Here's How the Skill Standards Work.
For each competency-based skill included within the Standards, an observable, measurable level of achievement or performance is defined. There are as many as three levels of performance to be evaluated for each skill. They are defined further down this page.
A Woodwork Career Alliance Accredited Skill Evaluator [ASE] must be physically present to observe the performance of the operation. Assessment criteria always include knowledge of General Conditions, the Pre-Operation Checklist, and the actual Operation scenario and outcome. Prior to conducting the assessment, the candidate shall be familiar with the criteria being evaluated.
ASEs apply for the position and are trained in the procedures. They have access to both the iPad assessment app. and PDFs of written assessment forms. At the conclusion of the evaluation they enter the data into the candidates record on the WCA Registry web site.
Definitions of Skill Standard Levels
Level 1 - Basic woodworking skills (Output Oriented)
These are entry level skills. Woodworkers at this level will have skills sufficient to work safely and complete woodworking tasks and operations on machines that are set-up for them. Woodworkers at this level will require a high level of supervision and have limited ability to make independent decisions.
Level 2 - Intermediate woodworking skills (Set-up Oriented)
Woodworkers at this level will have skills sufficient to do their own set-ups of machines and tooling. They will exhibit knowledge and understanding of tools and materials; will require less supervision and oversight; have a moderate responsibility to make independent decisions; and complete their own set-up of machines and tools.
Level 3 - Advanced woodworking skills (Solutions Oriented)
Woodworkers at this level will be able to apply their skills and knowledge to solve problems of design and manufacturing. Level 3 woodworkers will work independently; be able to supervise and instruct Level 1 and Level 2 woodworkers; will have a high ability to make independent decisions; and make advanced machine and tool set-ups, including the use of CNC. Level 3 will be able to calibrate machines, troubleshoot operational problems, and create fixtures and job-aids to enhance productivity.
