Students in the upper-level Carpentry Program at the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC) recently spent the day visiting local companies to learn more about career options in the lumber and wood manufacturing industry as part of the Power in Partnership program coordinated by Graves County Economic Development (GCED).
“It was a great day for our upper-level carpentry students,” said ATC Principal Josh Heisner. “The Power in Partnership field trip took them to Goodman Lumber & Flooring, Kendor Wood, Power Truss, and Dairyman's Supply Company where they learned more about these local companies and discussed job opportunities. We send a special thanks to Dairyman's Supply for providing lunch and appreciate Graves County Economic Development for collaborating with us on Power in Partnership.”
“It was great to have such a large group of carpentry students at our facility,” said Gregory Cook, Purchasing & Sales Manager for Dairyman’s Supply. “There is a growing need for employees in this vital sector, and, as I told the students, because of that need, they are coming in at a perfect time in the industry. We at DSC are huge fans of the Power in Partnership program. It’s very important for our high school students to know about employment opportunities right in their own backyard.”
Dairyman’s Supply Company opened in Mayfield in 1925 and has evolved into a leading distributor of lumber and building materials, serving customers throughout the southeastern United States. DSC supplies lumber yards and home centers with the products they need to serve builders and homeowners.
“We appreciate the students coming out to see our operation,” said Tony Goodman, Goodman Lumber. “They were mannerly and asked great questions. We walked through our whole process, and now they understand how we make lumber from logs.” Goodman Lumber, founded as C.B. Goodman & Sons in 1956, is a family-owned hardwood manufacturer based in Mayfield. The company started with a small sawmill and has grown into a respected producer of top-quality hardwood lumber and flooring.
“It was great to see such a large group of young people interested in woodworking and understanding the rapid changes that are happening in this field,” said Danny Upton, Kendor Wood, Inc. “In the 50-plus years of Kendor Wood, we have come from using just table saws and shapers to using computerized CNC machines. Just imagine what changes these young people will see in the next 50 years!” Founded in Mayfield in 1982, Kendor Wood designs and manufactures cabinet doors, drawer fronts, wainscoting, and other wood components for homes and businesses across the United States. Their skilled craftsmen blend traditional woodworking skills with advanced manufacturing technology.
“It’s always a pleasure to have the carpentry class come and tour the Power Truss facility,” said Brad Power, Power Truss, Inc. “They get to experience manufacturing automation in action, and get a glimpse into the component manufacturing industry, as well as learn more about the job opportunities that will be available to them in the future.” Mayfield’s Power Truss, Inc. is a family-owned manufacturer of wooden roof and floor trusses and engineered structural components. Founded in 1979, the company has grown from a small local operation into a leading regional supplier serving residential, commercial, and agricultural markets across multiple states.
“We are excited to see Power in Partnership continue to grow with the support of these generous business partners,” said GCED President Jason Lemle. “Every visit, every experience we provide for these students is one more step toward economic prosperity for them and their families as well as our community. Thanks to everyone who helps make this possible.”
The ATC’s Carpentry Program is designed to prepare students for employment in the residential and commercial construction industry. Students are involved in blueprint reading, layout, fabrication, walls, floors, ceilings, and roofs of structures. Students use several materials including wood, metal, plastics, fiberglass, Styrofoam, and concrete. The care and safe use of hand tools, power tools, and equipment is emphasized during training.
The ATC is located on the Mayfield High School campus and educates students from Mayfield Independent Schools, Graves County High School and Carlisle County High School.