I have conversations with flooring installers regularly who express uncertainty in their career’s next steps or that they want to keep installing until they physically can’t do the job or they don’t feel they have the time or money to train someone in to take their place. I assure you there are other options. There are people in the industry willing to educate you on next steps, educate you on other career options and walk you through succession planning. You just have to ask.
I reached out to David Gross, executive director, International Standards & Training Alliance (INSTALL), to discuss these points. Gross got his start in flooring installation just like many of you. He worked alongside his uncle as a helper, starting around the age of nine. Also, like you, he did not fully realize that he was building a skillset that would carry him through a career in the flooring industry.