History of the CTEF
The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation was created in the later part of 1996 at the suggestion of the Tile Council of North America (TCNA).
Other supportive industry organizations such as theNational Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA), and foreign trade partners Ceramic Tiles of Italy (Italian Tile Producers) and Tile of Spain (Spanish Tile Producers) had long realized that the absence of an educational organization was and would continue to impact the ability to sell product in the American marketplace.
The attrition of the current tile industry workforce, at the rate of several thousand per year, also served to compound the problem.
A review of current available curriculums and educational programs found that the available programs were sorely in need of updating or of a proprietary nature.
Armed with funding from the Coverings Tile & Stone Exposition and other industry partners, the decision was made to create from scratch numerous educational and training courses to assist the industry in the sales and installation of ceramic tile products.
The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation, a 501 C3 non-profit organization was created for this purpose.
9,000 sqft Tile Installation Training Facility
The CTEF's training center is a 9,000-square-foot facility located in Pendleton, SC designed to meet the growing demand for ceramic tile-related and hands-on installation courses.
Each work area contains a tub and shower that are used as a practice area for tile setting, waterproofing, and shower pan programs.
The CTEF warehouse contains an extensive inventory of products donated by manufacturers to provide each student with the opportunity to learn the basics of floor and wall tile installation.
New Training Facility in Egg Harbor City, NJ!
New as of 2023 is the training facility in Egg Harbor City, NJ.
The commitment of the Tile Council of North America and the National Tile Contractors Association will assure the continuance of CTEF programs for years to come at a very modest price and manufacturers have been generous with financial and material donations.
Contact CTEF!
Don't hesitate to reach out! Contact us or call CTEF to become tile certified and/or to participate in tile installation training programs.