Kansas City, Mo.—Where do installers go to keep up on the latest installation techniques, tools and materials? They turn to the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI) and the World Floor Covering Association ( WFCA), which have come together to broaden their educational focus and bring individual, hands-on training events to the local level.

“It is our desire to provide the industry with the latest information to better service the end-user,” said Jon Namba, director of technical services for the WFCA. “We have developed the finest team in the nation, consisting of 76 installation trainers who must constantly update their skills in order to share the tools of a successful business with others,” added Jim Walker, CFI’s executive director and CEO.

The eight-hour training programs are offered in small groups to allow hands-on learning. Workshops include techniques on powerstretching, patterned carpet identification and installation techniques, stair upholstery without staples, seaming procedures, direct-glue applications and identification of new products and tools. Namba said, courses can also be specifically designed for residential or commercial installation, or for dealers and associations.

A minimum of 18 installers is required to form a class at a cost of $290 per person. Wood, laminate and ceramic courses are also available. A two-day training session on estimating and measuring for broadloom is available to sales reps and others involved in job estimating or securing carpet estimates. It is a hands-on workshop which works with blueprints and preparation of estimates.

The programs will provide continuing education credits in order to obtain CFI Residential II or Commercial II certification after Jan. 2006. Carpet One will be sponsoring training courses held on Oct. 21 and 22, in Gold River, Calif. The buying group has opened the event to all installers in the area and plans to train and certify mechanics on a regular basis, noted Jeff Krekelberg, owner of Gold River Floors Carpet One of Sacramento, Calif.

“We see the value in education and the difference it can make for our installation teams,” he continued. “It is our goal to provide our customers with the most proficient installation crews, which is why we encourage all installers to attend.” In addition, two-day broadloom installation courses for inspectors will be taught by Walker and a group of CFI trainers.

The next session is scheduled for Oct. 25 and 26, in Kent, Wash. It is sponsored by T&A Supply. Visit www.cfiinstallers.com for more dates. “This course is recognized by many in the industry because it fully illustrates what is involved in a carpet installation, how to identify problems and find solutions to them,” said Barrett Hagood, Mohawk customer relations.

“We recommend it because it provides an educational format on the installation knowledge required to resolve problems associated with broadloom installation which are unequalled in the industry.” “We highly recommend this course,” added Ken Brown, Shaw technical services. “It provides essential installation knowledge for retailers and those who are related to the process of carpet installation.”

“Interest for training has never been so high,” concluded Walker. “Only by becoming more knowledgeable can we all achieve the ultimate goal of customer satisfaction.” For more information about these or another educational program, call CFI at 816/231-4646. —Kathlene Vercellino