b'TRAINING & EDUCATIONWhile the core format of the work- tionarea,wehavesmallstations shops will remain the same, startingthatwillprovidemultipleattend-thisFebruary,NTCAisretiringalleestheopportunitytolearnand previous workshop topics to makepracticeproperlayoutmethods, wayforitsnewesttopiclayoutSerbinsaid.Thesmallstations techniques.HeinleinsaidNTCAallowthetrainertoeducateand isputtingemphasisonthistopicwork with multiple attendees at the becauseproperlayouttechniquessame time.and methods are critical for install- Serbin noted that the new formats ers,especiallyforthoseplanningaretargetedtobetestedinlate to take the Ceramic Tile Education2020. If successful, the new format Foundation(CTEF)Certifi edTilepossiblycouldlaunchasearlyas Installers (CTI) exam.February 2021.ManytimesparticipantsfailTheNTCARegionalTraining because they spend so much timeProgramfocusesonteaching onlayoutandtheyeitherhaveitinstallersnewskills. Thisprogram incorrect or they run out of time tolastsalldayandrequiresa$50 take the test, Heinlein said. Ourrefundabledeposit.TheNTCA new workshops will focus on teach- Regional Training Program concept ing installers layout basics, as wellwaslaunchedin2018andhas as giving them a chance to practicebeenhugelysuccessful.Because the techniques.the program has been so successful, Currently,NTCAWorkshopstheassociationisalmostdoubling beginwithaclassroom-stylelec- thenumberofregionaltraining ture and then move into hands-onsessions it is offering this year. The demonstrations, but the associationsession covering substrate prepara-islookingatpossibly changingthatformat. Serbinsaidtheasso-ciation is considering a new format that would offerattendeesmore time to hone their tech-niques. This new style willstilltakeplacein theeveningslikeour current workshops, butFORGET THOSE SUPER GREAT, SUPERFICIAL ADJECTIVES.wewillminimizetheThey mean nothing in the real world. What you need are proven products lectureportionand,While learning how to install gauged porcelain tile andthat save you time and money. Like TEC Ultimate 6 Plus Mortar. It o\x05ers panels, attendees are taught how the products are made,extended open time and rapid setting features that allow grouting in 6 insteadofhavingjustwhere they can be used, and the special tools, settinghours. And, it can be used on 98% of tile jobs. So, you can handle your onelargedemonstra- materials and techniques required to install them. tile installations with more ease. No stress. No sag. No slump. No bull.Visit TECspecialty.com78 TileLetter | January 2020 Contact your local sales rep to request a demo.TEC_Ultimate6Plus_TLTR_Ad_N1119.indd 1 11/8/19 1:06 PM'