Next Step’s high school Wood Tech/ Advanced program is a state-approved career and technical education (CTE) program allowing students to receive high school credit while attending our program. Students attend programing during their regular school day.
Students will participate in project-based curriculum to learn skills and concepts that can be directly applied to modern wood manufacturing companies. Through hands-on experience and training using the latest tools and manufacturing equipment, students learn the process of building tables, cabinets, and more.
In Wood Tech Advanced (Year 2) students will further their skills in CAD, expand their skills in cabinet making and get real world experience in utilizing their skills for custom projects. Upon completion of the coursework and training, students will have the skills and industry-recognized credentials needed to obtain internships or employment.
Students will be learning and utilizing industry standard tools and machinery to design and construct projects throughout programming.
Each course if taught by an industry expert who has years of experience in the field and are state certified.
Industry employers will participate in presentations and demonstrations throughout programming as well as opportunities to tour and visit their facilities.
Upon completion students will have earned the Woodworkers Career Alliance (WCA) Sawblade Certification, OSHA 10 certification, and Sawblade Core Certification (Year 2)
Introduces students to high-demand skilled career, creating a pipeline to enter the workforce upon graduation
Develop essential workplace competencies including time management, teamwork, and safety protocols that prepare them for successful employment across multiple industries.
Curious about how the High School Wood Tech program works? Check out the FAQs below for quick answers about scheduling, certifications, and enrollment.
Still have questions? We’re here to help — email us at contact@nextstep-wm.org or call 616-243-4477 (option 1).
Wood Tech: Juniors and Seniors may enroll.
Wood Tech Advanced: returning students who have completed Wood Tech may enroll.
August 18, 2025 – May 29, 2026
Next Step is now offering Wood Tech and Wood Tech Advanced. Wood Tech is Year 1 of the program which students will participate in project-based curriculum to learn skills and concepts that can be directly applied at modern wood manufacturing companies. These skills can also be used in fields such as carpentry, cabinetmaking, furniture making, and millwork. Through hands-on experience and training on the latest tools and manufacturing equipment, students will learn elements of the design and build process and make wood products, furniture, and more. Upon completion of the coursework and training, students will have the skills and industry-recognized credentials needed to obtain internships or employment, including the Woodworkers Career Alliance (WCA) Sawblade Certification.
Wood Tech Advanced is Year 2 of the program for returning students only who have already completed Wood Tech. In this program students will continue to build upon their foundations in wood product manufacturing that they learned in Year 1. They will dive even deeper into CAD/ CAM and gain work based learning experience through internships with partners in the industry.
Yes! Please contact us using the links or phone number below.
Students must enroll in the program through their school counselor & Kent Career Technical Center.
