Five students graduated from Alabama's first Flooring Installation Technician course, pioneered by the Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF) and Drake State Community & Technical College, marking a significant step in addressing the state's workforce shortage.

FCEF, in partnership with the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Innovation Center, Drake State Community & Technical College in Huntsville, Alabama, and the Industry Task Force, announced the completion of its first pilot cohort for the Flooring Installation Technicians course.

On October 11, 2024, Drake State hosted a special graduation ceremony for five students who successfully completed the Skills for Success – Flooring Installation Technician course, led by flooring professional instructor Roy Lewis. This groundbreaking program, the first in Alabama, offers a comprehensive mix of online learning and hands-on training in a lab setting and was developed in partnership with FCEF, Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Innovation Center, Drake State Community & Technical College, and the Industry Task Force, 

Houston Blackwood, workforce director of the ACCS Innovation Center, praised the effort. 

“Dr. Jones and the Drake State team have successfully launched a top-notch pilot lab for the Skills for Success – Flooring Installation Technician course," Blackwood said. "His vision laid a strong foundation for Alabama's 24 community colleges to achieve consistent results statewide. With support from the FCEF, the ACCS team is ready to make a significant impact on the flooring industry. We look forward to seeing collaboration between colleges and industry partners thrive through this program.”

Participants of the program received hands-on training from experienced flooring professionals and earned a recognized credential that prepares them for in-demand careers. The program was offered at no cost, and graduates can now connect with local employers eager to hire a new generation of flooring helpers.

The pilot of the Flooring Installation Technician Course aligns with Drake State’s vision of transforming lives through skilled training," said Dr. Ira Jones, Drake State’s director of workforce development. "In partnership with FCEF and the ACCS Innovation Center, we’re excited to launch cohort two in early 2025.”

Support from the U.S. Department of Labor WORC grant, awarded to FCEF, provided additional resources for the college and the program’s graduates. Thanks to the grant and QEP/Roberts partnership, each graduate received a start-up toolbox to help kickstart their careers.

“FCEF’s work in getting floor installation training programs into schools is unmatched," said Leslie Del Pozo, QEP VP of marketing communications. "Their commitment to student success includes ensuring graduates have the tools they need to thrive. We were thrilled to collaborate on custom toolboxes for the program’s graduates and are proud to contribute to the solution for the flooring installer shortage. It's inspiring to see immediate results for the future of our industry.”

Kaye Whitener, FCEF director of operations, said the program has been two years in the making.  

"The collaboration between ACCS Innovation Center, Drake State, the Industry Task Force, and grant funding has provided our industry with a presence in college systems across Alabama, raising awareness among a new generation," Whitener said. "It takes a village, and we couldn’t have achieved this milestone without everyone’s support. I encourage everyone to support FCEF so we can replicate these programs nationwide.”

The Flooring Installation Technicians program is set to expand across Alabama, with cohort two launching in early 2025.

Learn more about the FCEF's efforts to expand the basic floorcovering installation program in other schools.