicants who are not accepted will be refunded their deposit in full. The balance of all fees are payable before the start of class.
The school is approved by the Veterans’ Administration for student aid under the GI Bill. A Certificate of Eligibility and DD214 should be presented to the school when registering. Students approved for West Virginia Workforce Investment Act funding can apply training vouchers toward this program.
Housing
The Inspection School in Elkins offers the benefits of a safe, small-town environment with the advantage of readily available housing for the length of the program. Housing options are available upon request.
Dates
Classes are offered three times a year. Start dates are typically late in the months of November, March, and July.
Please call us for information on specific course start and end dates.
For Additional Information
Contact the WV Wood Technology Center if you have any further questions.
10 Eleventh Street, Elkins, West Virginia 26241
Phone (304) 637-7500 Fax (304) 637-4902
Web Site www.wvwoodtech.com
E-mail info@wvwoodtech.com
