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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

Short Courses

Hands-On Training to Boost Your Career

Our Short Courses are led by NHLA Chief Inspector Dana Spessert, our National Inspectors, and experts from our extensive network across the United States and Canada. These dynamic courses cover a broad range of topics, including the fundamentals of the NHLA Hardwood Grading Rules and so much more. With new and expanded content designed to better serve industry professionals, these workshops are ideal for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of hardwood grading and the hardwood industry as a whole. Held at locations throughout the US and Canada, it's easy to find a course near you! Check out our upcoming Short Courses down below, and if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our team. 

Upcoming NHLA Short Courses

Short Courses are designed for professionals across all areas of the hardwood industry—whether you work on the production floor, in sales and operations, or in management. Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned expert looking for a refresher on the NHLA Grading Rules, these courses provide valuable insights for every role. Explore our upcoming classes below and take the next step in your hardwood journey!

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.
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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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