As hybrid steel and mass timber projects continue gaining momentum across the country, industry organizations and steel erectors are increasing efforts to prepare erection crews and field leaders for the evolving demands of construction. To support that effort, SEAA is partnering with WoodWorks to host the next installment of its Mass Timber Training program July 13-14 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in coordination with SEAA member company Pioneer Construction. Designed specifically for foremen, superintendents, project managers, and field operations leaders, the two-day program combines classroom instruction with hands-on erection experience focused on real-world field execution. The collaboration brings together WoodWorks’ technical expertise and workforce development resources with SEAA’s focus on supporting erectors and helping member companies prepare for emerging market opportunities. WoodWorks, a nonprofit design and construction consultant organization funded by the Softwood Lumber Board, USDA Forest Service, and industry partners, has spent years developing mass timber education and workforce training programs for the design and construction community. Since 2019, the organization has invested more than $1.2 million into curriculum development, mock-up systems, and contractor training initiatives aimed at increasing awareness, proficiency, and confidence with mass timber construction. The workshop curriculum includes 18 hours of training developed over a three-year period and released in 2023 as part of WoodWorks’ Mass Timber Construction Management Program. The classroom instruction is reinforced through hands-on mock-up construction designed to simulate real-world field conditions, installation sequencing, coordination, and erection planning. “Mass timber construction is growing rapidly, but many contractors and field leaders have had limited exposure to the planning and execution process involved in these projects,” said Jason Reynolds, WoodWorks. “The goal of these workshops is to provide practical, hands-on experience that helps crews better understand sequencing, coordination, connections, rigging, material handling, and installation while building confidence in the field.” WoodWorks-developed mock-up systems that are now being used at more than 60 training locations across the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. Through affiliated programs, more than 3,500 workers have participated in over 50,000 hours of training focused on mass timber construction and field execution. During a recent workshop hosted at Pioneer Construction in Grand Rapids, WoodWorks personnel led sequencing and shop drawing review sessions, hardware installation and fabrication instruction, layout activities, and supervised the full build and teardown cycle of the training structure. Field leaders from Pioneer Construction and SEAA member company Deem Structural Services participated in the training as part of preparations for upcoming hybrid steel and mass timber projects. For SEAA, the partnership reflects a broader effort to help erectors stay ahead of changes occurring across the construction industry. “As more hybrid steel and mass timber projects enter the market, erectors are looking for opportunities to better understand how these structures are planned and executed,” said R. Pete Gum, Executive Director of SEAA. “This partnership allows us to connect our members and industry professionals directly with hands-on training that prepares field leaders for the realities of these projects.” The July 13-14 training program will cover mass timber fundamentals, connections and hardware, rigging, sequencing, installation planning, material handling, coordination, and field execution. Participants will work through real-world erection scenarios while assembling and dismantling a full-scale mass timber structure. In addition to the training program, attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in SEAA Steel Connections networking events planned during the week, including a Meet & Greet reception and peer group meetings.  Registration for the Mass Timber Training program closes June 26. Michigan Steel Connections on July 16
In addition to the training program, attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in SEAA’s Steel Connections networking events. Members are welcome to join as guests during the Board Meeting on July 16, followed by a Peer Group Discussion and Meet & Greet reception, which are open to anyone in the industry. If you’re not a member, this is the perfect opportunity to learn what SEAA has to offer. These meetings are free. Register here. Interested in sponsoring the Meet & Greet? Contact Kathy Epperson at [email protected]. Comments are closed.
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