Dalton—Congoleum Corp. is the latest supplier to commit to providing flooring and supplies to the Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF). The fledgling organization continues to develop and promote training programs in conjunction with technical colleges and other training facilities.
“We’re excited to support a training program of this caliber,” said Joe Cea, installation specialist at Congoleum. “Providing quality training and quality product is essential to ensuring the next generation of flooring installers have the skills needed to succeed.”
Congoleum has a long history of quality and innovation. Its contribution to FCEF shows its commitment to making sure its products can be professionally installed at that same level of quality. “There’s a long list of tools and materials needed for a training program and many of those supplies can’t be reused for multiple classes,” said Kaye Whitener, director of operations at FCEF. “Every partner we have helps us make that list a little shorter for the training entity.”
According to Dan Gallagher, installation manager for Congoleum Flooring, the company loves being able to work hands-on with students while watching them learn with Congoleum products. “It’s such an honor to be part of a program making a real difference,” he said.
FCEF’s pilot program at Georgia Northwestern Technical College has had two 10-week, non-accredited cohorts since its launch in January. In August, the program will shift to a 15-week accredited program. FCEF said it has also started conversations with many other schools across the nation and has several new programs launching at the end of the year.
“If you benefit from the flooring industry in any way, you owe it to yourself to support FCEF,” said Jim Aaron, executive director, FCEF. “This is our industry’s biggest challenge, and we need everyone’s support. Thank you to Congoleum for stepping up.”
As FCEF grows its list of technical colleges where flooring installation training is available, the organization said it is 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.