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Floor Coverer (Floor Layer) HY

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Floor Coverer (Floor Layer)

O*NET-SOC CODE: 47-2042.00 RAPIDS CODE: 0199HY
IUPAT/FTI Floor Coverer Course Competencies

The Program level curriculum builds upon the foundation of the core curriculum skills, knowledge, and abilities.  At the program level, occupation-specific standardized curriculum is designed by an ad-hoc committee comprised of the FTI Curriculum Department, IUPAT/FTI subject matter experts, employers, manufacturers, and associations.

Apprentices will be assessed on their acquisition of knowledge, skills and abilities in the core curriculum through hands-on and written tests as well as the OJL performance measures.

Additionally, the apprentices will integrate their core knowledge, skills and abilities into the pursuit of specific craft training throughout the term of their apprenticeship. This program specific training is designed to build the technical and professional skills needed by the apprentice to successfully perform his/her trade profession.

Floor Coverer Apprenticeship Program

The Floor Coverer Apprenticeship Program is co-sponsored by the IUPAT/FTI to meet the ever-changing needs of the industry and the affiliates it serves. The apprenticeship program ensures that apprentices will learn the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills necessary to be a successful Floor Coverer. During this program of study, apprentices will successfully complete the IUPAT/FTI core curriculum and integrate it into the Floor Coverer craft specific training. Apprentices successfully completing this program apply their skills and abilities as Floor Coverer.

Description of Occupation

Floor Coverers generally work indoors and provide a basic flooring function. Floor Coverers add decorative qualities to their finished work that enhances the appeal of the building. Work is typically done in homes, offices, hospitals, stores, restaurants, and in many other structures. Floor Coverers (carpet installers, floor installers and floor layers, and floor sanders and finishers) will each learn the tools of their specific flooring trade. Workers in the floor covering trade must be able to work with plans and/or blueprints and apply math skills to measure, purchase, and install the materials for the best possible finished floor. Workers in this trade must also be able to inspect floor surfaces for imperfections and know how to correct the flaw prior to beginning the job. Safe work habits are also emphasized in this trade.

Training/Skill Set
The Flooring industry uses Apprenticeship Training as its greatest opportunity to expand the workforce.  People with limited or no experience in the flooring industry can use the available apprenticeship program as a catalyst to becoming a qualified journeyworker in the trade.

The flooring curriculum and training will provide the skills, knowledge, and abilities needed to meet the needs of the industry and to ensure that each worker is equipped to use the technology, materials, and applicable methods of installation as well as adhering to all quality and safety standards on the job.

Floor Coverers learning their trade through an apprenticeship program will receive relevant classroom training as well as OJL and experience. The OJL may include tasks such as preparing surfaces to receive flooring, installing stripping and padding, stretching newly installed carpet, and using tools of the trade.

They will progress to learning how to cut and install the various floor coverings.  Skills needed to become carpet and floor finishers include manual dexterity, eye-hand coordination, physical fitness, and a good sense of balance and color. The ability to solve arithmetic problems quickly  and accurately is also needed. As a supervisor, salesperson or estimator, carpet and floor finishers should be able to identify and estimate the quantity of materials needed to complete a job, accurately estimate how long a job will take to complete, and compute the cost of the job.

Emphasized early in the apprentice’s career is adherence to and knowledge of OSHA standards for personal safety; safety on the job site; and proper handling of tools, materials and equipment. Additionally, the apprentice will discuss safe work practices when working with flooring materials and various obstacles that may be encountered on the job, such as moving and lifting heavy objects.

Working Environment
Floor Coverers generally work indoors and have regular daytime hours. When the job has them working in an office or occupied store, then they may be required to work evenings and weekends to avoid disruption of the business to its customers and/or employees.

Although the work is labor intensive, the conditions under which Floor Coverers typically work are favorable since most construction has been completed and the work area is relatively clean and uncluttered.

