Wood Science | Oregon State University

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 51-7031.00

Skills

Operations MonitoringMonitoringReading ComprehensionSpeakingCritical ThinkingJudgment and Decision MakingTime Management

Knowledge

Production and ProcessingDesignBuilding and ConstructionEngineering and TechnologyMathematics

Abilities

Near VisionArm-Hand SteadinessFinger DexterityManual DexterityControl PrecisionOral ComprehensionProblem SensitivityInformation OrderingVisualizationWritten Comprehension

Tasks

Read blueprints, drawings, or written specifications, and consult with designers to determine sizes
Fit, fasten, and assemble wood parts together to form patterns, models, or sections, using glue, nai
Verify dimensions and contours of models during hand-forming processes, using templates and measurin

Technology

Computer aided design CAD softwareSpreadsheet softwareElectronic mail softwarePresentation softwareWord processing software

Tools

Adjustable hand reamersBandsawsBelt sandersBench circular sawsBenchtop disk sandersBenchtop drill pressesCarving knivesCleaning brushesComputer numerically controlled CNC lathesComputer numerically controlled CNC milling machinesCordless angle grindersCordless power drillsEngraving toolsHeavy duty bench clampsMetal rulers

Work Values

SupportIndependenceAchievementWorking ConditionsRelationshipsRecognition

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium51-7031.00	Model Makers, Wood	title_inference	—	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: advanced (Level 4)(based on Doctoral Degree)

Shop-wide model-making standards and competency frameworks — develop and implement to establish consistent quality benchmarks and skill progression pathways across the production workforce.
Complex design-to-fabrication workflows — lead from initial designer consultation through final pattern delivery, coordinating between engineering, production, and quality teams at organizational scale.
Advanced pattern construction methodologies — evaluate, select, and introduce for novel or high-complexity products, applying deep knowledge of wood behavior, engineering design, and manufacturing processes.
Organizational CAD and digital tooling strategy — define and oversee adoption of CAD, spreadsheet, and related software to modernize documentation and improve pattern accuracy across the shop.
Apprentices, developing craftspeople, and mid-level model makers — mentor systematically through structured on-the-job programs, transferring expert knowledge of hand-tool techniques, layout, and assembly.
Production quality systems and inspection protocols — design and institutionalize to ensure dimensional accuracy and pattern integrity meet downstream casting and tooling requirements at volume.
Cross-functional improvement initiatives — lead with engineering, design, and management stakeholders to reduce material waste, shorten lead times, and resolve systemic pattern defect issues.
Technical risk and feasibility — assess for unprecedented model-making projects, applying advanced visualization and engineering judgment to guide go/no-go decisions before resource commitment.
Workforce capability gaps — identify through ongoing performance monitoring and commission targeted training interventions aligned with evolving production technology and materials.
Organizational knowledge assets including master templates, reference patterns, and best-practice documentation — curate and govern to preserve institutional expertise and support consistent model-making quality.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.