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| CFI instructors provided flooring installation training to Georgia job seekers. |
While the program is open to any interested job seeker, organizers are specifically working to recruit veterans, according to Mike Pryor, Goodwill’s director of program development.
“Working with veterans we’ve found that many of them have a difficult time translating their military training into the civilian workplace. In this program, similar to their military service, we’re teaching veterans a very specific skill, tapping into their ability to work with their hands," said Pryor. "Accessing motivation, dependability and reliability will prepare them for work outside of a traditional office setting.”
The seven-week program held on the campus of Chattahoochee Technical College, combined a mix of floor installation training, business skills training and job readiness.
“Because our mission is to put people to work, we make it a priority to understand the employer’s needs and hiring challenges," added Pryor. "In fact, we’ve been launching new training programs to help fill our region’s gap for skilled workers over the past few years. The partnership with CFI is a perfect example of how we leverage the knowledge of industry leaders and work together to train jobseekers for skills that businesses are seeking.”
The CFI training program followed the initial week of orientation and job readiness training by Goodwill and accident prevention, safety awareness and the OSHA 10-hour certification presented by Spectra. Wood flooring installation and technical training was conducted by Brett Miller, vice president of education and certification, and a team of National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) instructors.
Bob Gillespie, Dave Garden, Lemarta Faulknor, Danny Sherman and Pablo Barbosa conducted the first week of training for the installation of laminate flooring. Faulknor and Barbosa represented Shaw’s Technical Installation group, while the others represented CFI. The attendees were introduced to the specifics of the products and requirements for installation, estimating and measuring, hands-on installation projects, problem solving and substrate preparation, and Dennis Gentry of MAPEI shared substrate preparation requirements with the group.
CFI's Ed Braile, Varden and Sherman focused on the installation of commercial broadloom and modular tile. Attendees then worked in modules learning the techniques that are essential to a quality installation.
“We are convinced that the flooring installation training program has the ability to make a definite difference in people’s lives,” commented Bill Richards of Shaw. “The success of this event required a substantial amount of involvement, funds, products and people working together. CFI, Goodwill and each of their partners are to be commended for the work they are doing in educating people and finding jobs for their futures.”
For more information, visit CFIinstallers.com.
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