Training the Michigan Mass Timber Workforce of the Future
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EmailDuring the Tall Timber exhibition, MassTimber@MSU hosted a series of programs in the exhibit space. This program featured insights from George Berghorn, Steve Purchase, and Luke Barnett on "Training the Michigan Mass Timber Workforce of the Future."
TALL TIMBER: The Future of Cities in Wood
MassTimber@MSU and Michigan Department of Natural Resources, with sponsorship support from Bedrock, Rossetti, Northern Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters, The Christman Company / Christman Constructors, Inc., and Metro Signs & Lighting, hosted the traveling exhibit TALL TIMBER: The Future of Cities in Wood in downtown Detroit from December 10, 2025, to March 4, 2026.
Training the Michigan Mass Timber Workforce of the Future
This program featured insights from George Berghorn, Assistant Professor of Construction Management and Research Director for Mass Timber at Michigan State University’s School of Planning, Design and Construction; Steve Purchase, Communications Director for the Northern Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters; and Luke Barnett, President of the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute.
Together, the speakers explored key workforce challenges, identified talent gaps, and highlighted opportunities to better align education, training, and industry needs in response to the growing demand for mass timber across Michigan. The event concluded with a panel conversation facilitated by Sandra Lupien, Director of MassTimber@MSU, connecting perspectives and examining what a strong, inclusive mass timber workforce of the future can look like in our state.
