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APPRENTICESHIPS IN ENGLAND
Over a decade ago, the Department for Education
(DfE) replaced ‘modern apprenticeships’ with
‘apprenticeship standards’ to give employers more
control, focus on skills development, and improve
quality. The flooring apprenticeship standard in the full range of wood floor installations and also

England was introduced in 2018 as the primary wood sanding and finishing.
entry route into the industry. It originally offered This transformation didn’t happen by chance. It’s
two pathways: textile and resilient flooring, and the result of years of hard work from the Floorlayer
wood flooring. However, the funding cap for the Trailblazer group led by the Contract Flooring
overall standard was too low to make wood flooring Association (CFA) and chaired by Alan Gayle
delivery practical for training providers, resulting in (AG Flooring Ltd), in partnership with contractor
that pathway effectively being abandoned. members, training providers, End-Point Assessment
This has now changed and the long-standing Organisations (EPAO’s), manufacturers, and other

Floorlayer Apprenticeship Standard has officially stakeholders across the industry.
been split into two separate apprenticeship As part of the apprenticeship review process,
standards: one for Textile and Resilient Floorlayer the CFA and its members played a critical role in
(ST0504), and one for Wood-Based Floorlayer shaping these new standards—ensuring they reflect

(ST1498). This change marks a significant step the real-life demands faced by installers on-site.
forward for the industry and brings with it clear From tool handling to subfloor prep and advanced

benefits for installers, employers, and apprentices installation techniques, every detail was examined
alike. and improved upon.

A key benefit of this new structure is the This collaborative working group deserves credit for
introduction of separate funding caps for each staying the course through countless consultations,
pathway. The Textile and Resilient Floorlayer reviews, and meeting, all with two clear goals, to
Standard will keep the existing funding cap of ensure the next generation of flooring installers
£17,000 per apprentice, whilst the Wood-Based are able to be trained to the highest standard and
Floorlayer Apprenticeship has a higher funding cap there is adequate Government funding for training
of £20,000, recognising the diverse complexity, providers to deliver that training to the standard
materials, tooling, and training time required in wood required.
flooring.
For the wood flooring sector this increase ensures The split of the apprenticeship standard into two
clear routes is more than a technical update, it’s
that training providers can once again contemplate a signal of progress for our trade. Whether you
delivery of that wood-based route, offer high-quality, specialise in luxury vinyl, carpet tiles, parquet,
in-depth training and ensures employers in the wood or engineered timber, your craft is now better
floorings sector have better resources to support recognised and supported in formal training with

apprentices. Industry can then be confident learners dedicated routes to accreditation.
receive the full scope of practical skills needed for
CFA would like to recognise and thank the Floorlayer
Apprenticeship Trailblazer working group who were
fundamental in the development and creation of
these standards
Alan Gayle (AG Flooring Ltd), Carl Harper (Westcotes
Flooring Ltd), Louise Walters (Designer Contracts
Ltd), Rachael Pemberton-Baghurst (Designer
Contracts Ltd), Floortrain GB Ltd, Floorskills Ltd,
Derwentside College, CP Assessments Ltd, NOCN,
Construction EPA, Chief Assessments Ltd & Skills
England.
20 C C CFA Contract Flooring Industry Training Guide 2024 Visit: www.cfa.org.uk Tel: 0115 941 1126
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Contract Flooring Industr
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