More than a contest, #YoungWoodPro has become a resource for those trying to launch new careers as Young Woodworking Professionals.

This marks the ninth year of the #YoungWoodPro contest designed to spotlight and honor people who are at the early stages of their woodworking career. 

This year the contest continues a partnership with Grizzly Industrial to not only up the ante on contest prizes, but extend past the contest to a full year of resources for those starting out in professional woodworking.

Matt Buell of M. Buell Design continues as host of the contest and lead coach for the people who make up the #YoungWoodPro audience. As part of his role, he is also a judge in the contest.

Entries open
Beginning January 15, the 2024 #YoungWoodPro Contest is open for entries. The contest extends to March 8.

To enter, post a picture of a woodworking project along with a brief description on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, or at Woodworking Network’s Facebook page using the hashtag #YoungWoodPro. Alternatively, enter online.

Entries are limited to one per person, and entrants must be between the ages of 18-35 (by year’s end 2023), and be a professional woodworker. Judging of your project is based on the photo you post so good photography is essential. 
Winner of the #YoungWoodPro will take home a Grizzly G0899 Cabinet table saw valued at $1,825 plus a $500 cash prize.

Past winners
“Steep and Cauldron” by Rebecca DeGroot was the winning project in 2023. It consisted of two wooden turned vessels made with maple burl, maple, black dye, and satin finish. 

Go online to see photos and stories about past winners and get more information about the contest. 

You will also find there advice from Matt Buell about getting started as a woodworking professional, including notes to his younger self of things he wished he’d known when he got started and a number of videos talking about challenges for those starting out in professional woodworking.

For questions about the contest, you can also email [email protected]. Watch the video below to hear why Matt Buell thinks you should enter.