Rideau High School students enrolled in wood-based courses, along with their peers in many other OCDSB schools, are walking out of high school with a WoodLINKS Certification. That puts them a step above the competition when seeking employment in the wood manufacturing industry. WoodLINKS certification is offered in grades 11 and 12 and allows students firsthand knowledge and practical experience working in the advanced wood manufacturing industry including: cabinets, furniture, windows and doors, pre-fabricated housing, and millwork. Students who successfully complete the program are offered a certificate recognizing their skills that can be put to work directly in the industry, or applied to a post secondary program.

WoodLINKS began at Rideau High in January 2009 and since then has been adopted across the entire school district. In what might be a Canadian first, all OCDSB high schools and select intermediate schools who offer wood-based courses, will now be given the opportunity to qualify for the WoodLINKS certification. Robert Aucoin, Rideau High School, Custom Woodworking, WoodLINKS teacher, says, “Normally the WoodLINKS program is offered to only senior students. However, with our expanded partnership with WoodLINKS, we will now be able to present that opportunity to all OCDSB secondary students who are studying wood-based technology.”

The WoodLINKS program consists of a curriculum, resources, and assessment tools for certification in the advanced wood manufacturing industry. WoodLINKS gives educators the motivation and support needed to deliver a quality teaching experience. WoodLINKS National Program Director Deb Purdy says, “WoodLINKS is a school-to-work or school-to-post secondary transition and certification program that brings educators and industry together with an advanced wood manufacturing curriculum and establishes partnerships between high schools and local manufacturers. By supporting education of high school students, advanced wood manufacturing employers develop and gain access to a skilled and motivated workforce. Students graduate from WoodLINKS with job-ready wood manufacturing skills, knowledge, and upon passing the exam an industry-recognized WoodLINKS certification.