Six regional training programs slated for 2014
Oc. 21/28 2013; Volume 27/number 13
Anaheim, Calif.—The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA), has launched the first nationwide flooring installation training showcase which will be overseen and taught by the Certified Flooring Installers Association (CFI). The collaboration was born out of the WFCA’s long-standing relationship with CFI dating back to 1998.
As part of the coordinated effort, the WFCA will sponsor six regional training programs offering complete installation coursework on every category of flooring. The CFI team of 80-plus trainers, comprised of some of the most knowledgeable trainers in the industry, will provide the instruction.
Students will participate in hands-on training in the areas of carpet (in accordance with the upcoming ANSI S600 Carpet Installation Standards), carpet installation inspection (including application, demonstrations and problem solving), ceramic, resilient, laminate and wood. Training in the program will also include material presented by Tom Jennings, WFCA vice president, member services, who will instruct students on client service and customer relations.
At the conclusion of the training, installers who successfully complete the coursework will receive entry-level CFI certification in the surfaces for which they register, as well as a CFI identification badge, completion certificate and listing on the CFI website.
To qualify for this training and CFI certification, installers must have completed at least two years of active installation work. The standard program fee for the certification training is $495. However, as an incentive for WFCA members, association sponsorship of the program reduces the rate to $295 for member participants. In addition, members may be eligible for greater discounts through the WFCA Scholarship Fund. (For program, information, go to wfca-pro.org.) Space in the installer program is limited, so interested individuals and companies are encouraged to sign up soon. WFCA membership is required to receive discounts.
“Just like many other industries, our reputation rests on the final product,” said Scott Humphrey, CEO of the WFCA. “Second-to-none products and exceptional customer service are essential, but if the flooring is not installed correctly and does not perform as expected, no amount of initial legwork is going to fix the problem.
“The WFCA is known for developing and supporting programs that help raise the bar and add value to this industry,” he continued. “Sponsoring this training and tapping CFI to oversee it was a natural and obvious choice for both parties. I have no doubt the industry at all levels will benefit from this venture.”
The first program sponsors, filling four of the six slots, are WFCA affiliates. Exact dates are pending, with sessions expected to begin during the first quarter of 2014. Participating affiliates include the Chicago Flooring Covering Association, Seattle Floor Covering Association along with Mason Contracting, Maryland Northern Virginia Floor Covering Association and the Delmarva CFI Chapter, and Wichita, hosted by Star Lumber. The remaining cities will be made available soon.
“WFCA is to be commended for its commitment to professional flooring installation by providing opportunities for installers to enhance their skills and knowledge,” said Jim Walker, CEO of CFI. “We appreciate the involvement and commitment of the WFCA to provide installation training at such an affordable cost. I am confident the classes will fill up quickly.”
For more information on locations, coursework and/or registration, visit cfiinstallers.org or call the CFI national office at 816.231.4646.