Let’s be honest—when most people think about careers, flooring isn’t even a consideration, simply because they didn’t know we existed. Until now. That’s exactly what FCEF programs across the country are changing—introducing our industry in colleges, high schools and even to individuals transitioning out of the military who are looking for a new career path.
May is National Skilled Trades Month, and for our industry this isn’t just another line on the calendar—it’s our opportunity. Our moment to speak up, show up and make sure flooring is part of the skilled trades conversation in a way it hasn’t always been.
After 41 years in the flooring industry as a second-generation professional—with family roots on my husband’s side going all the way back to Catherine Evans Whitener—I’ve seen firsthand what this industry can provide. Not just a job, but a career. Not just income, but opportunity. And in my case, even a family legacy, as I’ve proudly welcomed several of my own children into the business.
And now, even my oldest grandson—who will be graduating next year—is beginning to consider skilled trades as a real career option. That’s meaningful to me. Because it shows that when people truly understand the opportunity, they start to see this industry differently. (And yes, my kids still answer my calls, so we must be doing something right.)
This industry has given so many of us a great living, strong relationships and a sense of pride in doing work that actually lasts. But here’s the part we can’t ignore—we need more people.
Good people. Trained people. People who see this not as a fallback option, but as a first-choice career.
The encouraging news is we’re making real progress. Today, through the Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF), we now have 41 colleges across 19 states introducing students to flooring careers. We’re expanding into high school construction programs, reaching students earlier than ever before. And we’re working with military personnel transitioning out of service, helping them step into meaningful careers in our industry.
That’s not just growth—that’s momentum. But momentum only works if we keep pushing it forward. Because if we’re being honest, no one is coming to solve this for us. The future of the flooring industry isn’t going to be built by chance. It’s going to be built by the decisions we make right now.
Because here’s the reality: Programs don’t run on good intentions; they run on industry support.
This is where every one of us comes in—manufacturers, distributors, retailers, installers and suppliers. If we want a strong future, we have to be willing to build it.
And the good news? It doesn’t take a massive commitment to make a massive impact:
- $100 per month helps fund training and student support
- Penny programs with Cali, Leggett & Platt and IFC make giving back easy and scalable
- One-time donations directly support education, training, and job placement
It’s simple. It’s practical. And it works. Visit fcef.org to get involved.
Kaye Whitener is executive director of 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.
