Wood technology qualifications
The Institute offers a range of industry-recognised wood technology courses through IWSc: The Wood Technology Society, now a division of IOM3.
The aim of IWSc: The Wood Technology Society is to advance and encourage the scientific, technical, practical and general knowledge of timber and wood based materials. The Society is not a teaching organisation but an assessment/examining body vetting performance levels which demonstrate a recognised standard of competence by those pursuing wood technology courses at pre-degree level.
At a foundation level, the Society launched the Foundation Course on Timber for newcomers to the timber and allied industries, including users of timber and wood products. It is also suited to those with some experience in timber who wish to improve their product knowledge. The Certificate Course, equivalent to ONC-HNC or NVQ levels 3 and 4, offers training material in the form of modular workbooks for distance learning, to be used with the guidance of professional advisers to provide a comprehensive understanding of wood as a material. The structure of the Diploma Course differs from the Certificate Course by offering an element of variety suited to a student’s particular needs.
These courses provide a natural progression in a company training programme or other learning process and a direct entry to degree courses offered by Higher Education establishments.
Individual Subject Modules
The Society has also produced a series of 11 educational workbooks which can be studied as standalone subjects for which the successful candidates will receive a IWSc: The Wood Technology Society certificate naming the individual subject module completed. These modules will also be useful as CPD material for professionals requiring information on timber related subjects.
CPD (Continuing professional development)
In 1995 the then lWSc Council of Management endorsed the proposal to establish a voluntary CPD scheme for Society members.
The Wood Technology Society qualifications
Foundation
Intended for newcomers to the timber and allied industries including users of timber and wood products. It is also suited to those with some experience in timber who wish to improve their product knowledge.
Foundation (online)
Teaching the fundamentals of wood properties and timber products, the course introduces beginners and improvers alike to key topics including timber types, sizes, pricing and grades.
Certificate
Consisting of a core module tested by examination and five optional modules consisting of assessed tasks and projects, leading ultimately to the LIWSc qualification.
Diploma
This highest level of study is based on the preparation and submission of a detailed dissertation on a pre-selected subject.
Specific subject modules
It has been recognised that individuals may wish to gain information about a specific aspect of timber. Accordingly, a series of 11 educational workbooks have been produced, which can be studied as stand alone subjects.