The International Certified Flooring Installers (CFI) hosted a one-of-a-kind training aimed at recruiting and training trainers for future certification courses.

The event was hosted at the CFI training facility in Wichita, Kansas, on December 6-7, 2023. Veteran CFI trainers Dave Garden and Jonathan Varden instructed the class of five on the procedures and techniques required to properly run a CFI certification. Training was focused on carpet certification.

"It has been over eight years since our last event like this," said Garden, executive director of education, CFI. "These individuals committed themselves to helping our industry by stepping up and sharing their gifts. It is not simple to share your craft no matter how good at it you are. Displaying patience can be a tougher job than just doing the job at times."

The class had to show their power stretching, carpet seaming and true cut stair installation skills. While the students demonstrated their techniques, they were also given the task to instruct the remaining students and the instructors on how, why and what they were doing in each one of their modules. A task that is easier said than done, all of the students rose to the occasion and accepted the challenge. 

"These guys did great," said Garden. "I cannot wait to see them in action." 

Garden said the participants left the class with a better understanding on how a certification needs to run. Attendees were encouraged to become more involved with CFI and work on hosting events in their areas. CFI plans on hosting more train the trainer events in the future. 

If you are interested in becoming a trainer for CFI please call (816) 231-4646.