FLOORING FOCUS Skilling up for success

And many of the issues have been aggravated by the suspension of training activities during the pandemic which cost the sector well over a year of training time, and the loss of some skilled, experienced personnel post-pandemic.

As we report below, training in the installation sector is back up to speed and seeking candidates but there are also interesting opportunities in retailing and service.

Increasing the number of skilled floorlayers within our industry is essential in order to provide a constant and correctly trained source of skills and labour for the sector, says FITA. “Training courses and apprenticeships are a key focus in helping to battle the skills shortages that we are facing due to an ageing workforce,” comments Shaun Wadsworth of FITA.

FITA, as the only not-for-profit training organisation in the industry has provided specialist training for the floorcovering sector for over twenty years and has continuously trained the next generation of floorlayer.

“We offer over 20 flooring training courses at various levels meaning there are courses to suit real beginners in the industry as well as upskilling courses aimed at converting workers moving trades into professional floorlayers,” says Shaun.

FITA also delivers apprenticeship training in the East Midlands and employing an apprentice can be linked directly to improving the productivity of a business.

“The role of training in addressing one of the biggest challenges facing the industry means that it is in the interests of manufacturers to ensure that there is widespread access to high quality training,” says Darren Kenyon, sales director of F. Ball & Co. Ltd

This is one reason why F. Ball offers free training courses for flooring professionals of all skill levels, led by industry experts, at the purposebuilt F. Ball Centre of Excellence at its Staffordshire headquarters. These include specialist courses for apprentices and flooring retailers.

“In order to help flooring contractors meet ever-changing demands, training providers should regularly evaluate and refresh content to keep up with industry changes, as well as tailoring content to flooring professionals at different stages in their careers,” says Shaun “Experience also shows that people get the most from practical instruction. This is why courses at the F. Ball Centre of Excellence have been configured to offer dynamic, hands-on learning experiences with the chance to use a range of F. Ball products,” he said. (See also page 39)

“The role of training in addressing one of the biggest challenges facing the industry means that it is in the interests of manufacturers to ensure that there is widespread access to high quality training,”

The new Academy for Excellence in Flooring in Liverpool sponsored by Quick-Step and Pergo is now open and has recently been accredited by the NICF

With a decade spent training the next generation of installers at its previous location, the Academy has opened its doors on its new Knowsley, Liverpool facility. Taking 10 years of refinement into a brandnew centre has allowed the Academy to create the perfect training environment for novices and experienced professionals alike.

Now with six 12m2 bays, the Academy has achieved the perfect balance between course attendees and trainers. A dedicated training room provides the right environment for theory-based learning and product tuition, with the breakout area providing a space to gather between sessions away from dedicated learning areas.

The Academy also features a special cutting room that keeps dust and noise to a minimum, allowing for a cleaner and more supportive practical learning environment.

And to make sure that knowledge is shared equally among all, a dedicated demonstration zone gives ample room for everyone to get a good view.