Introducing the National Hardwood Academy

The Next Evolution of NHLA Education — Strong Roots, New Reach

For more than 75 years, the NHLA Inspector Training School has stood as the foundation of hardwood lumber education. Generations of inspectors, graders, and industry leaders began their careers there, learning the standards that keep our industry strong. That proud legacy isn’t disappearing — it’s expanding.

This fall, NHLA’s education wing is stepping forward under a new name: the National Hardwood Academy.

The National Hardwood Academy unites the Inspector Training School, NHLA’s short courses, webinars, and new educational offerings under one clear and credible umbrella — a single identity that reflects both the strength of our history and the scale of our future.

Same Excellence. Broader Impact.

Let’s be clear: the Inspector Training School remains the heart of NHLA education. The hands-on training, respected certification, and tradition of excellence are unchanged. What’s new is how all our educational offerings connect.

By bringing every learning opportunity under the National Hardwood Academy, NHLA is creating a cohesive, accessible education experience for both current members and new audiences beyond the hardwood industry. The change isn’t about rebranding what works — it’s about making it easier for everyone to see the value of what we’ve built.

A New Identity, Unveiled at Convention

The new brand was brilliantly previewed at this year’s NHLA Annual Convention in a short video produced by our creative partners at Heartwood Brands. The reveal captured what makes NHLA education so unique — heritage, craftsmanship, and a forward-looking spirit. Members saw firsthand how the National Hardwood Academy honors our roots while opening doors for the next generation of students, inspectors, and leaders.

Built Around Accessibility and Growth

The National Hardwood Academy was designed to make education more accessible, more visible, and more connected. Whether you’re a mill owner sending employees for training, a student exploring career options, or a designer learning about hardwood grading, the Academy simplifies how you find and engage with NHLA programs.

All courses — from week-long instruction to one-hour webinars — now share a consistent message: real-world training, rooted in tradition, driven by innovation. With the new NHLA website also launching this fall, registration, resources, and learning opportunities will be easier to access than ever before.

Honoring the Past, Investing in the Future

Change can be uncomfortable, especially in an industry built on tradition. But the National Hardwood Academy isn’t about replacing the Inspector Training School — it’s about elevating it. The Academy gives us the structure and brand power to reach new learners while ensuring that every NHLA educational experience continues to meet the highest standards our members expect.

As the industry evolves, so must the way we teach, inspire, and connect. The National Hardwood Academy ensures that NHLA’s legacy of education will continue to grow — stronger, smarter, and more inclusive than ever.

New name. Same integrity. Infinite potential.