CFI Announces International Partnership with South African FiTA
Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI) recently announced a partnership with South-Africa-based African Flooring Industry Training Association (FiTA) to bring ongoing floor covering installation training classes and certification to professionals. Nearly 10 years ago, CFI began working with Belgotex Floorcoverings, a carpet manufacturer based in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, to help establish a formal training program and institute qualification guidelines for professional installers.
“At the time we entered this market, there were no set standards and no rules governing flooring installation in the country,” said Robert Varden, vice president of CFI. “The lack of qualified installers in the flooring industry is a global issue. In 2013, The South African Flooring Industry Training Association was formed to address the installation crisis facing the flooring industry. Great strides have been made working with both trade and government officials to clearly define necessary schooling and hands on training requirements for installation professionals that will be overseen by the government and will be required to practice the trade.”