Wood for Youth – Learning Materials
The goal of the Wood for Youth project is to enhance the competitiveness of young people in the wooden house sector through interactive training programs and practical guidance. With the challenges of reducing carbon footprints and increasing efficiency, the traditional construction industry is undergoing changes. Our response to this challenge is to transition towards more industrialized construction processes and to emphasize the use of wood.
For this reason, the Wood for Youth study program focuses on industrial wooden house construction.
We have gathered four comprehensive study modules in the following specialization areas: element construction, erection and finishing of element buildings, design, and project management.
The learning modules are presented as video series that cover best practices in the field. These videos primarily consist of descriptions of work processes, complemented by animations and 3D models. To ensure active participation from learners, interactive elements have been added, such as interim quizzes and exercises, including drag-and-drop activities as well as 2D and 3D tasks.
The main objective of the Wood for Youth project is to provide students with a comfortable learning environment and additional opportunities for career development. The program allows learners to progress at their own pace and schedule, which in turn expands their career opportunities.
The Federation of the Finnish Woodworking Industries and Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, together with Tallinn University of Technology, Woodhouse Estonia, and Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, have created the international Wood for Youth interactive e-learning program, which offers vocational training conveniently and attractively.
Knowledge can be acquired through both theoretical e-learning (web-based modules) and practical work-life training. Be at the forefront of the digital and green revolution in the construction industry!
1. Why Wood?
Module 1 Why wood? The introductory part of the training discusses career paths in wood construction and explains why you should choose wood. We will examine the special properties of wood as a building material and the effects of industrial construction, e.g. process efficiency.
Module 1
2. Production of wooden elements
Module 2 focuses on different industrial construction methods and the special features of 2D and spatial element manufacturing.The module deals with the operation of the factory and its key processes, starting with the principles of line production and automation. It covers the manufacture of elements and spatial elements, including weather protection and storage. Finally, lifting and transportation are discussed, which are essential to ensure safe and efficient production.
Module 2
3. Erection and finishing of prefabricated buildings
In module 3, the use of elements in different building types (elemental, modular, hybrid construction, renovation) is examined, and the special features of construction site operations are described in more detail.The process of erecting and finishing prefabricated buildings consists of several key steps, where occupational safety and quality control are emphasized. These steps include a preliminary inspection at the construction site as well as the transport, storage and lifting of the elements. In addition, roof work, installation of facade elements and fire safety are discussed.
Module 3
4. Design of prefabricated buildings
Module 4 focuses on the special features of the design of industrially manufactured wooden buildings.In the planning phase of wooden construction, it is important to pay attention to the details as accurately as possible. The design emphasizes, for example, the acoustics of wooden buildings, energy efficiency and the versatile design possibilities of wood. By making the design as precisely as possible, operations on the construction site can be speeded up considerably.These topics provide a detailed overview of the requirements and possibilities that must be considered when designing prefabricated wooden buildings. Topics covered include fire safety, acoustics, technical systems, energy efficiency and low-carbon construction.
Module 4
5. Project management
Module 5 covers project management and leadership from a variety of perspectives, including production management, project management processes and managing the transition to digital construction. In addition, attention is paid to the practical implementation of personnel management.
Module 5
Learning on the job
After successfully completing all theory parts of modules 1-3, the student can complete an internship. The internship is organized in cooperation with the Työtehoseura.During the internship, the student gets to delve deeper into the principles of industrial construction, e.g. material choices, moisture management, fire protection with the teacher’s help, first in theory and then in practice, building elements of a rigid wooden apartment building during the course.
On the job learningValues
Sector-Specific Competence The student has acquired significant expertise in the construction of prefabricated wooden houses, covering everything from the manufacturing and design of elements to the planning of construction at the job site.
Course Completion Requirements and Required Documents The training is specifically aimed at the employment and education of young people, which is why the age limit for the course is 16 to 25 years. Individuals aged 18 and over can complete both the theoretical (online course) and practical (internship) sections.
Individuals aged 16-17 can complete the theoretical (online course) studies, and their credits will be granted accordingly. Those under 18 cannot participate in the internship (work-based learning period), as minors cannot be accepted on job sites or in factories.
Wood for Youth Program The Wood for Youth project is funded by the European Union under the Interreg Central Baltic program’s objective 6: Improved employment opportunities in the labor market.