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1.The Pipeline (Communication) training and qualifications attached). So, we need

We fully understand how hard it is to find excellent to challenge the sector to change that dynamic and
quality people who can be considered for roles invest in making it as painless as possible.
within the flooring sector. That has a number of
different facets; people simply do not consider 3.Expand localised training provision
flooring as a credible career. They may think about Since 2022, there has been a suitable shift in

being a plumber, firefighter or bus driver, but few, if additional training providers offering flooring
asked, would likely offer flooring as a career choice. apprenticeships that include CFA’s own training arm
Unless, of course, a parent, relative or friend of the FITA, Gower College in Swansea and Derwentside
family happen to be involved. College in County Durham. But speaking to
employers this still remains a key factor in the
So, what can industry do about that? CFA has
worked on, and continue to contribute, towards decision to employ an apprentice, suitable localised
several solutions: provision across the UK.
We are offering the CFA (and our experience through
• The STEM Ambassadors scheme see page 40.
CFA and its members have and continue FITA) as a touch point for any college or commercial
to, support this directly with several new provider considering offering apprenticeship delivery
Ambassadors now speaking to future workers and will support with practical advice, signposting
about the opportunities flooring presents and and contacts that can help.
encouraging as many as possible to consider We continue to communicate with the industry
flooring as a career. But we need more people to to highlight which areas of the UK should be
sign up and visit schools/colleges and spread the developed and can offer a potential provider a
word about our fantastic sector. wealth of support including employer signposting,
• CFA have engaged in additional projects to manufacturer support, pre-written delivery
signpost the opportunities within construction programmes and much more.
to the next generation. This includes fantastic If a flooring contractor member or a college gets in
initiatives such as Open Doors Construction see touch, we will support and help to find other local

page 42 and National Apprenticeship Week. Clear businesses that will make it viable for a college or
chances to allow those making decisions on their commercial provider to develop provision.
future to see our trade and get hands on. We will also link them to manufacturers who may
• CFA have also supported with advice and content sponsor and offer help with materials and other
to support and populate websites such as Go resources.
Construct see page 42 ( where information about

careers in flooring and floor laying can be found 4.Identify new sector/financial support

for those looking for a career in construction and CFA have a very good understanding of financial
more specifically flooring. Part of our job is also to support available to our sector most recently

ensure that all the above are synchronised and link working with the Skills England and the Department
each and every step until a “Future Fitter” finds an for Education (DfE) to increase funding for

employer and begins training. providers. But we continue to seek new avenues
and funding to help support the training and
2.Increase demand from employers development of skills and labour including direct

There are great stories in our sector of companies financial support to employers.
that invest heavily in training their workforce, that Many of the courses offered by CFA manufacturer
take on new employees and maintain the pool of members are free of charge see pages 72-78, and all
labour that is available. CFA members receive a discount of 15% off all training
There is no answer to the concern that once delivered by FITA see pages 62 - 70. ALL apprentices
someone is trained, they may move on to a are eligible for newly increased government funding
competitor or even become a competitor, but the to cover the cost of their college course and CITB-
fact is that there simply aren’t enough new entrant registered companies can obtain additional grant
positions for floor laying roles (with structured funding and enhancements see pages 80-87.
raining Guide
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Visit: www.cfa.org.uk Tel: 0115 941 1126 CFA Contract Flooring Industry Training Guide 2026 39
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