Program Level Competencies

With reference to each of the respective areas of the Floor Covering occupation, apprentices successfully completing this program will be able to:

Floor Coverer

  1. Explore trade options as they pertain to the floor covering industry.
  2. Identify trade-related materials and applications.
  3. Distinguish between the various floor covering installation materials and applications.
  4. Install, repair and replace floor covering materials.
  5. Utilize trade-related tools and equipment.
  6. Interpret drawings related to the floor covering trade.
  7. Apply math calculations related to the floor covering trade.
  8. Demonstrate the proper measurement, preparation, and installation methods of the floor covering
  9. industry.
  10. Apply the standards of quality control and quality assurance in the floor covering industry.
  11. Exemplify the qualities and characteristics necessary to be a leader in the floor covering industry.

Suggested Program of Study for the Floor Coverer Curriculum 
The IUPAT/FTI Program of Study for the Floor Coverer OJL and Related Instruction is outlined below.  Under this hybrid approach, an apprentice must participate in the indicated minimum number of hours of OJL for each category of the program. The Program Sponsor is responsible for determining the number of RI hours that an apprentice must participate in based on the FTI guidance, local needs, and the mandated minimum of 144 hours per year (29 CFR 29.5(b)(4)).

  1. Category # Category Name OJL[1] Hours RTI[2] Hours
    1.1-3.4 Core Curriculum 32 96
    6.1 Health and Safety Awareness for the Floor Coverer  100 – 200 40
    6.2 Introduction to the Floor covering Trade 200 – 300 40
    6.3 Floor Preparation 800 – 1000 40
    6.4 Materials and Tools of the Floor covering Trade 200 – 500 40
    6.5 Installation Methods for Resilient Floor covering 1000 – 1400 80
    6.6 Installation Methods for Laminate and Hardwood Flooring 800 – 1200 60
    6.7 Installation Methods of Carpet and Synthetic Turf 1000 – 1400 80
    4132 – 6032 476

     

    1 Refers to a Minimum – Maximum range of OJL hours that an apprentice must participate in during the specific apprenticeship program. An apprentice can take hands-on assessments in order to be awarded credit for these hours as determined by the District Council.

    2 Refers to the IUPAT/FTI suggested number of RI hours an apprentice should participate in during the specific apprenticeship program. However, the number of RI hours that an apprentice must participate in is determined by the District Council but must be at a minimum of 144 hours per year.

  2.  Module 6.0 – Floor Coverer
    6.1 Health and Safety Awareness
      On-the-Job Learning (OJL) – 100 – 200 hours Related Instruction (RI) – 40 hours
    • Don (put on), doff (remove), inspect, and maintain the proper PPE that should be worn during floor covering including, but not limited to:
    • Head
    • Face
    • Eyes
    • Ears
    • Hands
    • Body
    • Feet
    • Respiratory
      • Perform a job analysis for safe working conditions:
    • Attend pre-job safety meetings
    • Adhere to site specific safety rules and federal regulations
    • Observe Vessel Entry/Confined Space regulations
    • Read and interpret MSDS
    • Establish and maintain a safe working perimeter
      • Safely demonstrate the proper use and maintenance of floor covering tools including, but not limited to:
      • Basic Tools
      • Fastening Tools
      • Scribers
      • Cutting Tools
      • Hand Saws
      • Straight Edges
      • Trowel
      • Spreaders
      • Power Tools
    • Maintain clean work areas (housekeeping).
    • Store, handle, and transport tools, equipment and materials properly (including forklift operation).
    • Identify the locations of First Aid and Fire Equipment.
    • Recognize the important areas of OSHA in general terms.
    • Identify the Safety Regulations as they apply to safe work practices in the floor covering trade with emphasis on:
    • Identification of safety hazards (unsafe conditions)
    • Proper handling of materials, including hazardous
    • Maintenance and safe operation of tools
    • PPE
    • Describe the precautions that must be followed when using flammable liquids and adhesives.
    • Explain what a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is, its purpose and limitation.
    • Describe the role of employer, supplier, and worker in the education of workers.
    • Outline emergency procedures and how to obtain assistance for injured workers.
    • Describe the proper technique (ergonomics) for lifting and transporting floor covering materials.
    6.2 Introduction to the Floor covering Trade
    On-the-Job Learning (OJL) – 200 – 300 hours Related Instruction (RI) – 40 hours
    • Demonstrate the characteristics of a professional Floor Coverer, including:
    • Exhibit suitable appearance and personal hygiene.
    • Exhibit proper attitude and behavior on the job site, including private residences and other occupied buildings.
    • Deal with difficult customers in a professional and courteous manner.
    • Interpret written and verbal instructions.
    • Recognize the importance of cooperation and interaction with related trades on a job site.
    • Identify and explain the basic terminology used in the floor covering trade.
    • Identify the historical events of the modern floor covering trade.
    • Describe the working conditions of the floor covering trade.
    • Identify the career options and advancement opportunities in the floor covering trade.
    • Differentiate between the various materials used in the floor covering trade, including resilient, carpet, laminate, hardwood, moldings, adhesives, and underlay.
    • Describe custody, care, and maintenance, of tools and equipment.
    6.3 Floor Preparation
      On-the-Job Learning (OJL) – 800 – 1000 hours Related Instruction (RI) – 40 hours
    • Recognize the different types of substrates in the floor installation process.
    • Conduct a moisture test on a given substrate.
    • Prepare substrate depending on grade level and type of flooring materials to be installed.
    • Identify substrate defects and describe how to resolve them.
    • Demonstrate the methods of cleaning, priming, patching, and leveling substrates.
    • Inspect substrates and recognize conditions that will impact final flooring product installation.
    • Demonstrate proper sanding, scraping, sweeping, and filling procedures to receive any type of flooring.
    • Observe manufacturer’s HVAC recommendation for installation area.

