An old skill tailored to suit current needs

One of the staff members interacts with students at the Advanced WoodworkingTraining Center, located on the premises of Institute of Wood Science and Technology in Malleswaram in Bengaluru,

Wood industry and furniture sector are expected to witness a momentous growth in the near future as the demand for houses and furniture is set to grow manifold.

Furniture industry needs to adapt to the choices of the current generation, which is about to drive the growth in the market. With many new ventures coming up and existing units expanding their businesses, the demand for office furniture is also set for major growth. A massive change in people’s expectations and increasing disposable incomes are some of the important factors driving the market for furniture makers.

According to experts, the country is running short of the required manpower to meet the growing demands.

Currently, furniture manufacturing is solely dependent on traditional carpenters. A disadvantage among this category of carpenters is that they are not exposed to the latest technology to align with the standards and requirements of the international furniture makers, who are ready to enter into the country’s market.

A new line

The emergence of this scenario may promise a career advantage for the young generation. Advanced Woodworking Training Centre, located on the premises of the Institute of Wood Science and Technology in Malleswaram, has started offering a one-year Diploma course in Advanced Woodworking, in association with Biesse India.

It invites students who have completed Pre-university or Class 12 and wish to pursue a course in emerging fields like woodworking. The institute aims to churn out trained students who will be capable of handling/supervising operations.

They will be industry-ready and will fit like a shot in woodworking, furniture and allied industries.

According to Prahallada K N, chief programme officer at Biesse India, the scope for this course is tremendous. He further adds that there are no structured course in the country offering extensive training to students.

“With society witnessing a vast change and construction sector expected to do well, there will be a great demand for trained manpower. Only France, Canada and Australia offer structured course in woodworking,” said Prahallada.

Setting goals, meeting standards

The diploma course incorporates the best principles and practices that are in line with the requirements of local and international companies. It also suits well for the requirements of budding
entrepreneurs foraying into woodworking industries.

The course has a practice and theory ratio of 3:2, with a curriculum comprising fundamentals in wood, complementary materials and wood engineering. The teaching faculty are from various institutes and industries, some include experts training or practicing professionals from partnering industries.

The programme is affiliated to Furniture and Fittings Council under the National Skill Development Corporation. Besides the diploma course, the centre has been offering short-term courses in conventional training, Computer numerically controlled training and PYTHA 3D Computer-aided Design training.

The centre also offers placements opportunities to the students. ‘‘There is a great demand for skilled manpower,’’ said chief trainer, H S Sashi Kumar and trainer C R Vijayakeshava.

Many enthusiasts, home-makers, professionals and students attend short-term courses, they added. Some industries requiring wood equipment depute their staff for specialised training at the centre.

Interestingly, Suhas, a qualified lawyer in his mid-thirties, pursued his training at the centre and expressed his interest in taking up woodworking. “I practised law for 14 years. I have saved some money. I wanted to take up woodwork. The training was good. I hope to do something with this training.”

Satish, 33, who has completed an MA in Journalism, started his own venture after completing a short-term course about four years ago. “I found the information on training while doing a search on the internet. The training at the centre really helped me a lot. I have employed five people and doing well,” he said.