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Enrollment is underway for the Appalachian Hardwood Training Initiative (AHTI) at Mountain Gateway Community College. The program is designed specifically for employers and employees in the hardwood industry.
AHTI, funded through a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), is committed to providing high-quality training from industry experts, ensuring that foresters and hardwood workers are well-prepared from day one. The program offers hands-on training and the valuable opportunity to learn from the best in the field.
“I’m impressed by the AHTI program’s ability to connect training to real-world needs in the hardwood industry,” said AHTI Workforce Coach David Shofstahl. “The program offers a strong foundation for workforce development.”
By participating in the AHTI program, employers can guarantee that their workforce is equipped with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in the hardwood industry.
“I’ve seen firsthand how partnering directly with employers allows us to tailor training programs that perfectly match their specific needs,” said Shofstahl. “The AHTI grant has been a gamechanger, providing cost savings that incentivize companies to invest in workforce development while fostering a culture of continuous learning within the industry.”
Participants in the AHTI program can look forward to gaining valuable expertise, practical skills, and industryspecific knowledge that will distinguish them in the competitive hardwood market.
Upcoming trainings include OSHA 10, CDL Class A or B, NCCER Core and Electrical Level 1, as well as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW).
For more information about the Appalachian Hardwood Training Initiative and enrollment details, as well as funds available to reduce training expenses, contact Shofstahl at dshofstahl@mgcc. edu. Learn more about AHTI at mgcc.edu/ahti.