     

     

     
    • Identify the different types of substrates.
    • Define grade level and explain its importance in floor covering.
    • Identify the types of moisture issues on various substrates and explain why moisture tests are made on substrates.
    • Determine how to prepare new concrete floors before installing floor coverings.
    • Define curing and parting compounds and explain their uses.
    • Determine the use of a primer in the floor covering installation process.
    • Identify the minimum clearance for ventilated suspended concrete floors.
    • Identify the minimum drying time for new concrete.
    • Explain the importance of underlayment’s in floor covering installation process.
    • List and identify the types of board underlayments (hardboard, plywood, and particle board).
    • Explain the issues with installing new floor covering over existing floor covering.
    • Describe the methods to re-do an existing coved floor.
    • Determine the coarseness used for sanding strip wood floors.
    • Describe the hazards of removing existing floors.

     

     

     

     
    6.4 Materials and Tools of the Floor covering Trade
      On-the-Job Learning (OJL) – 200 – 500 hours Related Instruction (RI) – 40 hours
    • Recognize the problems a Floor Coverer may encounter with the different types of floors used in the floor covering industry, including:
    • On Grade or Below Grade Concrete Floors
    • Suspended Concrete Floors
    • Magnesite Floors
    • Floors with Asphaltic Underlayment or Lightweight Aggregate
    • Wood Floors
    • Nonporous Surfaces
    • Differentiate between the different types of resilient floor coverings.
    • Recognize the advantages of resilient floor coverings.
    • Differentiate between the different types hardwood floors.
    • Determine the appropriate type of trim to use when resilient floor coverings are a different thickness.
    • Properly install the appropriate trim product.
    • Demonstrate the proper procedure(s) for applying the appropriate adhesive, primers, and sealers.
    • Provide adequate ventilation when using adhesives, primers, and sealers.
    • Perform the proper procedure for installing the appropriate underlayment for a given floor installation.
    • Demonstrate the appropriate techniques for installing a floor system over concrete.
    • Safely use the various types of basic hand tools, special hand tools, cutting tools, miscellaneous tools, and power tools.
    • Identify and describe the characteristics of the different types of resilient floor covering, including:
    • Linoleum
    • Homogenous PVC Sheet Vinyl
    • Inlaid Sheet Vinyl
    • Rotovinyl
    • Cushioned Sheet Vinyl
    • Resilient Tile (soft tile)
    • Asphalt Tile
    • Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT)
    • Cork Tile
    • Rubber Tile
    • Identify the different types of safety flooring and where it is appropriate to install them.
    • Identify the three distinct layers in all laminate flooring (surface, core, backing).
    • Identify the different types of hardwood floors, including:
    • Solid
    • Engineered
    • Parquet
    • Floating
    • Longstrip
    • Exotic
    • Hand scraped
    • Name the three classifications of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) control flooring.
    • Identify the different types of carpet including backings, surface fibers, and their properties (wool, nylon, acrylics, polypropylene, polyester, recycled, synthetic turf).
    • Identify and describe the various types of trim products used in the floor covering industry, including:
    • Cap Moldings
    • Cove rim (cove metal trim)
    • Transitional Metal
    • Finish Metal
