The Certified Flooring Installers (CFI) hosted the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) at their Dalton, Georgia, headquarters on February 25-27 where they participated in a train-the-trainer event. The three-day training covered hand-sewing techniques for custom carpet installation on stairs and carpet repairs.  

Train-the-trainer events are designed to teach the trainers how to align their instruction to ensure that every student learns the same information and techniques in the same way, according to Kevin Keefe, director of technical support, QEP/Roberts. This is critical to the future of flooring installation education. 

The class was led by Dave Garden, executive director of education, CFI, and Keefe with assistance from Alan and Alania Lagatore—both CFI instructors.  

According to Val Chestohin, floorcovering instructor DC16, IUPAT works with a variety of organizations to ensure their trainers have the most up-to-date information, training and skills “so our instructors can pass this knowledge on to their apprentices in their areas to produce some of the best trained, well-rounded floor covering installers in the country.”

Historically, union trade organizations have focused on commercial carpet projects; however, with the lack of installers, there may be a need in the near future for union organizations to perform residential carpet installations, according to Keefe. This will require a different set of skills.  

“The participants focused on installation methods tailored to the various types of stairs they may encounter in the field,” said Alania Lagatore. “This craft takes time to perfect, and factors such as stitch placement, thread and carpet tension, and clean cuts are crucial for a successful installation.” 

The course covered hand-sewing seams with different stitches and mastering the True Cut Method for stair installation. Keefe taught the class how to install carpet around spindles known as a birdcage. Kenny Miles with Nourison spent time showing the class how to “reburl” pulled loops in looped carpet. Jerry Miller with Miller’s Flooring Consultants partnered with Miles to teach commercial carpet repairs. 

“Being able to work with another organization is always fun because they have a lot to teach you as well,” said Keefe. “Sometimes it’s eye opening to do things differently or maybe something's changed that we need to address. That's a good time to have that discussion and then come to a vote.”