New Jersey Nonprofit Brings Woodworking Programs Back to Schools
Maplewoodshop’s “woodshop-in-a-crate” is reviving hands-on skills in schools as New Jersey shop classes disappear, giving thousands of students affordable woodworking training and pathways into higher-paying union apprenticeships.
Maplewoodshop, a New Jersey–based nonprofit, is stepping in to fill the void left as high school shop classes have nearly vanished across the state, offering a portable “woodshop-in-a-crate” program that has already brought hands-on woodworking instruction to more than 200 schools nationwide and thousands of students seeking practical skills and pathways into union apprenticeships.
Maplewoodshop has delivered woodworking instruction to over 200 programs spanning 23 states. New Jersey high schools have slashed 95% of their shop classes over three decades. The East Orange nonprofit offers a woodshop-in-a-crate system that lets schools teach students without spending big money.
Mike Schloff launched the company nine years ago. The program contains online teacher training, a cabinet holding 16 workstations, raw materials, curriculum from the carpenters union, and equipment for union apprenticeship eligibility. At least 30 schools in New Jersey have signed up.
About 20,000 students have finished the course. Only minor injuries occurred, Schloff said. Power tools aren't used, so schools skip the extra insurance.
Students who finish the three-year curriculum can earn 16 college credits and become eligible for $22-an-hour apprenticeships. The work leads to better-paying jobs in a growing industry.
James Brandt uses the materials at Columbia High School in Maplewood. He said they strengthen engineering skills as students identify problems, make sketches, and think about the finished product before completing their designs.
Birdie Cheung teaches at Walter O. Krumbiegel Middle School in Hillside. The program, now in its third year, gives students what they need to make something they can be proud of.
"I've definitely seen the students build confidence, stamina, and some patience," Cheung said, according to Montclair Local. "Many of them want me to double-check all their measurements in the beginning and by the end, they're usually much more confident to do it on their own."
Dan Guerra serves as principal of the Luis Muñoz Marín Elementary School in Newark's North Ward. His staff has used the program for special education students, who have built flower pots for the school's gardening program. Guerra has suggested the classes to other principals.
Rocco Lepore, the senior council representative for the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, called the classes "incredibly valuable." He said they give students early exposure to hands-on skills and problem solving.
Schloff is 56 and had undiagnosed ADHD as a child. His school told his parents they should be ashamed of him and his inability to sit still in class. He found comfort fixing bicycles with his father.
When Schloff moved to Maplewood in 2004 and taught woodworking skills at a school fair, he realized he loved helping kids learn. Now? He has four full-time employees and five freelancers.
