Floor Covering Installers

High School

High school courses that would provide you with a good background for floor covering include wood and metal shop classes, mechanical drawing, mathematics (especially algebra and geometry), and chemistry (which will provide a good introduction to the chemical properties of various materials).

Postsecondary Training

Most installers gain their training as helpers working for flooring installation contractors and learn informally on the job. When they are first hired, helpers are assigned simple tasks, such as tacking down strips. As they gain skills and experience, they are given more difficult work, such as measuring and cutting. It may take an installer 18 months to two years of informal on-the-job training to learn the basics of carpet laying or resilient floor laying.

Apprenticeship programs, which often last two to four years, usually provide much more complete training in all phases of installation. Some apprenticeships teach installation of both types of flooring, while others specialize in just one covering. Apprentices work under the supervision of experienced installers and typically attend classes in related subjects once a week. Programs are available from INSTALL—Installation Standards Training Alliance, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades’ Finishing Trades Institute, and otherf organizations.  

Aspiring apprentices should consider participating in a pre-apprenticeship program that is offered by a union, community college, or professional association. These programs—which last anywhere from six to 12 weeks—help young people build their mathematics, literacy, and work-readiness skills and investigate potential occupational paths. The following organizations offer general construction or flooring-related pre-apprenticeship programs:

• International Masonry Training and Education Foundation: http://imtef.org/training-programs
• Home Builders Institute: www.hbi.org/Programs/Trades/Carpentry (includes training in laying wood floors)

Other Education or Training

The Carpet and Rug Institute offers continuing education (CE) courses such as Carpet Construction, Fibers and Yarns, Introduction to Carpet Specification, and Carpet Cushion and Adhesives. FCICA, the Flooring Contractors Association; the World Floor Covering Association; and other professional associations and trade groups also provide CE opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.