Survey of the training needs in Oregon’s lumber manufacturing industry

Oregon’s lumber manufacturing industry, an important segment of the state’s economy, provides jobs and an industrial base for many communities. Continuing education programs and training workshops for sawmill personnel contribute to improved productivity and resource utilization. To determine industry training needs, a questionnaire was developed and mailed to all sawmill owners and managers in Oregon. The questionnaire addressed general attitudes toward training and staff development, and interest in various subjects and training methods. About 60 percent of operating mills responded; these mills accounted for approximately 90 percent of the state’s estimated production. Almost all respondents agreed that training leads to increased productivity, is necessary to assure a skilled workforce, helps promote workers to management positions, and is a continuous process. However, at the time of the survey, 49 percent of the mills allocated 1/2 hour or less of training per employee per month. Of the subjects presented in the questionnaire, respondents felt that quality control, safety, manager training, and maintenance were the most needed. Wood technology, business economics, yard practices, and industrial- personal health were the least-needed subjects.

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