Drake State Community and Technical College is set to launch a pilot Skills for Success – Flooring Installation Technicians course. This program, the first of its kind in the region, is offered at no cost to participants and aims to equip graduates for successful careers in the flooring industry.
The course features a blend of online instruction and hands-on labs conducted at Drake State under the guidance of experienced flooring professionals. Graduates will receive a recognized credential and have the opportunity to connect with local and regional employers in need of skilled technicians.
“We are thrilled to offer this program as part of our commitment to workforce development,” said Dr. Patricia Sims, president of Drake State. “This initiative not only equips participants with the technical skills they need for a successful career but also connects them directly with employers who are eager to hire skilled technicians.”
Online coursework will soon kick off, followed by the hands-on portion of the program, which will begin on September 19 and conclude on October 11. Graduates should be prepared with the necessary tools to enter the workforce immediately.
Kaye Whitener, director of operations for the Floor Covering Education Foundation, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “This initiative is a significant step toward bringing awareness to the vast opportunities within the flooring industry, said Whitener. “By recruiting new talent and aiding in the funding of students’ education, we are investing in their futures and the future of our industry. This program will facilitate job placement opportunities for these individuals, ensuring they have the skills and connections necessary to embark on successful careers in flooring installation.”
Expanding the Flooring Program
Once the pilot Flooring Installation Technician course concludes, it will be made available statewide through any of the 24 colleges within the Alabama Community College System.
Funding from the Alabama State Legislature has enabled the ACCS Innovation Center to offer scholarships and equip Alabamians with essential skills for success. “The flooring installation course exemplifies how we bridge the skills gap by uniting community colleges, businesses, and partners. Skills for Success courses like this, built by Alabamians for Alabamians, prepare our workforce for in-demand careers and secure a brighter future for our state,” said ACCS Innovation Center Executive Director Julie Frizzell.
A partnership between Drake State, the ACCS Innovation Center, the Floor Covering Education Foundation, and the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration made the program possible.
