Short Courses

Hands-On Training to Boost Your Career

Our Short Courses are taught by NHLA National Inspectors around the United States and Canada, and each course covers a variety of topics. These courses are perfect for those wanting to get a basic understanding of the NHLA Hardwood Grading Rules. These workshops are held across the US and Canada, so you can find one closest to you.

Upcoming NHLA Short Courses

Short Courses are ideal for yardmen, sawyers, edgermen, sales and office staff, management-level personnel, and anyone who would like a refresher on the NHLA Grading Rules. Below, you will find available upcoming classes.

3-Day Introduction to Grading Hardwood Lumber

March 20, 2024
Memphis, TN
This introductory course is perfect for those wanting a basic understanding of the NHLA Hardwood Grading Rules. The class is ideal for yardmen, sawyers, edgermen, sales and office staff, and management-level personnel. NHLA Instructor Roman Matyushchenko will teach this class.

$PC: Hardwood Statistical Process Control Course

April 1, 2024
Memphis, TN
For several years now, the NHLA Inspection Services team has been helping hardwood mills improve their operations with the NHLA "Yield Analysis" program using process control techniques developed by NHLA Chief Inspector Dana Spessert. These techniques have saved companies hundreds of thousands of dollars, improved their throughput and increased profitability.

4-Day Introduction to Grading Hardwood Lumber at Richmond Expo

April 8, 2024
Doswell, VA
This popular workshop gives yardmen, sawyers, edgermen, sales and office staff, and management level personnel an introduction to lumber inspection. Instructor: Mark Depp, National Inspector.

4-Day Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading (WV WoodTech)

April 15 — 18, 2024
Elkins, WV
This 4-day workshop will include a thorough study and explanation of the NHLA Lumber Grading Rules, emphasizing the basics of hardwood lumber inspection. It will give yardmen, sawyers, edgermen, sales and office staff, and management level personnel an introduction to lumber inspection.

Spanish Language – Introduction to Hardwood Lumber Grading

May 6 — 17, 2024
Memphis, TN
For Spanish speakers with a desire to learn lumber grading, the NHLA Inspector Training School is offering a Spanish language two-week, "Introduction to Hardwood Lumber Grading” in Memphis, Tennessee The course will be taught in Spanish by NHLA National Inspector Mark Bear. It is 60 hours of concentrated instruction for Spanish speaking lumber graders. Over the two-week period, instruction will include both classroom time and practical hands-on hardwood lumber grading experience. Class size is limited to 20 students.


NHLA Hardwood Summit

May 8 — 10, 2024


Memphis, TN
The National Hardwood Lumber Association, USDA Forest Service, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities is cooperating to hold a Hardwood Industry Needs Workshop May 8-10, 2024. The objective of the workshop is to understand the state of the U.S. hardwood industry and identify critical needs to improve the hardwood lumber sector through enhanced wood utilization, product, and market development. The summit will be open to academics, government, and associations with limited manufacturers on a first come first serve basis.



Connect with NHLA Today

Get in touch with the National Hardwood Lumber Association and join our vibrant community of hardwood industry professionals, enthusiasts, and partners. We’re excited to connect with you and shape the future of the hardwood industry together!