As a global organisation with engagement in more than 40 countries, the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) is an international not-for-profit trade association representing all segments of the hardwood flooring industry, including manufacturers, distributers, retailers, installers, importers, exporters, inspectors and consultants. The NWFA’s mission is to unify and strengthen the wood flooring community through technical standards, education, networking, and advocacy.

They accomplish this through various programs and services, such as hands-on and online training, an annual Wood Flooring Expo, and technical standards and publications that are recognized worldwide. Training is therefore an essential part of the NWFA’s mission. Their training goal is to make the supply chain stronger via education around installation, sand and finishing, product knowledge, specification, and more. This helps lessen the number of call-backs, which in turn helps retailers, distributers, and manufacturers minimize their claims.

Powered by SAP Litmos, the NWFA’s online learning platform, NWFA University (NWFAU), complements hands-on training to provide a convenient and affording training alternative. With 3,000 member companies, the NWFA offers a subscription-based model and typically averages about 800-900 companies per annum with around 10,000 users. These users have access to training that can be taken ala carte, to earn certification, to maintain certification through continuing education, or as an introduction to the wood flooring industry. These courses also can be used for team members who are office-based, or as an onboarding for entire company staff.

Before choosing SAP Litmos to power this training, the NWFA conducted an extensive period of research. They were looking for a solution that met the needs of multiple associations working together to deliver a seamless experience for an industry that previously had not offered online learning. SAP Litmos was the most user-friendly platform that allowed the NWFA to deliver content in a simple and innovative manner. It was also an extremely cost-effective solution for a small association like the NWFA.

When considering a digital training solution, one of the NWFA’s biggest challenges was introducing a new piece of technology and way of learning to an audience that had historically only worked in-person and with their hands. However, in the first year, the NWFA saw completion rates climb at a rapid rate. Initially, they recorded an average of 30 courses completed each day, which continued to grow during several years to 50 daily course completions. During the onset of COVID-19, engagement grew to 100 daily course completions.

In the future, the NWFA plans to expand its offerings to include soft skills for contractors and retailers. They also are considering consumer training, and plan to introduce some hybrid events, which would include a combination of online courses, virtual meetings and in-person education.