A screenshot from NWFA University
The National Wood Flooring Association University, the association’s online educational training program, launched July 1.
The online university currently has more than 50 courses providing information and instruction for wood flooring professionals. Topics include board replacement, concrete moisture testing, estimates and patterned floor layout, among others.
“What makes NWFAU a game-changer for our industry is that it makes training available when and where our members want it,” said NWFA President & CEO Michael Martin in a statement. “The individual courses are 10-20 minutes in length, so they are easy to fit into a busy work and family schedule. A contractor, for example, could easily take a course, or even two, while waiting for a customer appointment. It brings the training to our members in a way that we’ve never done before.”
As professionals progress through each course, they earn digital badges that can be used on social media and the professional’s website for the purpose of gaining credibility with potential customers, as detailed by NWFA Director of Education Stephanie Owen during an info session at Expo 2016.
The badges also count toward NWFA certifications; certification-seeking members must complete hands-on training in addition to the online courses to earn certification. The Installation certification pathway is currently available in NWFAU. The Sales Counselor certification pathway is expected within a few weeks, and the certification pathway for Sand & Finish will be online before the end of the year and the pathway for Inspection in 2017.
“The University is an initiative to interest the next generation of wood flooring professionals who grew up with and are familiar with technology solutions,” said Owen. “In such a competitive industry, professionals need something that sets them apart from their competition. NWFAU is that resource.”
The program can be accessed via the NWFA’s website.