    • Cove Base Fittings
    • Binder Bar
    • Stair Noising
    • Identify the various types of adhesives used in the floor covering industry, including:
    • Water-Soluble Paste
    • Asphalt-based Adhesives
    • Epoxy Cements
    • Adhesives for Sheet Vinyl (multipurpose adhesives, acrylic latex adhesives, and perimeter floor adhesives)
    • Adhesives for Vinyl Composition Tile (thin spread, contact cement, cove base cement, pressure sensitive cement)
    • Eco-friendly
    • Explain the significance of Primers and Sealers when applying adhesives.
    • Identify and describe the different types of underlayments and their properties that are commonly used in the floor covering industry, including:
    • Plywood
    • Hardboard
    • Lining Felt
    • Composition Felt
    • Concrete
    • Identify and describe the basic hand tools used in the floor covering industry, including:
    • (adjustable wrenches, awls, broad knives, chalk lines, chisels, duster brushes, files, hammers, knives, nail sets, pliers, push brooms, saws, screwdrivers, steel squares, tapes, tin snips/aviation shears, trowels, etc.)
    • Identify and describe the special hand tools used in the floor covering industry, including:
    • Fastening Tools (spot nailers, power nailers, hammer staples, brad pusher, special hammers, electric tacker, etc.)
    • Scribers (divider type scriber, under scriber, hinged scriber, bar scriber, outside corner scriber, pin vise, etc.)
    • Cutting Tools (linoleum knife, hook knife, rubber cove base cutter, tile cutter, metal miters, miter boxes, etc.)
    • Miscellaneous Special Tools (straightedges, base shoe lifters, scrapers, rollers, trowels & spreaders, torches & heat guns, moving equipment, tile scooter, knee kicker, power stretcher, etc.)
    • Identify and describe the power tools used in the floor covering industry, including:
    • sander, strippers, buffers, drills, circular saws, vacuum cleaners, air compressors, hot metal glue guns, wood routers, special routers, soldering guns, hot air welders, heat blow guns, air sled, hot melt seaming iron, etc.
    6.5 Installation Methods for Resilient Floor covering
      On-the-Job Learning (OJL) – 1000 – 1400 hours Related Instruction (RI) – 80 hours
    • Demonstrate the measuring procedures to determine the required amount of materials needed for installation of all types of resilient flooring.
    • Demonstrate the layout and installation procedures to properly install manufacturer’s material.
    • Demonstrate installation techniques for various types of resilient flooring including but not limited to safety flooring, rotovinyl, linoleum, rubber, cork, VCT, PVC, sheet vinyl, and vinyl conductive.
    • Select and safely use the appropriate tools to install resilient floor coverings.
    • Demonstrate knowledge of adhesive and substrate compatibility.
    • Demonstrate knowledge of proper trowel notch sizes as recommended by product manufacturers.
    • Demonstrate knowledge of proper cutting, fitting and seaming for various resilient flooring methods including pattern scribing (self-coving).
    • Demonstrate knowledge of proper installation and fitting of top-set cove base.
    • Demonstrate knowledge of proper job completion skills.
    • Observe manufacturer’s HVAC recommendations for installation area.
    • Demonstrate heat welding techniques and skills.
    • Demonstrate techniques and skills for proper repair and replacement procedures.
    • Demonstrate knowledge of proper job completion skills.
    • Successfully complete the requirements for industry recognized manufacturer training and certifications, such as Forbo, Armstrong, Ardex Henry, Shaw, Mohawk, Tarkett, Nora Rubber, etc.

