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May 07, 2026
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2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Sawmill Operations
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Program Description
The Sawmill Operations Certificate Program is a hybrid training program to prepare students for careers in the lumber milling industry. Certificate recipients will become skilled professionals in the forestry, construction, and woodworking sectors, through coursework that develops real-world technical expertise and competency in sawmill safety and best-management practices.
This certificate prepares individuals to work in the high-demand forestry and wood products sector through the development of hands-on applications and knowledge around milling and processing lumber. Students will gain proficiencies in tree and lumber identification and develop competency with recognizing and sorting lumber quality parameters and defects. Students will engage in applied learning to acclimate with the equipment related to log preparation, and the efficient dimensioning and grading of lumber, with strict adherence to required safely protocols. Students will have the opportunity to cater their learning experience to enrich their certificate through an elective course specific to career goals with the overreaching goal of developing the practical and business skills to run a small to medium-sized sawmill. An internship intensive with vetted partners provides strong on-the-job skill-building and industry connections to hit the ground running with a network of commercial sawmill and wood product operations throughout Vermont.
Program Outcomes
- Understand roles and responsibilities within the forestry sector.
- Gain practical skills with timber identification, selection and management, and, chainsaw operation.
- Safely and effectively operate a bandsaw mill and milling attachments to gain competency in different lumber milling practices.
- Learn and demonstrate competency in lumber grading; understand regulations and processes around lumber handling, grading and drying.
- Tackle realistic problems and variables in complex, high-pressure workforce scenarios.
- Demonstrate on-the-job competencies in sawmilling and/or select wood product operations.
- Identify career pathways in the industry and establish professional contacts.
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Requirements for certificate
Certificate electives
Select a minimum of 1 course or 3 credits from the following: Total credits required: 16
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