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Mark Bear teaching students hands on
Chief Inspector Dana Spessert providing hands on education
students at ITS getting real life experience in class
Your career in hardwood is waiting for you at the Inspector Training School
NHLA_2022_085-2
Mark Bear teaching students hands on
Class 196-1
Chief Inspector Dana Spessert providing hands on education
students at ITS getting real life experience in class
Your career in hardwood is waiting for you at the Inspector Training School

NHLA Short Courses

Quick, Affordable Training to Stay Sharp in the Hardwood Industry

NHLA Short Courses offer the chance to expand their knowledge and skill set in hardwood grading and the broader hardwood industry. Led by NHLA Chief Inspector Dana Spessert, National Inspectors, and expert trainers from across the U.S. and Canada, our dynamic, hands-on workshops are designed to meet the needs of all levels of experience—from newcomers to seasoned experts.

These courses dive into a variety of topics, including the fundamentals of NHLA Hardwood Grading Rules, as well as advanced techniques and insights to keep you ahead in this fast-evolving field. With courses available across the U.S. and Canada, it’s easy to find an upcoming session near you!

Whether you’re on the production floor, sales, management, or beyond, NHLA Short Courses are the ideal way to deepen your understanding of the hardwood industry and sharpen your expertise. Explore our upcoming classes below and take the next step in your career today! If you have any questions or need any assistance, please feel free to reach out to us.

Upcoming NHLA Short Courses

Designed for professionals like you, these compact courses deliver essential updates on the NHLA Grading Rules and industry standards without taking you away from your day-to-day responsibilities. With a range of topics and flexible schedules, our Short Courses provide the practical, hands-on knowledge you need to stay competitive and efficient. Check out our upcoming classes and find the right fit for you!

3-Day Introduction to Grading Hardwood Lumber

March 5 — 7, 2025
Memphis, TN
This introductory course is perfect for those wanting to get a basic understanding of the NHLA Hardwood Grading Rules. Hosted by NHLA in Memphis, Tennessee this class is ideal for yardmen, sawyers, edgermen, sales and office staff, and management-level personnel.
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$PC, Control the Process to Improve Lumber Value

March 20 — 21, 2025
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. NHLA is offering a 3-day course to teach your team the first steps in implementing your own Yield Improvement program using statistical process control techniques adapted to a sawmill environment.
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Hardwood Processing 101

March 26 — 28, 2025
Memphis, TN
NHLA is hosting a 3-day seminar on Hardwood Lumber Processing. It will cover the processing of hardwoods from the tree to the kiln, by topical experts here at NHLA and from the Tennessee extension office. Tours are planned of a local sawmill and a concentration yard. Arrival Tuesday, March 25th for a BBQ dinner at NHLA.
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Spanish Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading

May 12 — 23, 2025
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 Instructor Roman Matyushchenko. 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.
Register Now
Click to see all Upcoming Short Courses

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!

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