Columbia Flooring has announced its schedule of basic and advanced flooring installation classes for 2004.

Basic hardwood and laminate flooring installation classes will be held at Columbia's Danville, Va., training center March 8-10, April 5-7, June 7-9, July 12-14, August 9-11, November 1-3, December 6- 8; advanced classes will take place May 3-5 and September 13-15. The seminars are 2 1/2 days in duration, running Monday through Wednesday.

The basic class is open to flooring sales reps, dealers, installers, helpers, inspectors, etc., with minimum to intermediate experience. The three-day seminar offers an opportunity to work hands-on with Columbia training and installation specialists who will impart in-depth knowledge of hardwood and laminate flooring, demonstrate new products and teach new practices to enhance on-the-job performance. Class size is limited to a maximum of 20 participants, and a deposit of $100 is due to Columbia Flooring two weeks prior to the start of class.

The advanced installation school is geared to individuals who have completed Columbia's basic class and have a minimum of two years experience installing hardwood and laminate floors. The class size is limited to 12 participants, and a deposit of $250 is due two weeks before the first day.

Installation classes are conducted by Columbia training and technical services manager Rick Jones, who has 27 years experience in the flooring industry, including 16 years as owner of a hardwood flooring store and installation service.

Seminar attendees will receive tours of Columbia's Danville plant, and hotel accommodations and meals will be provided free of charge. The Columbia training center is located in the plant at 100 Maxine Rd., Danville, VA 24541. Those interested in attending should contact Suzy Williamson at (800) 654-8796 for registration forms and additional information.