The Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF) has accomplished a lot since its inception in 2020. Reflecting on the past two and a half years, the progress and programs achieved owe their existence to the unwavering support of the industry. Let's delve into what the organization has accomplished so far and what’s planned for the future.

2021

FCEF’s Inception: Although FCEF was established in January 2020, FCEF leadership considers its official starting point to be February 2021. This is when FCEF received approval to proceed with the program development to meet its mission and purpose. 

Launch of First College Program for Basic Floorcovering Installation: Georgia State Representative Victor Anderson introduced FCEF to the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). Through the collaboration of the TCSG, FCEF and our industry training partners—International Certified Flooring Installers (CFI) association, Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF), and the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA)—we created the very first college program for basic floor covering installation to introduce a new generation of talent to the floor covering industry. That is when the college magic began.

2022

College Programs Kick Off: Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) began the first non-credit 10-week Basic Floor Covering Installation program in Dalton, Georgia. Eight students graduated from the program in March of that year.   

GNTC Adds a Second Program: In May, the college began the second non-credit 10-week program. Seven students graduated in July 2022.  

Wesley Ruiz graduated from the first Basic Floor Covering Installation course at GNTC. Photo: FLOOR Trends & Installation.

2023

Eligible for College Credit: In January, the Basic Floor Covering Installation program was officially accepted into GNTC course offerings, allowing students to be eligible for scholarships and grants for the 12-credit hour course—Flooring Installation Technician. Atlanta Technical College in Atlanta, Georgia, also added the flooring program into their two-year carpentry program 

Department of Labor Approves the Program: In June, Hawkeye Community College added the first Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship program in Waterloo, Iowa. Eight students graduated from the program in August 2023.   

WORC Grant Awarded: In September 2023, FCEF was awarded a $1.5 million Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) grant to fund installation training programs at several colleges in Alabama over the next three years. The purpose of the federal grant initiative is to create economic mobility, address historic inequities for marginalized communities of color, rural areas, and other underserved and underrepresented communities, and produce high-quality employment outcomes for workers who live or work in the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border regions, enabling them to remain and thrive in these communities. 

More Colleges Add the Basic Flooring Installation Course: In December 2023, Albany Technical College in Albany, Georgia, and Chattanooga State Community College in Chattanooga, Tennessee, started the non-credit flooring program.

Students gather to learn new techniques during the hardwood flooring segment of the 10-week program. Photo: FLOOR Trends & Installation.

2024

More Scholarships: FCEF extends scholarships to support individuals aspiring to join the flooring industry. The scholarships are awarded to not only those completing basic introductory level training through our accredited providers, but also to those who complete a local training session organized by a flooring dealer or a scheduled program from one of our training partners—CFI, CTEF, NWFA. For a list of approved courses, please visit flooryourfuture.com and click on Training Opportunities. 
 

100 in 100 Campaign: Those interested in becoming a flooring installer are now eligible for scholarships to cover the full cost of tuition for installation training up to $2,500 through the FCEF’s new promotion “100 in 100.” The promotion covers 100 individuals in 100 days and kicked off December 1, 2023, and runs through March 10, 2024. 

Grant Applications: FCEF continues to pursue grant opportunities in an effort to help fund training and development programs across the United States.  

Targeted Training Programs: FCEF is actively engaged in the development of programs tailored for various communities, including: military personnel transitioning from the military to civilian life; Native American communities; and refugee communities and organizations, encompassing Congolese, Swahili, Spanish, Kenyana, Afghan, Ukraine, and Venezuela. 

FCEF is also working closely with the Alabama Community College system to build out online programs offered to any college in Alabama. We developed a task force and work closely with industry professionals to ensure industry standards are being followed.    

Notably, both Australia and Canada have sought guidance and support from FCEF to establish programs in their respective countries. 

High School Outreach: FCEF is collaborating closely with school districts to introduce the flooring program to high school and trade school students. This initiative offers eligible high school students the option to enroll in the flooring installation program, earning college credits upon high school graduation.