FCEF & ACCS Launch Statewide “Skills for Success: Flooring Installation Technician” Course
By World Floor Covering Association Oct 17, 2025 Orignal Article Link
— Calling Alabama Dealers to Partner
The Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF) is pleased to announce the statewide rollout of the Skills for Success: Flooring Installation Technician course in partnership with the Alabama Community College System (ACCS). This collaboration brings high-quality flooring installation training to all 24 community and technical colleges across Alabama.
Developed through the ACCS Innovation Center as part of the Skills for Success initiative, this course equips students with industry-aligned skills in flooring installation and opens pathways to real employment opportunities.
“This course is a true example of what’s possible when industry and education come together to address real workforce needs,” said Julie Frizell, Chief of Operations for ACCS Innovation Center.
“We’re proud to partner with FCEF to bring high-quality flooring installation training to communities across the state. The flooring industry plays a vital role in construction and homebuilding, and through Skills for Success and our community colleges, we’re helping ensure Alabama has the skilled professionals needed to meet that growing demand.”
This announcement marks a major milestone in FCEF’s efforts to scale flooring education and address the installer shortage. The course is built on the foundation of the Basic Floor Covering Installation Program, which was made possible through early grant funding and FCEF’s curriculum development.
“We are thrilled to see this partnership come full circle,” said Kaye Whitener, Executive Director of FCEF. “By working side by side with ACCS, we are expanding access to meaningful training, elevating flooring installation as a recognized trade, and helping Alabama employers tap into a new cadre of skilled talent.”
To support the launch, ACCS has produced these introductory videos:
- Employer Promo: https://youtu.be/gRL-XKNlEKM
- Student Promo: https://youtu.be/O4NnSN8V2zA
Enrollment and participation are now open. To learn more or submit an employer interest form, visit www.trainforalabama.com.
A Message to Alabama Dealers, Contractors & Installation Companies
“We call on every flooring dealer, contractor, and installation company in Alabama to engage with your local community college, support this program, and provide employment opportunities to participants. Use these classes as an avenue to train new hires, sales associates, and veterans entering the trade through FCEF’s SkillBridge partnership. Your involvement is key to building a sustainable installer pipeline in your own region. Contact us at [email protected]” — Kaye Whitener, Executive Director, FCEF
This call to action is central: dealers and installation companies are not passive observers — you are foundational partners in turning trained students into productive team members.
This partnership announcement underscores FCEF’s commitment to closing the installer gap through education, employer engagement, and collaborative solutions. With your support, we can strengthen flooring as a career pathway and fuel growth for businesses across Alabama and beyond.