The FCEF creates pathway for next generation flooring installers

Eight Graduate from Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC)

The Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF) creates pathway for new generation of flooring craftsmen

“The industry came together to make this happen, and it is an achievement 20 years in the making,” added Don Roberts, Chairman of the FCEF board. “The last two years’ efforts from FCEF and the support of the industry have made a huge difference. This is just the beginning.”

The FCEF flooring installation pilot program developed at GNTC received accreditation through the college system of Georgia.

FCEF spearheaded the development of the Basic Flooring Installation program in partnership with GNTC, the International Certified Flooring Installers Association (CFI), the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), and the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF).

GNTC was chosen to host this pilot program by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). The mission of GNTC is workforce development, and seeing an immediate need, they offered the program in a 10-week non-credited format which began on January 10th of this year. Eight students graduated with a flooring installation technician certificate.

Now that the program is accredited, Dr. Heidi Popham, President of GNTC, stated,

Starting this fall, we can offer this program as a 15-week credit program which opens additional financial aid opportunities for our students. We can now start working with other TCSG schools to include this program,” added Popham. “The curriculum will be the same across the state.

What this means for our industry is that we can implement the program nationwide,

shared Kaye Whitener, Director of Operations for FCEF.

“FCEF will be meeting with other technical colleges in Georgia to get the approved curriculum into place.

As FCEF works to get this curriculum in place in technical schools across the nation, they ask for the support of the industry to make it happen.

We have to have local representation and support from the industry,” continued Whitener. “We need support in connecting with local schools, securing local product and tool donations, and support from a job placement perspective. We need to make sure these students have a clear path to continue their training and develop careers.

Another 10-week program will begin on May 16th at GNTCT’s Whitfield Murray Campus in Dalton, GA. If you know anyone interested in attending, seats and FCEF scholarships are still available. Visit https://flooryourfuture.com/trade-up/gntc/ to get started. ■

Dave Garden, CFI Certified Installer and Instructor shared his experience teaching this pilot program.

Through this program, we get to teach the basics and make sure these craftsmen are set up to succeed. From basics as simple as how to carry a box of tile to more technical skills, it’s great to be able to teach these students the skills they need to avoid common mistakes and injuries.