In this enlightening episode, guest Christopher Wernimont shares his journey from Pittsburg State’s renowned Wood Tech Program to becoming a grad assistant at the University of Arkansas. Christopher emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience, having engaged in internships that allowed him to run production equipment and draft real jobs, shaping his belief in learning as the primary criterion for choosing internships. He talks about his early influences, his high school’s emphasis on Career and Technical Education (CTE), and how it led him to pursue a career in architectural millwork. The discussion navigates through the changing landscape of internships and the critical nature of mentorship in attracting and retaining young talent in the millwork industry. Furthermore, Christopher delves into adult learning theories and the impact of positive feedback in training, underscoring the need for authentic practice in learning environments. He also shares insights on the future of the millwork industry, highlighting the shift of crucial knowledge due to automation and the enduring need for a passion for craftsmanship. Christopher advocates for the millwork industry to be more competitive in offering values beyond salary to appeal to the younger workforce.
About Our Guest:
Christopher Wernimont grew up in a household where building and crafting were a way of life. His father and grandpa were always working on projects, and Christopher was fascinated by the process of creating things with their hands. From a young age, he learned the value of hard work and the satisfaction of seeing a project come to life. This early exposure to woodworking and craftsmanship ignited a passion in Christopher that would shape his future. Whether it was building a sword out of scrap OSB or helping his dad put up siding on the house, Christopher’s formative years instilled in him a love for creating and building. As he grew older, this passion blossomed into a career in woodworking and construction, where he continues to thrive today.
What You’ll Learn
1. The significance of seeking out internships based on learning opportunities, rather than just monetary benefits or location.
2. The value of taking initiative and being genuinely interested in what’s happening in the industry.
3. The benefits of having multiple internships, providing exposure to different companies, regions, and approaches in the industry.
4. The shared passion for building things by hand as a common element in the millwork industry.
5. The importance of adult learning and the educational path in the industry, as highlighted by Christopher Wernimont’s journey.
6. The significance of timely and specific feedback in experiential learning, contrasting online learning’s lack of effective feedback loops.
7. The balanced approach to feedback, recognizing the value of positive reinforcement and the need for constructive criticism in training.
8. The positive impact of mentorship and how it can foster passion and success, as evidenced by Christopher Wernimont’s experiences in the millwork industry.
9. The changing landscape of the millwork industry due to automation and the importance of retaining the passion for building in potential employees.
10. The significance of informal mentorship and practical, hands-on learning experiences for young professionals in the millwork industry, as emphasized by the conversation between Jacob Edmond and Christopher Wernimont.
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