In business, sustainability seeks to prevent the depletion of natural or physical resources so that they will remain available for the long term. In this article, I would like to highlight a challenge concerning the “sustainability” of floor covering installers and what our industry has in place to address it.
The challenge
When it comes to early career advice, flooring may not initially appear as an exciting option compared to other sectors. However, the flooring industry offers far more to anyone looking to start, change, or progress their career than it may seem at first glance. I believe we need to go beyond viewing the skills shortage solely as a lack of fitters (though this is a critical issue). Instead, we should promote the wide range of job roles available in flooring. The professional flooring industry needs greater recognition as a place offering long-term employment, a sense of accomplishment, and a good living.
Many people haven’t considered a career in flooring unless they have a relative or connection in the industry. Everyone in our industry has the opportunity to promote careers in installation, so let’s cast the net wide! Initiatives like the Contract Flooring Association – Go Construct STEM Ambassadors are one interesting option we can look at.
Personal experience
Before listing the current advantages and opportunities within the industry to recruit new installers and advance the skills of existing ones, I want to share my own experience. I started an apprenticeship with my father back in 1986 and have enjoyed the journey ever since. In my view, the pros far outweigh the cons.
Flooring offers a great sense of achievement – seeing a completed installation truly transforms a building. Overcoming obstacles along the way, testing yourself, and finding creative solutions deliver immense satisfaction.
Over the years, I have been lucky to work in and experience the behind-the-scenes of airport control towers, money being printed, royal buildings, and even maternity hospitals to mortuaries. My career has taken me to the USA, the Middle East, and Australia. Transitioning from tools to a role where I share my knowledge and experience has been rewarding, but I always remember that there is more to learn as things constantly evolve. While the old ways are sometimes best, understanding the science behind it all often leads to exceptional outcomes.
For these reasons, I wholeheartedly recommend a career as an installer to people of all ages. I also encourage everyone in the industry to contribute to its “sustainable” future. The industry is filled with exceptional characters, product ranges, solution providers and, most importantly, skilled and knowledgeable professionals across the board.
Why become a floor layer?
Becoming a floor layers offer numerous advantages. You can earn while you learn, avoiding the lingering burden of tuition fees. The profession allows you to be your own boss, giving you the freedom to design your own career path and take control of your future. Job satisfaction is high, as every project is unique, offering variety and a sense of accomplishment. As you gain knowledge and experience, many career opportunities open up, providing avenues for progression. The work is rarely repetitive or overly lengthy, making it engaging and dynamic, and it’s possible to achieve a good work-life balance. Moreover, the overhead costs of running a flooring business are relatively low compared to the potential earnings, making it a financially viable and rewarding career choice.
What’s on offer?
There are many more training opportunities compared to when I started.
The Bostik Academy is just one of many manufacturer-led initiatives providing hands-on training with different substrates, damp proof membranes, smoothing compounds, and adhesives. These sessions are valuable for both young apprentices and seasoned installers, who are often keen to welcome new techniques and products.
Online resources including websites, videos, and apps, along with material technical data, assist installers in understanding the products and best practices.
There are people in the industry willing to help – picking up the phone will often open many doors. Independent training facilities across the country now offer courses not only on installation techniques, but also specialist areas such as estimating and planning, subfloor preparation and moisture control.
Bostik along with other manufacturers offer on-site inspection services. By testing subfloors and recommending specific products and application methods, they help reduce the risk of failure. Many manufacturers also test adhesives with various floor coverings to ensure they can be used with confidence.
Platforms like Talentview and Go Construct offer resources for newcomers, including work experience, traineeships, apprenticeships, and first roles in construction. They allow users to build profiles, sign up for job alerts, and explore comprehensive job role descriptions, such as “floor layer”.
The CFA Training Guide aims to be the definitive resource for the latest information about training opportunities in the UK, including apprenticeships, qualifications, training courses, funding, and recruitment signposting. While flooring is a trade built on a few established principles, it is increasingly innovating, with a wide range of fashions, trends, and methods available.
We all have a part to play in showcasing the opportunities within our industry. Whether through individual efforts or broader campaign by organisations like the CFA and FITA, promoting flooring careers benefits everyone. Along with my colleagues, I have signed up to become a STEM ambassador. My aim is to help the future of the industry by giving back to it – after all, it has been good to me!
