The Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF), in partnership with the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Innovation Center, Drake State Community College and the Industry Task Force, has announced the completion of its first pilot cohort for the Flooring Installation Technicians course.
On Oct. 11, Drake State hosted a special graduation ceremony for five students who successfully completed the Skills for Success – Flooring Installation Technician course, led by flooring instructor Roy Lewis. This groundbreaking program, the first of its kind in Alabama, offers a comprehensive mix of online learning and hands-on training in a lab setting.
Houston Blackwood, workforce director of the ACCS Innovation Center, stated the effort “laid a strong foundation for Alabama’s 24 community colleges to achieve consistent results statewide. With support from the FCEF, the ACCS team is ready to make a significant impact on the flooring industry.”
Participants receive hands-on training from experienced flooring professionals and earn a recognized credential that prepares them for in-demand careers. The program was offered at no cost, and graduates can now connect with local employers eager to hire a new generation of flooring installers.
“The pilot aligns with Drake State’s vision of transforming lives through skilled training. In partnership with FCEF and the ACCS Innovation Center, we’re excited to launch cohort two in early 2025,” noted Dr. Ira Jones, Drake State’s director of workforce development.
Support from the U.S. Department of Labor WORC grant, awarded to FCEF, provided additional resources for both the college and the program’s graduates. Through a partnership with QEP/Roberts, each graduate also received a start-up toolbox to help kickstart their careers.
“FCEF’s work in getting floor installation training programs into schools is unmatched. Their commitment to student success includes ensuring graduates have the tools they need to thrive,” said Leslie Del Pozo, QEP vice president of marketing communications. “We were thrilled to collaborate on custom toolboxes for the program’s graduates and are proud to contribute to the solution for the flooring installer shortage.”
Kaye Whitener, FCEF director of operations, added: “This program has been two years in the making, from its initial introduction to this first graduation. The collaboration between ACCS Innovation Center, Drake State, the Industry Task Force and grant funding has provided our industry with a presence in college systems across Alabama, raising awareness among a new generation.”
The Flooring Installation Technicians program is set to expand across Alabama, with cohort two launching in early 2025.
For more information, visit https://fcef.org.
