The Foundation Course is 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.

The course is particularly suited as a component of a company induction programme for new staff and is also suited to the user industries for anyone wishing to improve their product awareness.

The course book can also be used in conjunction with product knowledge training programmes provided by company staff, a training agency or a visiting tutor.

The course is presented in one workbook designed primarily for distance learning with the support of a mentor or can be delivered as an online learning option. The mentor can be a supervisor, a line manager, a training officer or anyone with an appropriate knowledge of the industry.

If you would like to take this course online please contact the training department on training@iom3.org or call 01476 513880. 

COURSE BOOK  

Part one: The Material
Timber, the Nature of Wood - Softwoods and hardwoods; Sources of supply; Common timbers in use; The naming of timbers; Timber sizes; Timber pricing; Timber grades; Timber preservation; Environmental considerations.

Panel Products - Veneer plywood; Plywood grades; Plywood adhesives; core plywood; Particleboards and orientated strand boards; Fibreboards; Panel products storage and handling.

Part two: Timber Uses
Carcassing timber - Typical applications; Timber species used; Methods of strength grading; Strength grades and marks; Strength classes.

Joinery - Typical applications; Softwoods and hardwoods used; Sizes; Grading and timber care; Mouldings, profiled timber and flooring; Joinery components, windows, doors and stairs.

The book contains a number of tasks to be carried out by the learner. Some of these can be completed by observation in and around the workplace, others seek information that can be obtained by asking colleagues, for example a line manager, and others test the knowledge gained from studying the book.

The whole course represents about 20 study hours. This however will vary with the individual learner and the structure and duration of the study programme.

Assessment
As part of the Course there is a test paper. This will be held by the mentor/supervisor or trainer. On completion of the Course Workbook the learner should undertake the test and this is returned to the Institute for formal assessment.

On successful completion of the Course Workbook and test, candidates will be issued with the Wood Technology Society Timber Studies Award.

The course, whilst being self-contained, has been specially written to form an introduction to the WTS Certificate Course.

Course costs
The cost of the course, which includes the workbook, the Timber Studies Award Examination and postage/packing, is £200 + VAT (if you would like pricing in Euros please contact us) per student (20% discount for WTS Industrial Affiliates). The registration period 6 months, after this time a re-registration fee is payable to continue.

For further information about the course and its content please contact the training department on training@iom3.org or call 01476 513880.

The Institute acknowledges the help and support of the Timber Trade Federation in the development of the course.

This activity is approved for Professional Development by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.

IOM3 members can update their CPD record online by logging in to this website (use link top right), clicking "My Profile" and following the "Manage my CPD record" link under Member Services