Reading about the achievements the individuals on Hardwood Floors magazine’s 40 Under 40 list have made already in their careers is a reminder that there are plenty of up-and-comers who are ready to take the industry to the next level. There is one particular challenge that will take all of us – industry veterans and newcomers alike – to solve, though. The flooring sector is facing a significant challenge with labor shortages and an aging workforce, and we need to act now to ensure a skilled, vibrant workforce for tomorrow.
The Flooring Futures Fund is a new initiative by the NWFA Education & Research Foundation (NERF), which is dedicated to training and supporting the next generation of wood flooring professionals. With a commitment to removing barriers to entry, the fund will provide essential training, scholarships, and resources to those ready to build a career in flooring.
NERF was established in 2014 with a mission to provide educational opportunities for wood flooring professionals. Since its inception, NERF has provided more than $100,000 in scholarships for wood flooring training, but it’s not enough. We’re committed to attracting the next generation of wood flooring professionals by removing the barriers beyond training costs alone; this will help individuals with related costs such as travel, lodging, meals, and even lost wages.
The giving campaign’s goals for the Flooring Futures Fund are ambitious: a three-year
fund-raising initiative of $400,000, for a total of $1.2 million. So, how will those funds be used?
Basic Level Training
Full scholarships will be provided for 40 individuals each year who are new to the wood flooring industry to attend a full week of basic level wood flooring hands-on training. Scholarship funds will cover registration fees, travel costs, hotel rates, and lost wages.
Next Level Training
Full scholarships will be provided for 40 individuals each year who have been in the wood flooring industry and want to level up and attend a full week of advanced level wood flooring hands-on training and business education. Scholarship funds will cover registration fees, travel costs, hotel rates, and lost wages.
Non-English Translation Services
Funds will be used to provide multilingual opportunities for in-person and online education.
According to Hardwood Floors magazine’s 2025 Industry Outlook survey, nearly 57 percent of NWFA members stated they are struggling to fill critical positions. Most respondents (78 percent) said the challenge is about the same as it was in 2023, so the situation has not improved much. We have to make educational opportunities for the next generation of wood flooring professionals more accessible in order to create a robust talent pipeline.
Join us in making a difference. Together, we can pave the way for a strong, skilled workforce by investing in the future of the flooring industry. Whether you would like to make a donation or apply for a scholarship, please visit nwfa.org for more information.
