Finishing Trades Institute (FTI)

[Barry Carlton]

Does anyone know anything about this program. It looks like it is tied in closely with the Union. http://www.ftifloorcovering.com/app/states/view/50

Is it only for apprentices? Can an experienced installer get a certification?
Is it worthwhile? Esp. in a 'right to work' state like mine?

I would love to be the only 'go to' installer in the area for Union/prevailing wage work.

[Jim McClain]

Looks like it is union affiliated. The domain was created just last December and they only registered it for a year. Several of the pages are not completed, most notably those that are supposed to show the manufacturers that are partnered with them (in case you didn't know, listing or even linking to a manufacturer is really very easy).

I'm guessing it is another ogranization/business that is trying to take advantage of consumers, developers/contractors and designers looking for installers and other flooring providers. This one is concentrating on the union installer because they have in-house "certification" and training.

Of course, those same consumers, developers/contractors and designers looking for installers through the internet could find The Floor Pro Community's PRO Directory just as easy - and our listings are free to the flooring professional AND those looking for a pro.

Jim

[rgfloor]

Barry, did you go thru the union apprenticeship program? I know you were union for a while. If you did, this is the new and improved version. Back in the day I was simply stuck with an old guy and told to watch him!!

On the West coast it is FTI here in the East coast it is called INSTALL. Very similar programs I believe.

[Barry Carlton]

I was union from about '79/'80 till mid '84. Remember that recession? I was getting 4 hours a week. The store went under and I partnered with an independant contractor then ended up going on my own. I was about 3 months shy of my journeyman's card.

[Jon Scanlan]

Barry as you have probably read in other posts of mine about getting registered/qualified/certified I reckon everybody should try and get it. The writings on the wall with the way things are going with regulations these days. Soon someone will have to work with a doctor on the site in case someone hurts themselves. The electricians here had to go through a medical course in case someone got a shock. It's getting to crazy

[getoverit]

I was union from 73 to 87. Local 419 out of Denver. I served the 4 year apprenticeship. They actually gave me 6 months credit since I had some experience when I joined. I thought it was worthwhile. Most of your training is on the job but I learned in the classes also.

[Peter Kodner]

The funny thing I have garnering form the learning process: If I keep an open mind, I learn from all classes, seminars, meetings, etc. It depends on my own attitude when I'm there...

Even more ironic, I usually learn something new from the people I least suspect will teach me something...

[Lo Down]

Jon Scanlan said Barry as you have probably read in other posts of mine about getting registered/qualified/certified I reckon everybody should try and get it. The writings on the wall with the way things are going with regulations these days. Soon someone will have to work with a doctor on the site in case someone hurts themselves. The electricians here had to go through a medical course in case someone got a shock. It's getting to crazy

......or a nurse.