Great Falls, Mont.- The Montana Department of Labor and Industry, in collaboration with local partners and Great Falls College MSU, is offering a ten-week, 300-contact-hour Basic Floor Covering Installation program. Consisting of four 75-hour trainings, students will learn carpet, hardwood, resilient, and tile installation.
"At our core, DLI is an education and training agency, mission focused on empowering Montanans through work and opportunity. The Flooring Craftsman training is one of many programs our agency offers to help Montanans find work, skill up to grow in their career, and strengthen our economy," said Commissioner Sarah Swanson. "I am proud of our team for identifying a need and taking immediate and practical steps to address the issue while providing students a clear and attainable path forward."
Students who complete the program will receive support from the Great Falls Job Service Office to move into an apprenticeship position and, ultimately, a career in the trade. The demand for floor installers has grown in Montana over previous years as the number of installers fell annually due to retirements in the industry and a slowing number of new installers entering the marketplace. Students who complete the training and apprenticeship program can earn around $100,000 per year.
“One of the missions of Great Falls College is to help with workforce development and meeting industry-driven needs,” said Quincie Jones, director of Career and Technical Education at Great Falls College. “We have found that our most successful programs are driven by industry. It also is a fantastic opportunity for people to make a very good wage in a high-demand field.”
The ten-week course lasts from September 9-November 14. Applications are open, and spots are limited. The course cost is $2,500, and scholarships are available. Following the successful completion of this course, DLI will work with businesses across the state to facilitate further trainings including opportunities for Montanans living in rural areas to take the course remotely.
For questions or to enroll, students can contact the Great Falls College by calling 406-268-3734 or by emailing cet@gfcmsu.edu.
