Michigan's first dedicated flooring installation training center opens, offering career paths for high school students with hands-on training, job placement assistance and financial aid options.
James Pope, a graduate of the basic flooring installation program implemented by the Floor Covering Education Foundation and its education and training partners, attended Great Falls College in Montana where he completed the 10-week course. Here, he shares his experience in the program, the support he received along the way and his thoughts on his generation’s perception of the trades.
The Floor Covering Education Foundation has expanded its partnership with the Department of Defense's SkillBridge program to offer specialized floor covering installation training to transitioning service members during their final months of active duty.
In this eye-opening conversation, WFCA President Scott Humphrey and Board Chairman Sam O'Krent pull back the curtain on the flooring industry's biggest challenges. From a revelation about inspector training to innovative funding solutions that could transform the trade, they share candid insights about what's really happening on showroom floors across America. Plus, learn their take on immigration reform and why the next economic upturn could spell trouble for unprepared retailers.
The Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF) announced new partnerships and funding initiatives at TISE 2025, including industry-supported "Penny Programs" to address installer shortages. The foundation needs $1.3 million to maintain current scholarship and training programs while expanding workforce development efforts.
In just three years, the Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF) has emerged as a powerful force in addressing the flooring industry's critical labor shortage. But for Executive Director Jim Aaron and Director of Operations Kaye Whitener, this is just the beginning.
The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) announces the retirement of Chief Operating Officer (COO) Steve Abernathy. He will receive the Tom Jennings Award for Excellence during a ceremony at the WFCA booth (2413) at The International Surface Event (TISE).
Leadership change at Floor Covering Education Foundation: Jim Aaron steps down as FCEF's Executive Director after establishing groundbreaking programs across 14 states. Kaye Whitener, former operations director, takes helm to continue addressing industry's workforce challenges.
FCEF tackles labor shortage through college programs across North America, with 82% job placement, but urgently needs instructors at eight locations for 2025 classes.
The Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF), in partnership with the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Innovation Center, Drake State Community College, and the Industry Task Force, announced the completion of its first pilot cohort for the Flooring Installation Technicians course.