The goal of education is understanding; the goal of training is performing.
~Frank Bell
Education and training are at the heart of the NTCA—and they hold the best hope for those in the industry looking to do exemplary work and elevate their skills as new tile formats and setting material technologies come into being. This issue is a tribute to the ongoing efforts and programs from NTCA and other companies to inspire you and inform you of a path you can take for your career.
In this issue, we share wisdom from our training team and check in with what’s on tap for training and education this year, as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of training at NTCA. We also take a look at Fireclay Tile’s new installation training program and the professionalism it brings to handmade tile installation. And be sure to check out the story on the incredible opportunities to boost what you learn and how you put that into practice by recouping your membership dues several times over through the Partnering for Success voucher program.
As a testament to how things change, flip over to the Technical story on the updating of the glossary that appears in the NTCA Reference Manual, and how a NTCA Technical Committee subcommittee is crafting it to be more installer-centric than ever before.
Nicole Hulme, who obtained her Certified Tile Installer credential last year at the All-Women’s CTI test, shares her journey through the industry in our Member story, and Bart Bettiga talks with Calvin Stuart of Welch Tile in this issue’s One-to-One story. Learn about his grit and optimism and what he brings to the Welch team.
We welcome Johns Manville (JM) as our cover feature sponsor in February. Learn about the evolution of the company, and how JM’s visionary, Duane Paradis, saw new possibilities in an existing waterproof roofing product that gave rise to GoBoard®.
Learning is a lifelong process, and the training programs NTCA offers to support that process are immense. It doesn’t happen without dedication, planning, expert instructors and organizers, sponsors and hosts—and, of course, without your attendance. Take every occasion to learn something new this year.
With the dizzying pace of change in our industry and our world, you owe yourself the best chance to compete and thrive in your chosen career. NTCA Training Programs—and the access to discounted or free products afforded by the Partnering Success Program—are just two facets of the many benefits your membership provides. Click here for the list of 11 partnerships NTCA has secured for members, beyond the training, networking, helpful publications, and opportunities to literally change the course of the industry by your involvement!
Lesley Goddin has been writing and journaling since her first diary at age 11. Her journey has taken her through a career in publishing and publicity, landing her the editor position of TileLetter and its special publications in 2006. Her goal is to educate, inspire, recognize and encourage those in the tile industry -- especially the tile and stone contractor.
