Hardwood training school maintains industry standards

By S. Carroll White Executive Manager National Hardwood Lumber

Assn.

lN THE mid-1940s the National lHardwood Lumber Association recognized the need for an institution devoted exclusively to training hardwood lumber inspectors.

Through the years the industry had grown, more and more sawmills and purchasers were becoming grade+onscious, and there was a pressing need for qualified hardwood inspectors. Planning began, and, in February 1948, the first class was convened in Memphis, Th., under the direction of NHLA assistant chief inspector Earl S. Swartzbaugh.

Memphis was selected as the site for the school, not only because ofthe great amount of hardwood activity in this area, but also because the Lumbermen's Club of Memphis afforded an organizing group of hardwood lumbermen who could assist in setting up the school and monitoring its operation. Their interest in school activities has continued, and today the Inspection School Committee remains as one of the standing committees of the Lumbermen's Club.

Nickey Brothers, Inc., in the l940s, operated a large hardwood sawmill, flooring plant and plywood operation

Did You Know?

in an industrial area of Memphis and offered NHLA the use, rent free, of approximately one acre of ground for the purpose of erecting school facilities. Thus the school came into being and occupied this site until the spring of 1980.

In the late 1970s several conditions combined to make this original building and site no longer suitable. The building itself was never a quality structure and was in extensive need of repair. The capacity of this original school was 50 students per class which was not large enough to meet the demands of the industry, resulting in waiting periods of one to one and one-half years before an applicant could dttend class. Furthermore, in the period of some 30 years the character of the neighborhood had changed. It became apparent that a new building in a new venue was badly needed

A search produced a new site on the eastern outskirts of Memphis. Ultimately, the association offices were moved from their leased highrise building in Chicago to the Memphis site. Today, the association executive offices and inspection training school o National inspectors handled 55,967,000 feet of lumber in fiscal year 1983, while working 5,418 inspection days. o In 1983, 25 one-week short courses in hardwood lumber grading were held by NHLA inspectors in locations scattered from coast to coast. o Through NHLA's reinspection process and financial guarantee, shipments can be insured as to quality and quantity if loaded by a "National man." share a handsome, virtually all wood, dual-purpose building that has become "home" for the hardwood industry and an excellent working showplace of hardwood products. This building is on a beautifully landscaped l0 acre site. The total investment of approximately $1,300,000 was raised through gifts of NHLA

. NHLA Inspection Tiaining School has operated in Memphis since 1948 with 3,914 persons attending.

. NHLA Rules and Sales Code are the standards for hardwood shipped in the U.S. and Canada and the industry would be in chaos without them.

Story at a Glance

4,000 hardwood inspectors produced by NHLA school in 36 years only training of its kind in the world... well supported and recognized by the industry. members. The buildings were dedicated in September, 1980, totally debtfree.

Through the years there have been significant changes in the length of the sessions due to the introduction of visual aids and textbooks that have permitted improvements in methods of instruction.

The school operates as a trade school or vocational school, as opposed to a technical or university level. The only course of study is the measurement and inspection of hardwood lumber. Although some information is provided concerning related subjects and field trips are held, these are for course enrichment rather than separate courses of study per se.

The school accommodates 70 students per class and three sessions each year. Tirition fee is $600 for the l4-week course of study.

Instructors for the inspection school have always been highly qualified tradesmen from NHLA's inspection staff. The current director is Robert

B. Sabistina, a 19'76 graduate of the school and a respected member of the NHLA inspection staff until assuming his present responsibilities in the fall of 1983.

Since this is the only school in the world offering such an indepth study of the hardwood rules, students are attracted from all over the world.

There are no entrance requirements pertaining to race or sex and it is not unusual for the classes to contain several foreign students, women, or minorities who reside in the United States. The only basic requirements for admission are a high school education or equivalent and a knowledge of basic fractions and percentages. This knowledge of simple math is extremely important as it is the basis of the entire grading system. Prior experience in the industry is obviously desirable, but is not required or necessary, and it is not unusual for students to have no industry background whatsoever.

Each applicant must be sponsored by an NHLA member firm. This does not necessarily mean that the indi vidual is an employee of his sponsoring firm, but his request for admission must come through an NHLA member. This sponsor will interview the applicant to determine his seriousness of purpose, basic ability, and any physical handicaps that might prevent the applicant from functioning well if admitted.

The association does not have scholarships; however, several lumbermen's clubs or industry trade associations regularly make scholarship funds available to those who meet their qualifications. The school is approved for funding by the Veterans Administration for those who qualify.

HANOS 0N experience is part of the National Hardwood Lumber Association's Insoection Training School curriculum. (top photo) Students inspect lumber under a 10,000 sq. ft. grading shed adjacent to class rooms. (center) Entrance hall contains group photographs of each graduating class since 1948. Floor is red and white oak parquet. Walls and ceiling are paneled in white oak. (bottom) Students work in classroom under eve oi director Bob Sabislina lstriped snirty. Stuoy tables are made of oak lrailer-decking stock. Walls are red oak with maple oarquei floor.

Special lssue: Hardwood