Lowe’s partners with NKBA for training program
Lowe's has announced that it will partner with the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) in order to launch a program to educate and train Lowe's employees who specialize in interior kitchen and bath projects.
Because of this membership and training program, Lowe's employees who work in the kitchen cabinets, countertops and fashion plumbing departments and as interior project specialists will have the opportunity to earn NKBA certifications.
Eligible Lowe's employees will now have the opportunity to take NKBA courses and exams to earn the following certifications: Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer (AKBD), Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD), Certified Bathroom Designer (CBD), and Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer (CMKBD). The certifications are voluntary and not required to perform the employee's current job function. To become certified, applicants must meet minimum levels of education and experience and pass comprehensive exams.
"Lowe's employees showcase dedication, passion and skill every day serving customers," said Scott Purvis, Lowe's VP human resources for stores. "The new relationship with the NKBA provides more opportunities for our kitchen and bath designers to build their skill sets and help customers turn the dreams for their homes into realities."
The NKBA curriculum will include offerings in a virtual classroom environment, the joint announcement said.
"As the largest trade association representing the kitchen and bath industry, we are proud to welcome Lowe's to our membership and include Lowe's kitchen and bath employees in our respected and vast network of professionals," said Alan Zielinski, NKBA president.
The NKBA, which offers homeowners the ability to search for kitchen and bath designers (certified and noncertified), will now include Lowe's stores in its listings in the United States and Canada. Lowe's employees who receive the certifications will have updated name badges for customers to identify their certifications in-store.