The Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF) recently celebrated a significant milestone with the launch of a pilot program for technical colleges and trade schools. Held at Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC), the 10-week basic flooring installation program is designed to prepare men and women of all ages for a lucrative career in flooring installation.
The first class on Jan. 10 was filled to capacity with eight students who received scholarships from FCEF to cover the cost of the course. After the first week of class, students were excited by how much they had already learned and the job potential this training will offer them.
When asked what his favorite part of the class has been so far, student John Knowles shared, “The hands-on experience for sure. Getting to actually do it after talking about it is crucial to learning.”
Another student, Ceasar Manzono, stated, “My favorite part of the class is doing math, drawing lines and measuring the rooms.”
After completion of this course, students can go on to further their training or apprentice within one of the specialties to grow their skills and experience.
“Opportunities for flooring craftsman are widespread,” added Jim Aaron, FCEF executive director. “There are jobs available across the country and more programs like this in our technical schools. Our plan is to work with flooring retailers across the country to implement this program in schools in their communities. Duplication of this program nationwide will go a long way in solving the installation labor crisis.”
‘A common goal’
The creation of this program required significant coordination across industry training entities, sponsors, donors, Georgia officials and the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG).
“Never before have we had this big of a coordinated effort to create a program for technical colleges,” shared Aaron. “We’ve always wanted to see flooring installation available in technical schools, and now we’re making that a reality.”
The program is being held at GNTC’s Whitfield Murray Campus in Dalton, Ga., and will provide students with basic skills needed to install each of the four major flooring types, as well as serve as a general overview of the flooring craft.
The FCEF credits Georgia Rep. Victor Anderson for “providing the vision and the introduction to the TCSG.” Anderson is also co-owner of Anderson Carpet One Floor & Home and understood firsthand the significant need for more flooring craftspeople.
“We are really so thankful to Victor for bringing this opportunity to the FCEF and helping to make connections within the TCSG,” noted Kaye Whitener, director of operations for the FCEF. “There were so many people that came together to make this happen. It was truly a team effort and FCEF is proud to have been there to bring everyone together to reach this common goal.”
Dr. Ray Perren, deputy commissioner for technical education at TCSG, was also instrumental in getting this program off the ground, as was the team at GNTC.
“We are grateful to have worked with such a supportive technical college to bring this first class to life,” said Aaron.
An industry-wide effort
The FCEF partnered with some of the largest and most qualified training entities in the flooring industry to create the curriculum. Those training partners are: International Certified Flooring Installers (CFI), the Certified Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) and the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA).
Additionally, many suppliers in the flooring industry donated materials and tools including Shaw Industries, William Bird, Congoleum, Dal Tile, Ardex and RFMS.
“We even had support from the installation craftsmen community who want to help promote and elevate their trade,” said Whitener.
Jen Zurn, co-owner of Precision Surfaces and a certified hard surface installer, helped to build all the modules that students will use to practice their new skills. She volunteered her time to help the next generation of flooring craftsmen.
While the first 10-week program is already underway, a second is planned to begin on May 16. CFI Master II installer Dave Garden is serving as the instructor for the first two runs of this program and will also help to train future instructors.
The FCEF Certified Basic Flooring Installation course is currently being offered through GNTC’s Economic Development program. FCEF hopes that by the start of the fall 2022 semester this pilot program will receive state accreditation, providing the basis for additional courses and opportunities for participants to be eligible for additional scholarships and financial aid.
Anyone interested in attending should visit https://fcef.org/trade-up/gntc to find more information and apply for the FCEF scholarship.
