LIVONIA, Mich. -- A group of industry and education members from across the country met at Schoolcraft College Manufacturing and Technology department in Livonia to continue the process of drafting a framework for a new 21st century apprenticeship. The apprenticeship was created to address the employment gap in woodworking and manufacturing industries through cross-training and upskilling new and existing employees in a combination of CAD, mechatronics, wood processing operations, coatings, estimating and project managing.

The National Wood Flooring Association will launch a federally registered Wood Flooring Specialist Apprenticeship at the Wood Flooring Expo in Fort Worth, Texas, May 1–3

Legislation will help small businesses develop work-based learning programs.

A White House program to expand apprenticeships and vocational training is embraced by Labor Department.

The woodworking firm has taken on young professionals at various locations.

BRAKEL-ERKELN, GERMANY -- Vauth-Sagel Group, in announcing it has hired 16 apprentices in its German operations, said it has weathered the economic storm in 2009 through market positioning and successful export efforts.