Our Story
Wood/Work is a new support programme created by the Institute of Carpenters (IOC) and the National Association of Shopfitters (NAS), designed specifically for people starting out in the UK wood trades
Our STORY
Our Story
Wood/Work grew out of the Institute of Carpenters’ Mentoring Champions programme, a national pilot funded by CITB to help apprentices and full-time students move confidently from college to site.
Across ten IOC member colleges and hundreds of mentoring conversations, we tested what really works: structured check-ins, practical guidance, and when you need it, someone experienced who simply listens.
The results were clear. When people starting a new job feel supported, they stay.
That’s the heart of Wood/Work – helping you stick with your trade and build a career you’re proud of.
Why It Matters
Starting work can feel like stepping into a different world.
You’ve got new routines, new rules, and a lot to prove.
We found that most apprentices don’t leave because they can’t do the job. They leave because they don’t feel part of something – or don’t know where to turn when things go wrong.
Wood/Work changes this.
Through practical resources, and open conversation, we make sure you’re not on your own. “It’s not about having all the answers, it’s about making sure you know someone’s got your back.”
Our Mission is Simple
To reduce early attrition in the wood trades and help build a stronger, more sustainable workforce.