The Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF) is pleased to share a recent partnership with Powernail® that will provide technical schools with the tools needed to launch a Basic Flooring Installation program. Powernail is committed to helping train recruits with the best tools available through donations of their tools and materials for all FCEF-supported technical school programs launched in the coming year.
“We’re thrilled to be able to support training programs in this way, ensuring that students can learn with quality tools and materials,” shared Matt Allyn, Eastern Sales Manager for Powernail. “Having the proper tools and supplies at their disposal will put these students in the utmost position to succeed and we’re going to make sure they have the best adhesives and installation solutions available to help them learn.”
Powernail is a specialty manufacturer providing pneumatic nailers and flooring cleats used in the installation of carpet, hardwood flooring, and subflooring. They have been a household name in flooring installation since 1947.
“Getting new technical college programs off the ground can be very expensive,” shared Jim Aaron, Executive Director of FCEF. “The schools must make a large initial investment to purchase materials and tools. Anything that we can hand to them at no cost makes it more desirable for the school to start a flooring program.”
“When we can walk into a school and tell them we have donations lined up that will take thousands of dollars off the bottom line we definitely get their attention,” commented Kaye Whitener, Director of Operations at FCEF. “The support of our industry will help us launch more programs at a higher rate.”
“It’s rewarding to see students learning to use our tools,” added Allyn. “Our tools make flooring installation easier and we’re able to get these tools in the hands of craftsmen right when they’re learning.”
After launching a pilot program at Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) in January, FCEF is now working to replicate that program at other schools across the nation.
“This is a win-win for suppliers,” added Jim Aaron, Executive Director of FCEF. “They’re helping make more programs available, but they’re also getting exposure to new craftsmen and making an impression from the very beginning of their careers.”
As FCEF grows its list of technical colleges where flooring installation training is available, they’re looking for more suppliers to step up and help support the students. For other suppliers and manufacturers in the flooring industry that want to support FCEF’s work, visit fcef.org/step-up/suppliers to see all the ways to support FCEF’s initiatives and step up like Powernail. For those interested in FCEF’s scholarships and programs, visit flooryourfuture.com to get started.