Industrial Wood Processing, Associate Certificate
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-01-01 | - |
| 2024-06-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Associate Certificate in Industrial Wood Processing equips graduates with the knowledge and skills for supervisory roles in the North American lumber sector. It covers key areas such as lumber fundamentals, sawmill technology, wood processing tools, quality control, and kiln drying. The program is designed for cohorts of up to 24 students and is typically completed over a 12-month period.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Associate Certificate in Industrial Wood Processing (IWP) is designed to equip graduates with the knowledge, critical thinking, and technical skills necessary for advancement to supervisory positions within the North American lumber sector. It serves as a valuable component of onboarding strategies for new employees without a background in industrial wood processing and for employees lacking formal education in the field.
Objectives:
- Provide a comprehensive understanding of the lumber industry landscape, including production resources, sawmill operation units, wood products, and regulatory environment.
- Develop expertise in sawmill technology, covering processes, safety measures, and sustainability strategies.
- Enhance knowledge of wood processing tools, their functions, components, and maintenance requirements.
- Explore quality control as a process and management approach in lumber manufacturing.
- Introduce the science and operational principles of kiln drying, including wood structure, moisture extraction, and product quality.
Program Description:
The IWP program is designed for a cohort of up to 24 students to complete over a 12-month period. Cohorts can be recruited from a single company or comprise students from multiple lumber companies. Currently, courses are not offered individually but are delivered sequentially as part of the Associate Certificate. Single-course offerings can be arranged through a single company by contacting SOCE Industry Services. Participants are typically new or existing employees in the North American lumber sector sponsored by their employers.
Outline:
Content:
The program covers the following key areas:
- Lumber Fundamentals
- Sawmill Technology
- Wood Processing Tools
- Quality Control
- Kiln Drying
Structure:
The program consists of five required courses, each worth 3.0 credits:
- WOOD 1600: Lumber Fundamentals
- WOOD 1650: Sawmill Technology
- WOOD 1700: Wood Processing Tools
- WOOD 2600: Quality Control
- WOOD 2750: Kiln Drying
Course Schedule:
Students proceed through the program as a cohort and are automatically registered in their classes. Each cohort completes one course at a time and receives their course schedule upon registration.
Individual Modules with Descriptions:
WOOD 1600: Lumber Fundamentals
- Overview of the lumber industry landscape
- Production resources, sawmill operation units, wood products
- Industry regulatory environment
WOOD 1650: Sawmill Technology
- Processes involved in lumber production
- Technology, staff, safety measures, sustainability strategies
- Log yard, sawmill, kiln, planer, shipping yard
WOOD 1700: Wood Processing Tools
- Machinery and processing tools used in lumber manufacturing
- Function, components, service requirements, safety standards
- Managing operational needs and supporting technical staff
WOOD 2600: Quality Control
- Quality Control as a process and management approach
- Implementation and management of Quality Control programs
- Tools and strategies for Quality Control initiatives
- Data collection and assessment methods
WOOD 2750: Kiln Drying
- Science and operational principles of kiln drying
- Wood structure, moisture extraction, product quality
BCIT - British Columbia Institute of Technology
Overview:
BCIT is a public post-secondary institution in British Columbia, Canada, offering practical, flexible, and applied education. It distinguishes itself from traditional colleges and universities by focusing on hands-on learning with instructors who have direct experience in their fields.
Services Offered:
BCIT provides a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic & Learning Services:
Academic advising, tutoring, writing support, and library resources.Campus Amenities:
Cafeterias, fitness facilities, student lounges, and other amenities.Financial Aid & Awards:
Scholarships, bursaries, and other financial assistance programs.Health & Wellness:
Counseling, health services, and wellness programs.Safety & Security:
Campus security services and safety protocols.Student Life & Housing:
Student clubs, events, and housing options.Technology:
Access to computer labs, software, and online learning platforms.Workplace & Career Opportunities:
Career counseling, job placement services, and internship opportunities.Indigenous Initiatives:
Support services and programs for Indigenous students.International Students:
Support services and programs for international students.Student Association:
Student-run organization representing student interests.Student Life and Campus Experience:
BCIT offers a vibrant campus life with opportunities for students to engage in various activities, including:
Clubs and Organizations:
Joining clubs and organizations related to their interests.Events:
Attending campus events, workshops, and social gatherings.Volunteering:
Contributing to the community through volunteer opportunities.Mentorship:
Connecting with mentors and peers for guidance and support.Key Reasons to Study There:
Practical, Hands-on Learning:
Focus on applied learning with industry-relevant skills.Experienced Instructors:
Instructors with direct experience in their fields.Flexible Learning Options:
Full-time, part-time, and online programs.Strong Industry Connections:
Close ties with industry partners for internships and job opportunities.Career-Focused Programs:
Programs designed to prepare students for specific careers.Vibrant Campus Community:
Opportunities for student engagement and social interaction.Academic Programs:
BCIT offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Applied & Natural Sciences:
Business, media, computing, and IT.Engineering:
Various engineering disciplines.Health Sciences:
Healthcare and medical programs.Trades & Apprenticeships:
Skilled trades and apprenticeship programs.Flexible Learning:
Online and part-time programs.Microcredentials:
Short-term, specialized programs for skill development.Other:
BCIT is committed to sustainability and social responsibility, with initiatives focused on environmental protection and community engagement. The institution also acknowledges the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish Nations.
Entry Requirements:
Applicants to this program must be employed in the North American lumber sector. Recommended for success:
- English 10
- Math 10
- Work Experience: This program is specifically designed for individuals currently employed in the wood processing industry and enrolling with the support of their employers
- Students who are unsure of their basic skills such as math a computer skills will be encouraged to enroll in a refresher course.
