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The Professionalization of Carpentry and the Wood Sector: A Necessary Step for the Development of the Industry in Latin America
In several Latin American countries, including Colombia, carpentry remains a trade that is largely passed down through generations via observation and practice. However, in a globalized and competitive world, professionalizing this craft has become essential for carpenters and other tradespeople to acquire new knowledge, stay updated on technical and technological advancements in the sector, and open new doors for their growth in the industry.
Today, there are platforms like the interzum bogota fair where carpenters can participate and expand their knowledge about the latest industry trends through a variety of learning activities, including workshops conducted by institutions such as SENA, talks, and discussions led by partners and experts from exhibiting companies. However, there are still challenges to be addressed to make a definitive leap in the professionalization of carpentry.
As Raúl Rojas Bohórquez, an instructor at SENA’s Center for Construction and Wood Technologies, expressed, some of the sector’s challenges relate to incorporating high-production processes. "It is a challenge to compare European processes with those of our South American nations because there is a technological gap that we must overcome to match the level of other countries."
Hernán Osorio, Sales Manager for Latin America at Hettich Group, shares a similar view. He noted that, in addition to efforts to reduce this technological gap, the value of the workforce must be considered: “All actors in the value chain must understand that to develop the market and grow, the human factor is fundamental,” he said.
He added: “Large investments are made in technology and machinery, but if there aren’t trained individuals to maximize those investments and turn them into a competitive advantage, these machines become unnecessary luxuries that do not contribute to growth.”
Collaborative Efforts between Academia and Industry
Given the need to emphasize the professionalization of carpentry not only in Colombia but throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, collaboration between companies and educational institutions in each region plays a crucial role in facilitating this progress.
First, academic institutions, as well as those offering technical and technological programs, can provide the appropriate conceptual and technical training to impart knowledge about new production methods. When combined with learning about advanced materials and tools, this can improve employment opportunities, like what happens in other technical studies.
As experts from companies like Hettich Group have pointed out, a technically trained carpenter can perform their work more efficiently, making proper use of available resources and technology. “It not only benefits those who work independently economically but also enhances their competitiveness in the job market, allowing them to access better wages,” Osorio stated.
However, beyond what academic institutions can do, the business sector also has an essential role, as Rojas proposed. “Internships and apprenticeships that incorporate new technologies, such as CNC processes and high automation in furniture and carpentry manufacturing, can be established within learning contracts,” he said. Agreements or internships where institutions like SENA can act as supervisors “until the adaptation and use of modern technology become widespread,” as Rojas pointed out.
Looking at the Latin American landscape, the U.S. Foreign Assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean research by the Congressional Research Service has shown significant progress in recent years, especially in countries like Chile, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic. Programs aimed at training and certification to raise the level of competence and formalization in the industry have been implemented. These initiatives positively contribute to carpenters' skills, increasing their job and salary opportunities.
Furthermore, Servicios al usuario Reports such as “Elevating the Profession in Latin America: Early Childhood Teacher Preparation Standards in Three Countries,” published in the journal “Early Years: An International Journal of Research and Development,” indicate that investment in training and professional development for carpenters in the region is linked to an increased demand for skilled labor in the construction sector, positively impacting the sector’s productivity.
It is worth mentioning that professionalization does not mean abandoning traditional carpentry, but rather enriching it. Combining traditional techniques with modern knowledge can lead to the creation of products that stand out for their quality and originality. Encouraging this professionalization is ultimately a bet on the future, where excellence and innovation are the main drivers.
