The NWFA hosted a “Learn the Ropes Expo Student Day” at its Wood Flooring Expo on Thursday, April 14, to expose local high school students to career options in the hardwood flooring industry. Held at the Tampa Convention Center, students heard from a panel of industry experts, learned a few basic techniques from NWFA Regional Instructors, and toured the NWFA Expo’s exhibit hall.
Panel participants for the event included Josh Neuberger of Pallmann, Renee Tester of Harris Wood Floors/Q.E.P., Carlos Mongalo of the National Floor Contractors Apprenticeship Program, Marquis Wright of Mr. Wright Flooring Inc., Christina Curry of Florida Hardwood Floor Supplies, Corey Cathcart of Integrity Floors LLC, Veronica Skowron of Atlas Floors Inc., and Dee Lenston of Bona US. Kayleen McCabe of the McCabe Foundation emceed, and Pallmann, Harris Wood Floors, and Integrity Floors sponsored the event.
“For a first event, we couldn’t be more thrilled with the number of students who attended and their engagement level. The career panel presented a variety of paths to enter the wood flooring industry, and the students asked great questions,” says Stephanie Owen, NWFA Vice President of Education. “It will be fun following these students as they continue to develop relationships with our members and hopefully establish careers in the wood flooring industry.”
A video recap of the Student Day event is now viewable on the NWFA YouTube page.