Building the Future - Gurdon High School Partners with the NHLA Inspector Training School

This fall, NHLA took another step toward growing the next generation of hardwood professionals. Students from Gurdon High School in Arkansas—ranging from eighth through twelfth grade—visited Anthony Timberlands, where Chris McQueen led them through an immersive tour of the sawmill. For many, it was their first glimpse into how raw logs are transformed into the lumber that powers everything from furniture to flooring.

The visit was part of a new partnership between NHLA’s Inspector Training School (ITS) and the Gurdon Public School District, established through a formal Memorandum of Under-standing effective for the 2025–2026 school year. The agreement lays the groundwork for a high school pathway into the hard-wood industry—starting with NHLA’s Grader 101 curriculum and expanding to include mentorships, field experiences, and post-graduation certification through ITS.

The program is spearheaded locally by Andy Massing, a Gurdon High School teacher, NHLA ITS alumnus, and past recipient of the ITSEF scholarship. His goal: to connect classroom learning with real-world skills.

“We want our students to see that learning to grade hardwood isn’t the end goal—it’s the beginning,” Massing said. “Grading can be the gateway to so many other careers in the hardwood industry, from manufacturing and quality control to sales, management, and design.”

During the tour, students shared their impressions—from the massive band saws to the kiln-drying operation that can take six months or more.

“The kiln was huge,” said Josiel Perez, 8th grade.

“I never realized how long it takes for wood to dry and what all goes into the process!” added Kevin Leon, 8th grade.

“The lumber grader’s job looked simple at first, but you really have to know about math,” said Cody Rider, 12th grade.

“I noticed a lot of safety precautions around the mill and could tell they tried hard to keep workers safe,” noted Elmer Lopez, 8th grade.

“It’s so cool that we have a world-class mill right in our own backyard. I could go to work here and stay in my hometown,” said Paul Massing, 8th grade.

“It’s exciting to show students that the hard-wood industry is built on skill, precision, and opportunity,” said Chris McQueen of Anthony Timberlands. “Once they see the process in action, they realize how many different careers start right here in the mill.”

When asked what might make their peers consider a career in hardwood, the students’ answers were refreshingly modern: videos, hands-on learning, and social media.

“Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat—that’s where we learn about things,” explained Caleb Dyer, 8th grade.

Others agreed that they’re drawn to careers that feel happy, stable, and well-paid.

“I want a good job so my family can have an enjoyable life,” said Jaret Moreno, 8th grade.

The Gurdon partnership demonstrates what’s possible when education, industry, and community collaborate. Through initiatives like this, NHLA is helping schools establish direct pipelines to the Inspector Training School, providing students with early exposure to the science, skills, and opportunities within the hardwood industry.

PARTNER WITH NHLA TO BUILD YOUR LOCAL WORKFORCE

NHLA invites other schools, districts, and community leaders to explore similar partner-ships. By integrating Grader 101 into Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and connecting students to local mills, mentors, and real-world experiences, communities can create clear, supported pathways to certification and meaningful careers in the hardwood sector.

If your school or district is interested in partnering with NHLA to build a pipeline to the Inspector Training School, contact Natalie Thelen, Chief Marketing Officer, at n.thelen@nhla.com.