CFI Partners with South Africa's FITA to Provide Installation Training

Dallas, TX, February 22, 2017—Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI) has formed a partnership with South African based FiTA to bring ongoing floorcovering installation training classes and certification to professionals throughout the country and beyond.

Nearly ten years ago, CFI began working with Belgotex Floorcoverings, a carpet manufacturer based in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, to help establish a formal training program and institute qualification guidelines for professional installers. At the time, there were no set standards and no rules governing flooring installation in the country.

Said Varden. “The lack of qualified installers in the flooring industry is a global issue. In 2013, The South African Flooring Industry Training Association was formed to address the installation crisis facing the flooring industry.”

CFI, together with FITA South Africa, will continue to facilitate installation training and accreditation through apprenticeship programs for entry-level flooring installers who undergo comprehensive hands-on and classroom training, "prior learning" accreditation will be made available for installers who are already working and have experience.

To date, over 150 graduates have completed the 12-month training program and apprenticeship and now hold a National Certificate Installation of Floor Coverings. This recognition is exclusively issued by the South African Government appointed Construction Education Training Authority, which facilitates and funds skill development in the construction sector.

Through an additional regional partner, Belgotex Floorcoverings, CFI and FiTA have entered an arrangement with local youth endowment organizations to bring installation training to school children in grades six to ten. Upon completion, these students will have a floor laying skill, which will enable them to find a job as an entry-level flooring installer upon graduation.

For more information on CFI and their programs both domestically and internationally please visit the CFI website at http://www.cfiinstallers.org. You may also call 816-231-4646.