The Floor Covering Education Foundation announced the launch of a dual enrollment program at Georgia Northwest Technical College (GNTC), which has welcomed high school students from Dalton Academy for its basic floor covering installation program.
On Jan. 8, students began what will consist of 300 contact hours of training for carpet, hardwood, resilient and tile installation. On Fridays, the students will participate in the school's full-time virtual program to fulfill the remaining coursework required for graduation, according to FCEF.
The program is designed to prepare students for the flooring industry, offering both high school and college credits. The collaboration was prompted by a local retailer and supported by both educational and industry leaders.
"Sustainable recruitment must commence before the college-age phase to fully expose the flooring industry to a new generation of talent,” stated Kaye Whitener, director of operations at FCEF. “Dual enrollment, which allows high school students to undertake college classes while still enrolled in high school, is a strategic approach.”
