FCEF Awarded its First Federal Grant for Installation Training

The Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF) announced it has been awarded a federal grant to fund installation training programs at several colleges in Alabama over the next three years. This grant represents FCEF’s inaugural funding success outside of the industry and sets the stage for future grant applications, according to the organization.

Jim Aaron, executive director of FCEF, expressed the importance of this milestone, saying, “This is the first grant we have received. We are actively exploring grant opportunities at both federal and state levels.”

Kaye Whitener, director of operations of FCEF, elaborated on the grant’s impact, stating, “This grant will provide essential support to multiple colleges in Alabama, enabling them to implement the Basic Floor Covering Installation program. With this funding, we anticipate exciting collaborations with the college systems in this region, as we can now cover the program’s startup costs and offer additional support.”

The award of this inaugural grant not only validates the program developed in collaboration with Certified Flooring Installers (CFI), the Certified Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) and the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) as well as the technical college system, but also enhances FCEF’s prospects for securing more grants in the future.

Don Roberts, former FCEF chairman of the board, emphasized the importance of industry-wide support, noting, “While this grant doesn’t solve everything, it’s another significant achievement for the FCEF and our industry. Today, it’s crucial for every business in the flooring industry to step up and support the FCEF. This industry crisis demands industry solutions, and FCEF is that solution.”

One of FCEF’s key goals is to implement the Basic Floor Covering Installation program in at least 200 colleges within the next five years, Aaron stated, adding, “To raise awareness of career opportunities in the flooring industry, we must succeed in our mission. We’ve made substantial progress, but we need more financial support to continue moving forward.”

For more information, visit fcef.org.