Education is an important way to grow your knowledge, skills, and even your bottom line. The NWFA Wood Flooring Expo, May 2-4, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will feature more than 20 education sessions. As you read this issue of Hardwood Floors, those sessions are bringing technical knowledge from industry experts, business best practices, and the latest trends to you all in one place. I hope that you will join us there to experience it for yourself.
Educational opportunities also are available before and after Expo. For example, the NWFA University offers more than 300 online courses in a convenient and affordable way. The NWFA’s education team has been working hard behind the scenes to improve your learning experience on the NWFAU site, and several enhancements recently launched.
First, the learning paths for our Sales Advisor, Installation, Sand & Finish, and Manufacturing programs have been consolidated. These redesigned learning paths are easier to find and complete, but still feature the same industry-recognized courses.
Redesigned NWFA digital badges are another enhancement you will see. When you complete any of the new learning paths, NWFA automatically will award you with a digital badge that you can use on social media, business communications, and websites to highlight your industry credentials.
We also have updated the Installation courses to reflect the most-current version of the NWFA Wood Flooring Installation Guidelines. These new modules offer up-to-date industry knowledge and best practices presented in an engaging new format.
The NWFA’s Certified Professionals (CP) program allows wood flooring professionals to set themselves apart and advance their careers. If you are interested in validating your wood flooring knowledge and expertise, it has never been easier to get on the path to certification. The CP program has made enhancements to the prerequisites for becoming a certified installer or sand/finisher, ensuring anyone who is qualified can become certified. Enhancements include virtual testing as an option, challenging the prerequisites, and recognizing alternative paths to becoming certified.
In-person learning is back in full swing this year, with more than 50 NWFA hands-on training events around the United States and Canada. Each course is led by an NWFA Regional Instructor, and class skill levels range from Basic Installation to Master Craftsman. The instructors are highly skilled and trained individuals who have a great passion for the wood flooring industry and are eager to share their knowledge with others.
NWFA’s education and training programs can meet your needs no matter where you are in your career. Visit nwfa.org/education for more details about the NWFAU enhancements, to view the 2023 NWFA Education and Training Catalog, and to find information on all of our industry learning opportunities. Contact our team at 800.422.4556 to find a solution that is right for you.