Bostik is partnering with the National Flooring Contractors Apprenticeship Program (NFCAP), which is registered with the Department of Labor and connected to three national vocational schools (Job Corps, YouthBuild and Big Picture Learning) totaling more than 200 campuses nationwide.
Students receive a certified, eight-week pre-apprenticeship training program aimed at identifying committed prospects who want to join the flooring apprenticeship. Partnering has been established with Certified Flooring Installers (CFI), the National Association of Floor Covering Technicians (NAFCT), the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) and the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) to assist in placing apprentices and continue training. Via this training course, seasoned employers have the opportunity to hire tradesmen and women with the highest standards of training.
According to Robert Williams, national sales manager/national accounts at Bostik USA, “Like most all construction material suppliers, the flooring industry has experienced a shortage of professional installers, especially regarding the ‘new breed’ of younger workers. By assisting the National Job Corps Association, an extension of the Department of Labor (which has over 110 locations nationwide), we can contribute to our industry by offering state-of-the-art training via these highly professional programs throughout the country. Bostik has always believed in contributing to our industry, and working with NFCAP represents an excellent opportunity for all involved.”
NFCAP is the brainchild of 32-year-old Carlos Mongalo. He grew up in Miami, helping his father at the family’s flooring installation firm before going to undergraduate in San Francisco, and then graduate school in Miami where he ultimately received his MBA.
“Since graduate school, I wanted to get into nonprofit work to initiate economic development projects in low-income communities,” Mongalo stated. “When I found out the flooring industry had a national labor shortage crisis it was the perfect initiative, with the support of Lumber Liquidators and Bostik, to present the flooring trade to the next generation through an apprenticeship program offering training by top professionals anywhere within the country.
“We understand each company has a distinct corporate culture, so we tailor each company’s training curriculum in accordance with their unique standards,” continued Mongalo. “Our comprehensive programs discipline apprentices to professionally represent specific companies while working for their customers. NFCAP managers work closely with each company to ensure that apprentices receive the proper training both online and in the classroom.
“Curriculums focus on the technicality of flooring material, skill sets for different installation methods and customer service management. Ultimately, when apprentices complete this three-to-four-year program, they receive official certification from the Department of Labor. The primary NFCAP goal is to train apprentices to develop a professional corporate attitude, giving clients the best possible experiences,” he concluded.
For more information, visit https://bostik.com.
