The Montana Department of Labor and Industry, in collaboration with local partners and Great Falls College MSU, is now offering basic flooring course.

The 10-week, 300-contact-hour basic floor covering installation program includes four 75-hour trainings during which students learn carpet, hardwood, resilient and tile installation taught by flooring installers and business owners.

Students who complete the program will get support from the Great Falls Job Service Office to move into an apprenticeship position and once they complete that, could earn around $100,000 annually, according to DLI.

The number of installers has been dropping due to retirements and a slower number of installers entering the workforce, driving demand, according to DLI.

First class graduates GFCMSU accelerated structural welding class [2023]

“One of the missions of Great Falls College is to help with workforce development and meeting industry-driven needs,” Quincie Jones, GFCMSU’s director of career and technical education, said in a release. “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 first 10-week course runs through Nov. 14 at $2,500, with scholarships available.

Jones said the first class is in full swing and they’re taking names for a waitlist for the spring class, which will begin mid-January or February. She said they’re working to confirm dates.

Following the successful completion of this course, DLI plans to work with businesses statewide 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.

Jenn Rowell

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