At Floortech Interiors in Sturtevant, WI, we're more than just a flooring store—we're committed to shaping the future of the flooring industry by empowering local youth with hands-on training and real-world experience. Our innovative Training Center, in partnership with local high schools and apprenticeship programs, is a testament to this commitment.
Our journey began three years ago when we first partnered with the Kenosha Unified School District's Youth Apprenticeship Program. We hired two eager apprentices, allowing them to learn the trade under the mentorship of our top installers. Our experienced team member, who had a strong background in hard surfaces but wanted to expand his skills to tile work, also joined the program.
Fast-forward to today, and those three apprentices have grown from novices to proficient installers capable of handling basic to intermediate shower and backsplash installations. Their success inspired us to expand the program even further.
We extended our reach three months ago by partnering with the Racine Unified School District's Youth Apprenticeship Program. We brought on four more apprentices, all eager to learn the craft. We transformed our attached warehouse into a fully equipped training area to support their growth.
Our facility now includes:
Next on our training agenda is carpet installation. Our trainers will guide apprentices through:
The learning opportunities are endless, and our goal is to equip these young apprentices with the skills they need to become the next generation of professional flooring installers.
During summer breaks, our apprentices work full-time alongside our top-notch crews at real job sites. After just two months, we've seen significant improvement in their skills. However, we know that repetition is key in this industry. With each unique product they encounter, their expertise grows, leading them to professional success.
Our Training Center wouldn't be possible without the generous support of our suppliers. When we first launched the center, we received donations of ceramic tiles, tools, and supplies, which were invaluable to getting the program off the ground. As we expand into other flooring types like LVP, LVT, wood, carpet, and sheet vinyl, we're seeking continued support from the industry.
Whether you have discontinued products or seconds due to visual issues or want to promote a new product, we welcome your contributions. Not only will these donations help train the next generation of installers, but they'll also provide valuable feedback from our sales team and apprentices, potentially boosting product sales. We showcase these products in our showroom, creating a win-win situation for everyone involved.
At Floortech Interiors, we believe in investing in the future of our community. Our Training Center is more than just a learning facility—it's a stepping stone for young people to build successful careers in the flooring industry. By partnering with local schools and industry leaders, we're ensuring that the next generation of flooring professionals is well-prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Please contact us if you’re interested in learning more about our program or how you can contribute. Together, we can make a difference in these young apprentices’ lives and the flooring industry’s future.
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