Hardwood Floors December 2019/January 2020

S P E C I A L E V E N T S

Hardwood Flooring Industry Inspiring Careers in the

The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) and power tool manufacturer, Festool, recently partnered for an interactive four-day event designed to attract new skilled labor into the wood flooring industry. Held in early October, the event was a one-of-a-kind educational experience that drew high school students from all around the region to NWFA’s Headquarters in Chesterfield, Missouri, to learn about careers in the wood trades. The gathering featured a variety of hands-on demonstrations, networking opportunities, and information on how they could easily create a career path in the wood flooring industry. Students also had the chance to learn more about the NWFA’s “Wood Flooring Specialist” Apprenticeship Program, as approved by the U.S. NWFA Hosts Hands-On Event with Festool By Burt Bollinger

Department of Labor. The program gives apprentices a path to connect with potential employers, discover careers in the wood flooring industry, and receive on- the-job training with related classroom instruction. “The Festool Hands-On Event was a great way to attract new talent into our industry,” says Michael Martin, NWFA President &CEO. “We hoped to inspire and inform students about the many potential career options that exist within the wood flooring industry, including our apprenticeship.” Kayleen McCabe, a general contractor, vocational advocate, and host of DIY Network’s Rescue Renovation, was also on- hand to inspire attendees to explore a career in the trades. McCabe stressed the fact that skilled trades are in high demand. At the same time,

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