The Wood Occupations & Materials Alliance (WOMA)

Recognising the opportunity to collaborate, the National Association of Shopfitters (NAS) and the Institute of Carpenters (IOC) have worked in partnership since 2023.

While retaining independence, both organisations have sought opportunities to work closer together for the benefit of those individuals and businesses working the wood sector.

The Wood Occupations & Materials Alliance (WOMA) is the manifestation of that collaborative spirit and marks a step into the future for both organisations.

What is WOMA?

While the NAS and IOC remain independent to focus on their specific member needs, WOMA streamlines and manages their joint strategic activities and interests – further elevating the shared core values of promote, support, and develop. The premise is simple: When WOMA speaks or acts, it does so in the interest and within the backing of the collective membership of the NAS and the IOC.

WOMA is the unified voice that represents the interests of the wood occupations. Through the NAS and the IOC, WOMA has a unique vertical through the wood occupations, from education to employment, and beyond. Our ambition is to ensure the wood occupations are seen as a professional, aspirational careers, which are respected by all.

What are the Wood Occupations?

The wood occupations are brought together by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) into one National Occupational Standards (NOS).

This covers qualifications in: Site Carpentry, Architectural Joinery, Structural Post and Beam Carpentry, Light Structural Timber Framing, Timber Frame Erection, Timber Decks and Cladding, Heritage trades, Shopfitting Site and Bench Work, and Pre-assembled Roof Structure Installation.

Since 2024, the Skills Lead at the NAS and IOC has Chaired the national working group responsible for the NOS, calling on the members of both organisations.

WOMA is a key guardian of the Wood Occupations NOS.

Materials?

Wood is primordial material which comes in many forms, which we continue to study and enhance for construction purposes today. Understanding the material is critical to competence and beyond; however, the science is often removed from the practical aspects of the trade and doesn’t meet the end-user at their level or need.

WOMA wants to demystify timber and materials science and ensure it is helpful, meaningful, and has impact for those working in the wood occupations.

Why is this an Alliance and what does that mean in practice?

The Alliance is initially formed by the NAS and the IOC to more effectively act on behalf of the collective membership.

Acting in an alliance also means we can welcome any other organisations that operate within or are adjacent to the wood occupations which shares our aim and our values.