Sam Buford Woodworking Institute addresses skilled trades crisis in Adrian Michigan

In a compelling presentation at the Michigan Appropriations meeting, Sam Buford, founder and president of the Sam Buford Woodworking Institute (SBWI) in Adrian, passionately advocated for the elevation of skilled trades education. With a focus on woodworking, Buford highlighted the urgent need for support in a sector facing a significant labor shortage, a crisis echoed across the United States.

Buford's journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a successful tradesman exemplifies the transformative power of hands-on education. He shared his personal story of overcoming societal stigma surrounding trade schools, which often label them as inferior to traditional university pathways. A recent study revealed that 74% of young people perceive trade schools as alternative education, while 79% feel parental pressure to pursue university degrees. Buford argued that this mindset devalues essential professions that provide the basic needs of life, such as food, water, and shelter.

The SBWI, founded in 2017, aims to change this narrative by offering a one-year college program and one-week continuing education courses. The institute has gained recognition for its rigorous standards, achieving accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges in 2024. With a 100% employment rate for its 2023 graduates, many of whom are veterans, the school has become a beacon of hope for aspiring tradespeople, offering starting salaries between $52,000 and $60,000 after just one year of training.

Despite its success, SBWI faces challenges, including limited capacity, turning away five applicants for every one accepted. Buford emphasized the need for increased support to expand opportunities for talented individuals eager to enter the skilled trades. As he concluded his presentation, the urgency of his message resonated: society must recognize the value of skilled trades and the vital role they play in our economy and daily lives.