The Institute of Wood Science certificate has been awarded to two sales staff at Sunderland-based Joseph Thompson Timber.
Mark Slee and Craig Gandy spent six months studying for the certificate, which covers wood structure, drying, grading, preservation, wood machining and panel products. They also learnt about the law, contracts/sale of goods, health and safety, plus road transport.
Two of the company’s latest recruits, Mark Ellwood and Scott Brown, have begun studying for the certificate.
Meanwhile, Kurt Coupland, a finalist for this year’s TTJ Trainee of the Year Award, has become the 20th wood scientist on the team at Howarth Timber Importers.
Arbordeck business manager Terry Blackwood said every trainee at the Howarth Timber Importers site was encouraged to complete an Institute of Wood Science course.
