Collaboration, technical training, and new opportunities to strengthen the future of the floor covering trade.
On October 23, 2026, the SoCal Floor Layers LMCC hosted its first Manufacturer Tech Team Meeting at the Floor Covering JATC in Commerce, California. The gathering brought together manufacturer technical representatives, JATC instructors, and industry partners for a productive day of collaboration, open discussions, and a firsthand look at our apprenticeship training program.
More than a traditional product presentation, the meeting focused on strengthening communication between manufacturers and installers, improving training opportunities, and building lasting industry partnerships.
🏫 A Look Inside the JATC
The day included a tour of the apprenticeship training facility, where manufacturers had an opportunity to see our training environment and observe apprentices developing their skills through hands-on instruction.
These experiences provided valuable insight into how manufacturer products, installation methods, and technical standards are incorporated into our apprenticeship program.
🤝 Key Discussions & Meeting Highlights
Throughout the meeting, participants exchanged ideas and explored several opportunities to improve collaboration between manufacturers, instructors, and the skilled workforce.
📅 Coordinating Manufacturer Training
One of the key discussions focused on improving how manufacturer-led training sessions are scheduled and coordinated.
Plans include developing a shared training calendar through the SoCal Floor Layers app, allowing manufacturers to view available training opportunities and request preferred dates.
The goal is to make it easier to bring relevant product education and technical instruction directly to our apprentices and journeymen.
📲 Expanding the SoCal Floor Layers App
The group also discussed opportunities to involve manufacturer partners more directly in the SoCal Floor Layers app.
Potential improvements include:
A dedicated Technical Resources section with manufacturer information and contacts.
Easier access to installation guidelines and product-specific resources.
Manufacturer participation in training announcements and scheduling.
Additional opportunities for collaboration, education, and member engagement.
These improvements would help make the app an increasingly valuable resource for both installers and industry partners.
🔨 Planning for Future Training Facilities
Discussions also touched on plans for a future training facility, including dedicated self-leveling training bays.
As development progresses, the JATC hopes to involve manufacturer partners in reviewing concepts and providing technical feedback to help shape these training spaces.
Additional updates on the facility plans are anticipated in 2027.
⭐ Building Long-Term Manufacturer Partnerships
Another important takeaway was the opportunity to establish a more structured manufacturer partnership and sponsorship program.
The proposed program would create additional opportunities for manufacturers to support apprenticeship training, journeyman upgrade classes, educational initiatives, and engagement through the SoCal Floor Layers platform.
The LMCC will continue developing this initiative as part of its broader efforts to strengthen industry participation and support workforce development.
🚀 What's Next?
This first meeting helped identify several practical next steps, including:
Developing a coordinated manufacturer training calendar.
Expanding technical resources available through the SoCal Floor Layers app.
Establishing manufacturer participation and access guidelines.
Exploring a structured manufacturer partnership program.
Continuing conversations about future training facilities and technical education.
These initiatives are still being developed, but the conversations provided a valuable starting point for future collaboration.
👊 Moving the Trade Forward, Together
A big thank you to the manufacturer representatives, JATC instructors, LMCC trustees, and industry partners who participated in this first meeting.
We also recognize the manufacturers who expressed interest but were unable to attend. We look forward to expanding participation in future sessions.
This is just the beginning. By strengthening relationships between manufacturers, instructors, contractors, and installers, we can continue improving technical education, supporting quality craftsmanship, and creating new opportunities for the next generation of skilled floor layers.
📲 Stay connected through the SoCal Floor Layers app for upcoming training opportunities, industry news, and future Manufacturer Tech Team Meetings.
