October 1

Education, Outreach & Opportunity with Adria Salvatore 

In this episode of Verify In Field, host Jacob Edmond reconnects with returning guest Adria Salvatore, Education Director at the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI), to explore the education initiatives that are shaping the next generation of millwork professionals. 

From high school classrooms to national contests and online training platforms, Adria walks us through the incredible scope of AWI’s programs, many of which are free and available to the entire industry. If you’re looking for ways to get involved, train new hires, or help solve the millwork labor shortage, this episode is a must-listen. 

About Our Guest 

Adria Salvatore is the Education Director at AWI, bringing over 15 years of experience in trade show and workforce development within the woodworking industry. She’s been at the forefront of AWI’s efforts to build up the industry’s talent pipeline, through bootcamps, curriculum design, online learning tools, and deep collaboration with schools and SkillsUSA. Her work focuses on turning ideas into action, connecting industry with education, and creating real-world impact at both local and national levels. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode 

  1. What AWI Offers Beyond Standards: Most know AWI for its standards, but Adria breaks down the institute’s robust event programming, industry training, and outreach. 
  2. Inside the AWI Annual Convention & Spring Leadership Events: Learn how these two flagship events blend education and networking, and why they’re designed for everyone from shop owners to emerging leaders. 
  3. Bootcamp & Plant Tours: Immersive Training in Action: Discover how AWI bootcamps and facility tours accelerate learning for both students and industry pros. 
  4. Introducing ‘IS’: AWI’s Free Online Learning Platform: With over 60 short videos and full Spanish translation, the “Principles of Woodworking” course has helped over 1,000 learners, completely free of charge. 
  5. New High School Curriculum for Woodworking: AWI now offers a full, free curriculum (Years 1–3) for high school wood programs. Teachers can access lesson plans, tests, and project files to build their courses. 
  6. The Workforce Pipeline Crisis & What’s Being Done: As skilled woodworkers retire, Adria explains why awareness, access, and alignment are key to solving the talent shortage. 
  7. SkillsUSA: What It Is & Why It Matters: Hear how SkillsUSA supports technical and leadership growth in high school and college students, and how employers can get involved at local and national levels. 
  8. How Employers Can Help, Right Now: From hosting a plant tour to joining a school’s advisory board or helping design cabinet projects for contests, Adria shares simple, high-impact ways to engage. 
  9. Why Local Involvement is the Game-Changer: National strategy is important, but real workforce change starts with local shops partnering with local schools. 

Key Insight: Education Needs Industry, And Vice Versa 

As Adria explains, “You don’t have to do it all. But just show up.” Whether you offer old tools, give a plant tour, or mentor a high school student, small actions by shops can create big waves in millwork education. The future workforce is already interested. We just need to meet them halfway. 

Where to Learn More 

Final Thoughts 

This episode highlights the collaborative spirit that’s needed to sustain the millwork industry. If your shop is struggling to find talent, or wants to give back, there’s a path forward. And Adria Salvatore is one of the people leading it.