The International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI) has graduated its first class from the new CFI Training Facility in Forney, Texas.

“I am amazed and gratified by the craftsmanship and integrity of work I have witnessed from our trailblazing graduates,” said Robert Varden, vice president, CFI division of the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA). “The hands-on training and low student teacher ratio is of paramount importance to the caliber and success of our CFI students. Unlike other training programs, graduates of our highly efficient class had jobs lined up upon graduation.”

Since its opening, a number of retailers have contacted the institution with leads on potential students as well as an interest in underwriting scholarships for students who then can go on to work for them with certified, cutting edge installation expertise that cannot be garnered anywhere else in the world.

“CFI has been renowned in our industry for decades for their ability to train professionals who will lead their field in skills and dedication,” said Lonnie Presson, owner of Lonnie's Carpet Max in Rockford, Ill. “When word about the new accelerated carpet installation class in Forney was announced, I was one of the first business owners in line to secure enrollment for two very promising students."

Interested students do not need any previous installation experience to attend the CFI class. The course offers a comprehensive line-up of all the technical aspects required for basic residential carpet installation. The next accelerated carpet installation class begins at the school on April 4, followed by another offering of the course in Anaheim, Calif., on May 16. In addition to the accelerated carpet class, the school also offers long and short-term training programs in every flooring product category for students at all levels.

“Our training programs are second-to-none, and our graduates deliver on our foundation of raising the level of professionalism and craftsmanship in our industry,” said Varden. "If our recent graduates are any indication of what the future holds in store, then I know we are all headed in the right direction."

For more information, visit cfiinstallers.org/school.html.