     
    • Identify and describe the characteristics of the different types of resilient floor covering, including:
    • Linoleum
    • Homogenous PVC Sheet Vinyl
    • Inlaid Sheet Vinyl
    • Rotovinyl
    • Cushioned Sheet Vinyl
    • Resilient Tile (soft tile)
    • Asphalt Tile
    • Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT)
    • Cork Tile
    • Rubber Tile
      • Explain the advantages and limitations of using resilient floor coverings.
      • Identify the appropriate tools to use to install resilient floor coverings.
    6.6 Installation Methods for Laminate and Hardwood Flooring
      On-the-Job Learning (OJL) – 800 – 1200 hours Related Instruction (RI) – 60 hours
    • Demonstrate the measuring procedures to determine the required amount of materials needed for installation.
    • Demonstrate the layout and installation procedures to properly install manufacturer’s materials.
    • Demonstrate installation techniques for various types of laminated and hardwood flooring.
    • Select and safely use the appropriate tools to install laminated and hardwood floor coverings.
    • Demonstrate knowledge of adhesive and substrate compatibility including underlayment for floating floors.
    • Demonstrate knowledge of proper trowel notch sizes as recommended by product manufacturers.
    • Demonstrate knowledge of proper cutting and fitting for various hardwoods and laminate flooring.
    • Demonstrate knowledge of proper installation and fitting of trim and wood base.
    • Observe manufacturer’s HVAC recommendations for installation area.
    • Demonstrate techniques and skills for proper repair and replacement procedures.
    • Demonstrate knowledge of proper job completion skills.
    • Successfully complete the requirements for industry recognized manufacturer training and certifications (Forbo, Armstrong, Ardex Henry, Shaw, Mohawk, Tarkett, Nora Rubber, etc).
    • Identify the three distinct layers in all laminate flooring, including:
    • Surface
    • Core
    • Backing
    • Identify the different types of hardwood floors, including:
    • Solid
    • Engineered
    • Parquet
    • Floating
    • Longstrip
    • Exotic
    • Hand scraped
    • Name the three classifications of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) control flooring.
    • Explain the advantages and limitations of using laminate and hardwood floor coverings.
    • Identify the appropriate tools to install laminate and hardwood flooring.
    6.7 Installation Methods for Carpet and Synthetic Turf
    On-the-Job Learning (OJL) – 1000 – 1400 hours Related Instruction (RI) – 80 hours
    • Demonstrate the measuring procedures to determine the required amount of materials needed for installation.
    • Demonstrate the layout and installation procedures to properly install manufacturer’s material on all surfaces including stairs.
    • Demonstrate the installation techniques for various types of indoor and outdoor carpet and synthetic turf.
    • Select and safely use the appropriate tools on carpet and synthetic turf.
    • Demonstrate knowledge of adhesive and substrate compatibility for glue down carpet, padding for conventional carpet and turf substrates.
    • Demonstrate knowledge of proper trowel notch sizes as recommended by product manufacturers.
    • Demonstrate knowledge of proper cutting and fitting for various types of carpet and turf flooring.
    • Demonstrate knowledge of proper installation and fitting of trim.
    • Properly handle and store carpet in manner that prevents damage and distortion.
    • Consult the manufacturer for specific installation requirements and warranty conditions as they pertain to pile direction and pattern matching.
    • Refer to carpet manufacturer guidelines prior to installation.
    • Observe manufacturer’s recommendations for seaming carpet edges.
    • Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for double-glue-down, stretch, modular and pre-applied adhesive systems peel and stick installation.
    • Demonstrate knowledge and skills in pattern alignment and installation proficiencies.
    • Demonstrate knowledge of proper job completion skills.
    • Demonstrate techniques and skills for proper repair and replacement procedures.
    • Successfully complete the requirements for industry recognized manufacturer training and certifications (Forbo, Armstrong, Ardex Henry, Shaw, Mohawk, Tarkett, Nora Rubber, etc).
    • Identify the different types of carpet including backings, surface fibers, and their properties (wool, nylon, acrylics, polypropylene, polyester, recycled, synthetic turf).
    • Identify the factors which contributed to the growth of the carpet industry.
    • Identify the impact the invention of tufted carpet had on the industry.
    • Identify which unit of measurement the total weight of carpet is measured in.
    • Explain the advantages and limitations of using carpet and synthetic turf.
    • Identify the appropriate tools to install carpet and synthetic turf.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     
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