Speaking to a group of high school construction students two years ago provided a clear perspective on how the flooring industry is perceived in trade communities. When I asked graduating students, “How many of you have considered the flooring industry as a possible career choice?” Not a single hand went up, and then, after a few minutes, a young man raised his hand and simply asked, “Is that even a thing?”
The Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF) cited data from the 2018 Blackstone report detailing the labor shortage and its impact on our industry. The average age of a flooring installer is listed as 56 years old. However, we seem more inclined to debate the existence of an installation crisis for another four decades or overlook the situation until the pain becomes unbearable. Right now, we have the opportunity to bring about change that paves the way for a new generation.
The flooring industry has a chance to “Tell Our Story” and be part of discussions when someone considers a trade career. Indeed, our story is compelling: pathways to advancement, lifelong skill sets, cost-effective training (especially compared to a four-year college degree) and the option to own a business or work in the field. Our young professional craftsmen and craftswomen, who often earn more than many master’s degree professions, contribute to this narrative. Enabling creativity and skill development to drive an individual’s financial success is part of our story.
While some segments of the flooring industry have supported the first foundation dedicated to building a stronger future, it’s unfortunately not nearly enough. We have a team of industry veterans dedicated to this cause, aiming to compete for quality talent in the trade communities. By sharing our story and offering scholarships for training, we can elevate this career path and attract a new generation. Quality training and certifications that uphold industry standards should be promoted and demanded to enhance this field’s status.
In January 2022, the industry saw the introduction of the Basic Floor Covering Installation program through collaboration between FCEF, CFI, CTEF, NWFA and the Technical College System of Georgia. By June 2022, the program earned accreditation from Georgia Northwestern Technical College in Dalton. This coming October will mark the second program awarding college credits to graduating students. Currently, three colleges offer the flooring program, with two more slated to start in the fall. FCEF is actively engaging with 57 additional colleges nationwide in discussions to consider implementing the Basic Floor Covering Installation program.
How does FCEF bolster the flooring industry? We create awareness campaigns to attract new talent, and we develop new programs and pathways to facilitate local training and support. Scholarships are provided for training through technical college programs or approved basic programs offered by CFI, CTEF, NWFA and AFT. The FCEF exists to ensure that, in the very near future, we won’t have to worry about a young person questioning if our industry is “even a thing.” We will proudly be at the forefront, attracting the finest trade talent available.
Support FCEF today by donating at fcef.org.
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.
