Since 2023, Hawkeye Community College (HCC) in Iowa has been addressing workforce challenges in the flooring industry through its Basic Floor Covering Installation Program. Partnering with the Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF) and local flooring professionals, the program trains the next generation of flooring installers. We spoke with Jerry Orr, trade and industry coordinator at HCC, to understand the program’s journey, challenges and outlook.
The start of a partnership.
HCC’s involvement with FCEF began with a pressing local need. “A retail store manager approached us about concerns with aging installers and no successors,” Orr explained. “The manager knew about FCEF and encouraged us to connect. That’s how we began building this program.”
The issue resonated across the community.
“We found strong support from 12 to 15 local retailers,” Orr noted. “They agreed the need for new installers was urgent. FCEF provided a ready-made curriculum, tools, equipment and scholarships, making it easy to move forward.”
Overcoming obstacles.
Launching the program wasn’t without challenges. The two main issues encountered were finding qualified instructors and attracting young adults to flooring installation. To remedy this, HCC relied on community networks and FCEF’s help to recruit instructors. To engage potential students, HCC took a proactive approach. “We reached out to local high schools, attended career fairs and promoted the program as a pathway to a rewarding career,” Orr explained.
Feedback from students.
Participants who completed the program were positive about their experience. “They’ve told us they learned a lot and often recommend it to others,” Orr noted.
Local impact.
The FCEF program has positively impacted HCC and the local community. According to Orr, local retailers have been incredibly supportive, donating materials and equipment. The program has also strengthened the college’s relationship with the flooring industry, fostering collaboration in workforce development.
Why it matters.
Orr highlighted the importance of programs like this in addressing both local and national workforce needs. “There’s an obvious shortage of new talent in the flooring industry. FCEF is working tirelessly to address these challenges, and programs like ours are vital to those efforts.”
Advice for other colleges.
For colleges and universities considering adopting a similar program, Orr stressed the importance of strong local partnerships. “It’s one thing to have retailers donate materials, but their commitment to hiring and mentoring graduates is key,” he explained. “Graduates come out with solid foundational skills, but they need ongoing guidance to fully develop their craft.”
Industry challenges.
Orr also pointed out a systemic issue affecting the industry: Reliance on 1099 subcontractors. “This model limits the growth of programs like ours,” he said. “While change won’t happen overnight, it’s a conversation we need to keep having to create meaningful reform.”
Kaye Whitener is director of operations for the Floor Covering Education Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting recruitment, training and retention of floor covering installers. For more information, email kwhitener@fcef.org.
