Cohen Woodworking Strengthens Skills, Supports Company Growth
Cohen Woodworking creates custom cabinetry, countertops and furnishings for schools, businesses and other organizations. The St. James company has also made employee development a central part of its growth strategy.
Since July 2023, Cohen Woodworking has partnered with East Central College’s Center for Workforce Development through the Missouri One Start Customized Training Program. About 50 employees participate in training each year.
Cohen Woodworking operates in a specialized industry. Few companies perform the same type of custom work, which limits the number of applicants who arrive with every required skill.
Rather than depend on an experienced labor pool, the company hires people with potential and develops their capabilities over time. This approach requires consistent instruction in technical processes, workplace safety, and leadership.
The company also promotes from within. As a result, employees need opportunities to prepare for expanded responsibilities while maintaining the quality customers expect.
Through Missouri One Start and East Central College’s Center for Workforce Development, Cohen Woodworking provides instruction based on its workforce needs.
Training has included:
- OSHA 10 construction certification
- Leadership development
- ERP software instruction
- Production skills
- Engineering-related coursework
These programs help employees strengthen job-specific knowledge while preparing for future roles within the company.
The partnership also supported Cameron Davis, Cohen Woodworking’s maintenance manager. Davis began an Industrial Engineering Technology apprenticeship at East Central College’s Rolla campus in April 2021 while continuing to work full time.
The apprenticeship combined classroom instruction with hands-on experience. Davis completed a Certificate of Specialization in Industrial Maintenance in January 2023.
Cohen Woodworking employees receive training each year through Missouri One Start funding. The instruction helps team members improve their technical, safety, and leadership skills. To maintain eligibility for Missouri One Start Customized Training funding, Cohen Woodworking has made capital investments, exceeding $480,000.
The company has also created clearer paths for internal advancement. Employees can prepare for leadership roles and take on greater responsibility as their experience grows.
Cohen Woodworking reports that consistent training has improved execution and quality. It has also helped the company pursue more complex and notable projects.
One example is the company’s work for East Central College’s new Rolla facility. Cohen Woodworking was selected to create and install custom cabinetry, countertops, and furnishings throughout the location. This included spaces used by the Surgical Technology and Radiologic Technology departments.
“I was blown away with the training Cameron received. That was my introduction to ECC,” said Cohen Woodworking owner Nate Cohen.
“I love the IET program. So much has come out of it. It’s exciting to see what’s next,” he added.
“Consistent training is one of the most practical investments we’ve made,” Cohen continued. “It has improved our execution, quality, and provided a clear path for people to grow. We prioritize promoting from within, and that commitment has allowed us to develop leaders and advance team members. We’ve been able to take on more complex and notable projects as a result of it.”
“As an organization, we are fine bringing people in who don’t have training,” he said. “Finding companies that do the work we do is pretty slim. What we do is more specialized.”
“Workforce development begins with a belief in people and what they’re capable of achieving,” said Todd Tracy, executive director of East Central College’s Center for Workforce Development. “When individuals have the opportunity to grow their skills and advance in their careers, they don’t just strengthen a company, they help create a lasting impact.”
“Partnerships like the one with Cohen Woodworking demonstrate how education and industry can work together to inspire growth, elevate craftsmanship, and build a stronger future for all.” Tracy added.
