Donation Benefits Future Trade Workers

A recent donation will keep cabinet manufacturing students at the Manufacturing Industry Learning Lab (MiLL) training center in Colorado Springs busy for the next five years.

“TigerPly, one of our amazing industry partners, recently donated an estimated $75,000 worth of plywood to The MiLL,” according to a statement on The MiLL website. “The cabinet manufacturing program could not be as successful, or as productive, if it wasn't for the generosity of our partners. This donation will allow the program to have enough plywood for the next five years of cabinet manufacturing classes.  Thank you, TigerPly — we value your continued support of our program and its students.”

The MiLL is a 46,600-square-foot training center created to develop a highly skilled workforce for the trades. Current programming includes Cabinet Manufacturing, Construction, and Welding.

At the MiLL National Training Center (NTC), highly qualified instructors provide students with hands-on experience using state-of-the-art tools, manufacturing equipment, and Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machines. In addition, the instructors utilize curriculum that ensures students are learning skills and concepts connected directly to current industry standards.

Students who fully complete the coursework and training have the skills and industry recognized credentials needed to obtain internships or employment with local companies. First-year students are instructed on building safety and are required to earn an OSHA-10 certification to use all equipment, construction math, tools, and construction materials.

Students who have completed two years of Cabinet Manufacturing classes will have the opportunity of earning an industry-recognized certification called the Woodwork Career Alliance (WCA) certificate. For construction, the MiLL partnered with the Colorado Springs Housing and Building Association (HBA) and use the Home Builders Institute (HBI) curriculum to help educate students in the skilled trades. In addition, students enrolled in the construction pathway also have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications. 

Overall, the mission of the MiLL NTC is to establish a mutually beneficial relationship between Industry and Education that helps prepare the next generation of workers for the trades, today.

Visit https://mill.wsd3.org for more information on The MiLL and www.tigerply.com for more information on TigerPly plywood and other products.