Sixty-two installers and associates from across the country including - Illinois, Indiana, Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, South Dakota, Virginia and Wisconsin - attended the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association's (CFI) week-long led installation training, which took place in Chicago Jan. 14-17.
Workshop participants received hands-on training and certification in carpet, ceramic, resilient, laminate and wood flooring installation. The initiative also provided training in installation sales and inspection. All sessions were led by (CFI) instructors and overseen by Jim Walker, CEO, CFI. Tom Jennings, World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) vice president, member services, also provided instruction on client service and customer relations.
At the conclusion of the training, installers who successfully completed the coursework received entry-level CFI certification in the surfaces for which they registered, as well as a CFI identification badge, a completion certificate, and a listing on the CFI website.
“The WFCA exists to ensure the success and profitability of our members,” said Scott Humphrey, CEO,WFCA . “Together with CFI, we are delivering on this commitment by providing professional training and tools for success that the industry needs to ensure long term growth. Second-to-none products and top-notch retail sales are just part of the equation. What happens when the product is delivered is equally important! A successful retail sale is not a job well done—it's a job that has just begun.”
“The opportunity to attend with the support of the WFCA Scholarship programs was appreciated by everyone,” said Walker. “The industry needs more of this type of commitment.”
In order to qualify for this training and CFI certification, installers must have completed at least two years of active installation work. Standard program fees for the certification training is $495.00. As an incentive for WFCA members, however, association sponsorship of the program reduces their rate to $295. In addition, members may be eligible for greater discounts through the WFCA Scholarship Fund. For more information on this program go to www.wfca-pro.org.
The next WFCA sponsored installation workshop is scheduled for March 4-7 in Baltimore at Fishman Flooring Solutions. Following this event, the 3rd workshop will take place at Star Flooring and Design in Wichita, Kan., March 18-21.
Space in the installer program is limited so interested individuals and companies are encouraged to sign up soon. WFCA membership is required to receive the discounts.
* Final pricing is based on guideline compliance and the availability of WFCA Trade Scholarship Funds
