The Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF) was established with the aim of promoting career opportunities in flooring installation, building pathways to training, supporting programs and facilitating job placement for the next generation. To achieve these objectives, FCEF has adopted a two-track approach.
The first track, a long-term strategy, focuses on supporting the future workforce of the flooring industry through locally implemented programs in community colleges and high schools. These programs are tailored to meet the specific workforce needs of each locality and introduce a new generation to the industry.
The second track is a short-term approach that involves direct training for local assistants and skill development. FCEF has endorsed specific basic training classes offered by AHF, CFI, CTEF and NWFA, and provides scholarships covering 50% of the tuition fees for these classes.
Following are more details of each track:
Track A: College/High School Approach
The FCEF collaborated with the Technical College System of Georgia, CFI, NWFA and CTEF to create a comprehensive 300-contact hour basic floor covering installation program tailored for college systems. This program covers carpet, hardwood, resilient and tile basic installation. Launched in 2023, the program initially involved five colleges and has since expanded to eight colleges. Additionally, two colleges are now extending the program to high school students. We anticipate further expansion to more colleges throughout 2024.
FCEF support includes: curriculum; training and support documents; donations of tools and materials; implementation guide; scholarships for tuition; marketing assets; instructor support; recruitment support; and job placement support.
Where we need your help
- Attend advisory meetings. Work directly with your local college/high school program once a program is added.
- Material donations such as training materials
- On-the-job exposure by letting the class partake in load-outs, observations
- Hiring students after graduation to gain on-the-job experience
- Financial donations to FCEF. Your donations support scholarship funds and awareness of our industry for recruitment.
- Awareness: FCEF will provide recruitment materials for job and career fairs to promote the floor covering industry
- Spread the FCEF message
Track B: Direct training Approach
- Determine the type of training to implement
- Contact FCEF or training partner; list of approved training classes or direct connection with training partner
- Work with training partner; select date/location for training; develop recruitment plan; and secure details on materials/training modules
FCEF is committed to nurturing a skilled workforce and meeting the escalating demand for qualified professionals. As the FCEF moves ahead, we have a wealth of opportunities to offer the new generation.
We can help support you in your training efforts.
Kaye Whitener is director of operations for the Floor Covering Education Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting recruitment, training and retention of floor covering installers. For more information, email kwhitener@fcef.org.