A program developed by a labor-management committee of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, the International Standards and Training Alliance (INSTALL) training curriculum guides apprentices and journeymen through a comprehensive training regimen that produces the most highly qualified floorcovering mechanics in North America. In fact, the INSTALL standards and training curriculum is so comprehensive, that it is certified by the United States and Canadian departments of labor.

INSTALL's curriculum is widely considered as the training standard for the floorcovering industry. And to make sure what is being taught reflects current labor needs in the field, the UBC Labor-Management committee works closely to continually refine the curriculum based on advice from technical and education representatives from major mills and manufacturers throughout North America.

"That's where the 'All' in INSTALL comes in. Our program's success hinges on alliances with the industry to make sure we're providing the services that they need," said Jim Schmid, international director of floorcovering for the UBC. In fact, more than 30 of these industry leaders spent time last month pouring over the INSTALL curriculum and offered advice on how to refine the INSTALL curriculum even more. That refined curriculum will be implemented into lessons at INSTALL's 24 training centers throughout North America.

INSTALL mechanics complete four years of classroom and on-the-job training that includes theory and practice of proper floor preparation, installation and finishing procedures for carpet, linoleum, vinyl and other resilients, hardwood, laminate, tile, stone, artificial sports surfaces and other accessories.

But just finishing the coursework isn't enough to earn the INSTALL stripes. Mechanics must demonstrate mastery of fundamental, core installer skills, graduated levels of skill competence, written proof of theoretical knowledge and hands-on skill testing.

INSTALL's standardized curriculum ensures that mechanics throughout the continent are trained in exactly the same manner. As a result, a floor installed in Vancouver reflects the same high quality as a floor installed in New York. INSTALL professionals can efficiently install any floor, in any configuration, in residential, commercial, and institutional settings. Work is done right the first time and that saves time and money for the contractor.

More than 13,000 men and women work under the INSTALL logo throughout the United States and Canada.