INSTALL

INSTALL, the International Standards and Training Alliance, is a cooperative effort among some of the most successful labor and management professionals in the industry, supported by every major flooring manufacturer in North America. These partners provide our contractors with the training, materials and feedback they need to present superior work and customer service to every client.

INSTALL was created through the vision of leading floorcovering contractors across the United States and Canada and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters to address the growing shortage of skilled, qualified floor covering professional throughout North America. This situation was hurting the floorcovering industry, and, together, we wanted to do something about it.

Today, INSTALL is steered by a 14-member labor-management committee and is supported by the superior training program of the UBC. INSTALL represents the floorcovering industry’s most comprehensive training program for residential, commercial and institutional floorcovering installers throughout the United States and Canada. For more information about INSTALL, read through this FAQ section, or visit www.installfloors.org.

What makes INSTALL different from other programs?

Several things. First, an INSTALL-certified professional must complete a four-year apprenticeship program in floorcovering that includes both classroom and on-the-job training. Second, the curriculum for INSTALL is not only endorsed by industry leaders, but also is a product of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) in partnership with technical and educational representatives from major mills and manufacturers throughout North America. Third, INSTALL not only meets industry standards, it is setting them. Clearly, the INSTALL curriculum is the best four-year, industry-endorsed program of its kind in the world.

What does the INSTALL curriculum include?

The content of the four-year apprenticeship program includes theory and practice of proper floor preparation, installation and finishing procedures for carpet, linoleum, vinyl and other resilients, hardwood, laminate, stone, artificial and turf sports surfaces and other accessories. INSTALL also offers career-long training to all journeymen.

Isn’t a four-year floor covering apprenticeship training program overkill?

No. We believe it is essential because of the rigorous nature of the training. INSTALL has established industry-wide standards that each apprentice must master. These standards include fundamental, core installer skills; graduated levels of skill competence and experience; written proof of theoretical knowledge; and hands-on skill testing. Standards also include external educational accreditation of trainers and trainees. Only after completing the four-year program can graduates join the ranks of the 13,000+ UBC floor covering professionals working in the United States and Canada.

What is the benefit of that level of comprehensive training?

INSTALL professionals can efficiently install any kind of floor, in any pattern, for residential, commercial and institutional settings. Work is done right the first time, which saves time and money for the contractor.

Who created INSTALL?

A special International Floor Covering Labor-Management Committee of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America worked with Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees (JATC) to create the INSTALL curriculum. These committees — representing both floor covering contractors and mechanics — also worked in partnership with industry-leading manufacturers, such as Armstrong, Beaulieu, Pergo, Mohawk, Mannington and Shaw, to make sure that what is being taught reflects current labor needs in the floor covering industry. Today, INSTALL standards are certified by the Labor Departments of the United States and Canadian governments and have become the industry standard for training professional floor coverers.

How many UBC floor covering professionals are there?

More than 13,000 floor covering professionals are working in the United States and Canada — and those numbers will grow as INSTALL apprentices complete their training.

How many INSTALL training centers are there?

There are 26 training sites throughout North America that provide INSTALL’s standardized, quality training — 26 sites throughout the United States and Canada and a 178,000-square-foot International Training Facility in Las Vegas. Each site also reflects the INSTALL curriculum, standards, quality and professionalism.

How are INSTALL instructors trained?

INSTALL instructors remain on the cutting edge of emerging technology, through the “train-the-trainers” program at the International Training Facility in Las Vegas. There, our nearly 100 floor covering instructors receive the training and gain the knowledge they need to take state-of-the-art training back to their regions.

Why is standardized training important?

Consistent training leads to consistent work — the kind of work that manufacturers, contractors and consumers can depend on. We can deliver that with a standardized curriculum, so that INSTALL floor coverers from British Columbia to Philadelphia, and Kansas City to New York are trained the same way as INSTALL professionals in St. Louis, Minnesota, Indiana and Ohio are taught.

Why should contractors work with INSTALL professionals?

Three reasons: training, training and training. The bottom line is this: an INSTALL-trained professional completes a job with fewer repairs and customer callbacks. The UBC commits more than $100 million each year to training its members, including INSTALL Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio members. Solid training produces qualified professionals who install flooring right the first time. It also results in a good reputation for INSTALL professionals — and for the contractors who partner with us.

Do INSTALL professionals cost a lot more?

No. We are highly skilled craftsmen with state-of-the-art training. Labor costs are more than compensated through the value attained. We do the work right the first time; we help you meet your time and budget targets. We guarantee our work. And our training and experience mean a safer work site — and that means lower costs, too.

Why the big push for training?

We work according to a professional responsibility to offer top-quality training to INSTALL professionals and our partner contractors. INSTALL offers career-long programs of skill-enhancement upgrades, including manufacturer specialty certifications. Trained INSTALL craftsmen are confident; we are proud of our professionalism and take pride in what we do. That fosters a work ethic that boosts productivity and a commitment to quality. We see ourselves not only as partners in the project, but also as partners in your success.

Are industry leaders endorsing the INSTALL curriculum?

Yes. The UBC and the International Floor covering Labor-Management Committee hold industry-wide symposia to gain input from industry leaders. Participating in these events are technical and educational representatives from Armstrong, Beaulieu, Mohawk, Mannington, Shaw and Pergo. We asked them to review the existing curriculum and advise on how the curriculum could be changed and enhanced. To date, we have 33 leading mills and manufacturers endorsing INSTALL.

Is INSTALL making a difference in the floorcovering industry?

We believe INSTALL is making a significant difference. The bottom line is a happy customer. And that’s good for the reputation and growth of the entire industry.

How do I contact INSTALL Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio?

INSTALL Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio is coordinated by Ray Laraby. Contact him at (419) 893-2317 or email him at rlaraby@ovrcc.com.