Installation Training Partnership

"The World Floor Covering Association, under the leadership of Chris Davis, has done more for the flooring industry than any organization in history. Its influence in providing training for flooring-related programs to the industry is unequalled. The organization through its board of directors, has chosen to unselfishly assist others in their search for knowledge and skill."

- Jim Walker, CEO of CFI

 PARTNERSHIP: The WFCA CFI Installation Training Programs

In 1997 the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) and the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI) teamed up with the goal of increasing the number of programs CFI offers each year.

With the generosity of the WFCA's support, CFI provides hands-on, interactive, enthusiastic training sessions - at a reduced cost - that have enabled thousands of installers to enhance their skills. WFCA has been instrumental in adding numerous courses for installers, including the Woven and Patterned Carpet Workshop, the Installation Inspector Workshop and the Sales Associate Installation Workshops for carpet, ceramic, finished hardwood, laminate, resilient and specialized training.

Through CFI, WFCA offers technical installation support for its members and installers who represent their firms to assist in avoiding problems prior to installation, during installation and to assist with rectifying difficult concerns should they occur following the installation.

Each year at the annual CFI Convention, WFCA sponsors a Leadership Conference designed to help installers become more than just good craftsmen, but good business people as well.

"The Leadership Conference sponsored by the World Floorcovering Association under the direction of Christopher Davis is the only event of its kind in the industry that focuses on the true value of being a leader in both business and personal life. It is the beginning of a conference that includes numerous skills workshops, hands-on involvement and seminars. Each year, we are fortunate to not only have an enjoyable time with our friends, but return home with information that definitely impacts our businesses, as well as our lives. The Convention lasts 3 days, but during that short time, it provides knowledge, skill improvement and a social atmosphere that is reflective of the CFI belief that, "If it is to be, it is up to me."

- Leon Harrison, CFI President 2008

Designed for principals and employees of "regular member" organizations, scholarship funds are disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis according to program guidelines and are not a member entitlement (use it or lose it!).

Regular Member organizations are eligible to receive up to an annual maximum cumulative total of $500. CFI programs qualify for up to 100% of registration fees. All other approved educational/training programs qualify for up to 50% of registration fees. 

The scholarship money does not have to be used specifically for flooring-related training or education. For example, it may be applied towards computer or software training. For information on the possibilities uses of the WFCA Trade Scholarship Program, visit the WFCA. The Trade Scholarship Program is a great example of the WFCA's commitment to raise the professionalism of its members and ensure proficiency through sound training and education. "It's probably the most popular program in the WFCA, " says WFCA President Chris Davis.

FCIF lends a helping hand to Flooring Professionals in need

The Floor Covering Industry Foundation is there for you if crisis strikes. In nearly three decades, the FCIF has disbursed more than $2 million in financial assistance to those with floor covering industry affiliation who have experienced catastrophic illness, disability or other life-altering hardships. Grants are awarded based on need for expenses such as medical care, medications, medical supplies and other expenses directly related to beneficiary care, as well as such basic necessities as food, shelter and utilities. The WFCA is a Diamond level corporate sponsor of the FCIF, providing generous funding to assist those in need. Please visit the FCIF site for details.