The Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF) recently held its first annual Instructor Training Clinic at the FCEF Training Facility in Dalton, Ga. The event, held in partnership with Certified Flooring Installers (CFI), brought together 17 instructors from colleges across the country who are currently offering—or preparing to launch—the Basic Floor Covering Installation Program.
With a blended approach of classroom instruction and hands-on practice, participants engaged in a comprehensive learning experience reflecting the real-world environments their students will encounter. The weeklong clinic, held June 9-13, was designed to “equip instructors with the confidence, skills and curriculum resources needed to successfully deliver foundational training in flooring installation,” according to FCEF.
“This clinic has been two years in the making, and I could not be more thrilled with the outcome,” said Kaye Whitener, executive director of FCEF. “We are building more than just a program—we’re building a community of educators committed to elevating flooring as a respected skilled trade.”
The clinic was led by CFI and supported by CFI-certified instructors who are already teaching the program. Each day focused on a specific flooring segment including carpet, resilient, luxury vinyl plank, tile and hardwood.
Four sponsored Lunch & Learn sessions were hosted by industry partners Traxx, Ardex, Valinge and QEP, providing insights into tools, materials and product innovations. Instructors and staff were also treated to a sponsored dinner on Thursday evening.
A special highlight was a private mill tour arranged by Jeff Honkonen of Engineered Floors, offering attendees a deeper look into the flooring manufacturing process.
Each instructor successfully completed the training and earned their official CFI/FCEF Instructor License, receiving both a certificate and a Licensed Instructor shirt. Many participants requested additional follow-up sessions before the end of the year. FCEF is now evaluating potential dates for a second clinic in November or December.
“This is more than a training—this is a movement,” said Whitener. “The future of the flooring industry depends on skilled instruction, and thanks to the collaboration between FCEF, CFI and our industry partners, we are creating a powerful foundation for long-term success.”
