Professional Development Workshops 2005

Group shot. Participants were exposed to elements of our new curriculum materials in both classroom and shop setting, in a systematic way. By the looks of the finished timber stacks, we did much better than anticipated. That's good news for the June Angola event, for which we were cutting. Join us for a week or two in June in Angola Indiana to cut the rest of this material, and inspect our work from these two weeks. We felt good enough about this first PDW to began planning for the next one in Spring 2006. Description of the workshop below.

The first in a series of Professional Development Workshops at the Trillium Dell Timberworks shop in Ilinois just finished. Instructors from the Trillium Dell staff, experts from throughout the Guild, and graders from the National Hardwood Lumber Association all led a series of lectures, demonstrations and in-shop applications.

We announce a new format for Guild education: technical Professional Development Workshops using TFG projects as the framework for professional development. In this case, participants looking for immersion in best shop practices will learn as they cut the serpentine plates for a 40' x 100' park structure, which will be built and raised in Angola, Indiana, June 13-24, 2005.

Week One Workshop: May 2-7

Portions of the TFG Curriculum will be offered in a series of intensive lectures, demonstrations, and in-shop applications both in the classroom and in the shop. Hosted by Trillium Dell Timberworks in Knoxville, Illinois, the workshop will introduce 17 of the TFG curriculum modules. Subjects to be covered include:

• Reading drawings and details
• Square rule layout and cutting joinery
• Tree identification and properties
• Sustainable harvesting
• Estimating and grading on the stump, visual grading, engineering standards
• Project management and small business basics
• Timber selection and yard management
• Timber handling, including forklifts
• Communicating with clients and co-workers
• Good work habits
• Estimating
• Shop flow

Instructors from the Trillium Dell staff, experts from throughout the Guild, and graders from the National Hardwood Lumber Association will lead instruction and in-shop applications. Intensive sessions will run all day and into the evening, with three certificates of completion awarded to those who successfully finish the program:

• Certificate of Participation from the National Hardwood Lumber Association
• Certificate of Participation from the Timber Framers Guild

NOTE: The first week of this workshop is open to professional timber framers only. The fee of $400 is for the entire 6 days and includes meals and primitive housing. If you want to attend fewer days, a la carte participation is available at $100 per day.

Week Two Event: May 9-13

During the second week, we are offering the chance for rookies to receive some instruction in professional shop flow. Attendees will work alongside experienced timber framers in a production-oriented environment, to acquire or refine safe and productive work habit and technique, and to discover the "flywheel effect" that makes work in a high production timber shop so much fun.

Participants should come away from this event with a new appreciation for professional shop work in the portable power tool environment. Tuition for rookies is $200, including food and prmitive camping on site. Professionals may also attend without charge upon our acceptance of their résumé or a recommendation.

We are encouraged by the support of the Timber Frame Business Council and the TFG Board in developing this exciting new program, which will provide immediate and applicable skills improvement for those working in timber framing shops.

Note about résumés. It can be as simple as a summary of relevant experience. We are committed to the idea of mixing the skill levels in order to further our mission of timber frame education, so don't hesitate to apply, even if your timber framing portfolio is thin.

Accommodations

Free primitive camping and showers are available on site. Off-site lodging recommendations are also available.

Other Requirements

All participants will be required to sign the liability and photo waivers, and to complete the skill and tools inventory. Please make sure that your health insurance is up to date, and that you have rugged clothes and boots, ear, eye, and head protection. Professionals will need to bring a tool kit for layout and cutting. Maps will be sent to all registrants or you may download the Confirmation Packet.