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Workshop on Wood Education and Workforce Integration

Date: September 24th, 2025
Time: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Duration: 4 hours
Speakers: Alexander Opazo Vega, Blériot Feujofack, Craig Applegath, Ghasan Doudak, Guido Wimmers, Michael David Burnard, Peter Moonen, Pierre Quenneville

Description:

This workshop will bring together international experts to explore advancements in wood design and construction education, highlighting the multifaceted challenges and, most importantly, showcasing and discussing innovative solutions. The workshop will feature perspectives on timber engineering education in New Zealand, the New European Bauhaus Pioneer Hub and its role in shaping Europe’s future workforce, seismic considerations in timber engineering education in Chile, strategies for integrating design, engineering, and construction in North American wood education, as well as workforce integration and the challenges of engaging young professionals in the field. These discussions will also address key strategies for developing and retaining talent within the sector.

An interactive panel discussion will follow, bringing together all speakers to address the complex landscape of wood education and workforce integration. The panel will explore the evolution of curricula, the integration of emerging technologies, and effective strategies for engaging the next generation in wood design and construction. This will also provide the audience with a valuable opportunity to engage directly with the panelists through questions and discussion.

The workshop will conclude with a one-hour roundtable dedicated to shaping an international platform for collaboration. This platform is envisioned to bring together leading experts from around the world, harmonize curricula across institutions, and share high-quality resources to elevate wood education globally. By participating in this roundtable, you will help establish the foundation for a lasting network that fosters innovation, strengthens training, and ensures the next generation of manufacturers, architects, engineers, and builders are well-prepared to design, construct, and maintain advanced wood structures.

In preparation for the workshop, a global survey has been developed to gather insights from educators on wood design and construction. The survey aims to explore current practices, challenges, and technological innovations in wood education. Its findings will provide a data-driven foundation for the workshop discussions, focusing on key topics such as post-secondary education structures, curriculum integration, industry partnerships, and the adoption of new technologies in wood education programs. If you are an educator or professional and would like to share your experiences and perspectives, we invite you to complete the survey by clicking on the following link: Survey Link Here!

This workshop promises to be a pivotal event for shaping the future of wood education, combining academic and industry perspectives to create a unified global approach to training the next generation of professionals in the wood sector.

Agenda:

2:00 – 2:10 PM

• Introduction – Peter Moonen, Canadian Wood Council; Guido Wimmers, BCIT;  Blériot Feujofack, Canadian Wood Council

2:10 – 3:45 PM

• Expert presentations
  • Innovations in Timber Engineering Education: Insights from New Zealand – Dr. Pierre Quenneville, University of Auckland
  • Workforce Integration in Wood Design and Construction: Challenges and Solutions for Engaging Young Professionals – Craig Applegath, DIALOG
  • Empowering Graduates: The Role of the New European Bauhaus Pioneer Hub on Sustainable Built Environment with Renewable Materials – Dr. Michael Burnard, InnoRenew CoE
  • Advancing Timber Engineering Education in Seismic Regions: Insights from Chile’s Academic and Research Initiatives – Dr. Alexander Opazo Vega, University of Bío-Bío
  • Advancing Wood Education in Canada and North America: Integrating Design, Engineering, and Construction – Dr. Ghasan Doudak, University of Ottawa

4:15 – 5:00 PM

• Panel Discussion – Moderated by Blériot Feujofack, Canadian Wood Council

5:00 – 5:55 PM

• Round Table – Led by Peter Moonen, Canadian Wood Council; Guido Wimmers, BCIT;  Blériot Feujofack, Canadian Wood Council

5:55 – 6:00 PM

• Summary of Activities and Wrap-Up

Featuring:

Blériot Feujofack Manager Wood Education Canadian Wood Council	Peter Moonen National Sustainability Manager Canadian Wood Council