GI Bill benefits accepted at Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute
ADRIAN — Veterans and immediate family members of veterans are now able to use GI Bill benefits at the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute.
This applies to anyone who has educational benefits under the following programs: Montgomery GI Bill; Veteran Readiness and Employment, formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation Program; Veterans Educational Assistance Program; Post-9/11 GI Bill; Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance; or the Montgomery GI Bill — Selected Reserve.
The SBWI is currently accepting applications for classes, which will begin on Aug. 31.
Students can use GI Bill benefits in the wood design and timber framing programs.
Wood design is a 40-week program offering training in woodworking, cabinet-making, wood design and furniture-making. Those who complete the program will graduate with a diploma in wood design.
This program allows participants to gain experience with different power tools, machinery, equipment and hand tools. Their education will focus on fine woodworking with several different specializations that allow the participants to gain experience by building furniture pieces and cabinets.
The learning format is an equal mix of classroom and practical application. All of the participants' creations will go home with them and will last for generations to come. Those who graduate the program with a diploma will have the experience necessary to join the woodworking industry career field, start their own business or continue their education.
Luke Barnett, executive director of SBWI, said there is a "huge" demand for woodworkers with four of the top 10 companies by revenue in the world located in Michigan.
“Those four Michigan-based companies have combined annual sales of over $10 billion,” Barnett said in a news release.
SBWI's 20-week timber framing program offers education in safety procedures, joinery and timber frame manufacturing and design. The program teaches participants the skills they need to hit the ground running. The SBWI timber framing program was developed in partnership with the Timber Framers Guild. Upon completion of the program, participant will earn a diploma in timber framing.
During the course, participants will learn skills including safe work practices, drawing and specifications for timber design, timber management and conversion, timber grading, trade practices, timber framing techniques, joinery, tools and equipment, raising and rigging, conservation techniques, and finishing.
This education will consist of classroom work and hands-on building. Participants will gain experience by building several different timber frame projects. As participants graduate from the program with their diplomas, they will have the experience necessary to join the timber framing industry and start their own businesses.
Anyone, regardless of woodworking background or experience can become a student. SBWI accepts all levels from beginners to experienced professionals looking to further their education.
SBWI career programs are available to anyone, but GI Bill funding is only available for veterans and their immediate family members for the two SBWI career programs.
For further information, contact SBWI at 517-759-3070, sambeaufordwoodshop@gmail.com or visit the SBWI website at sambeaufordwoodshop.com.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: GI Bill benefits accepted at Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute
