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RoyOMartin has welcomed 16 recent high school graduates into its manufacturing workforce through the company's WoodWorks and Girls Can Too! workforce development initiatives, underscoring the growing importance of industry-led training programs in addressing the manufacturing labor shortage.
The students accepted employment offers through RoyOMartin's workforce development pipeline and will begin their careers following a six-week technical training program. Supported by company-funded scholarships, participants receive specialized instruction in manufacturing fundamentals, workplace safety and OSHA 10 certification before transitioning into full-time production roles at RoyOMartin facilities.
The announcement highlights the continued evolution of employer-driven workforce development strategies that are becoming increasingly important across the wood products and panel manufacturing industries. By combining classroom instruction, technical education and guaranteed career opportunities, RoyOMartin aims to create a direct pathway from education to advanced manufacturing careers.
Launched in 2007, the company's WoodWorks program introduces students to manufacturing through coursework in applied mathematics, industrial safety and workplace readiness, while providing mentorship from professionals in operations, maintenance and safety. Students who complete the program earn academic credit, receive a certificate of completion and are guaranteed an employment interview. Approximately 70 WoodWorks graduates currently work throughout RoyOMartin's operations.
The company's Girls Can Too! initiative also reached a milestone this year by celebrating its first two hires. Now in its fourth year, the program pairs female manufacturing professionals with middle and high school students to increase awareness of career opportunities in manufacturing while encouraging more women to pursue careers in the industry.
"The signing ceremony was a celebration of opportunity, hard work, and bright futures ahead," said Jessica Stewart, workforce development manager for RoyOMartin. "Through WoodWorks and Girls Can Too!, these students discovered that success doesn't have to wait. They are stepping directly from the classroom into rewarding careers in manufacturing."
As manufacturers across North America continue to face skilled labor shortages, workforce development initiatives like WoodWorks and Girls Can Too! demonstrate how partnerships between industry and education can help strengthen the talent pipeline while creating long-term career opportunities for the next generation of manufacturing professionals.
