Investing in future skills

Marking National Apprenticeship Week 2023, F. Ball and Co. Ltd. is focussing providing strong career foundations for young people making inroads into manufacturing, and in turn, helping to address the skills gap in the flooring industry.

A cohort of six apprentices are taking their first career steps at the UK’s leading floor preparation products and flooring adhesives company, working across its engineering, technical services, marketing, operations, business administration and safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ) departments.

Reflecting on her experience, Phoebe Cawley, 19, from Leek, SHEQ Assistant Apprentice, said: “The opportunity to gain valuable work experience, knowledge and develop skills are the most enjoyable aspects; F. Ball’s support has helped me gain confidence, self-motivation and has given me an understanding of my potential.”

Harry Beasley, 19, from Staffordshire, Marketing Assistant Apprentice, added: “My apprenticeship has been everything I wanted; I’ve been trained and trusted with valuable projects and I’m looking forward to what the next few years at F. Ball bring.”

The additions to the F. Ball team are a step toward addressing the flooring trade’s skills shortfall in required skills to meet high demand. Also part of a wider industry strategy are the company’s free training courses, which are available to all flooring professionals at F. Ball’s Centre of Excellence, located at its Cheddleton headquarters, near Leek in Staffordshire.

Mark Hughes, Managing Director at F. Ball and Co. Ltd., said: “It’s imperative that we do our bit to support the future of our industry and that’s why we’re committed to helping young people get their foot in the door by offering a wide range of apprenticeship options throughout the business."

T 01538 361 633 www.f-ball.co.uk

Swift and smooth

UZIN has launched a new cost effective 2-part smoothing compound, UZIN L2 Contract. The product is a cement based 2-part smoothing compound for use up to 15 mm. It is quick setting allowing fit on the next day as well as providing excellent flow and workability. It is ready to receive most floor coverings after only 6 hours, has good strength and produces a smooth finish.

UZIN L2 Contract is ideal for refurbishing over old floors as it can be applied over a variety of different subfloors when the substrate is primed with a suitable primer.

T 01788 530080 www.uzin.co.uk