FEATURE
require high-quality, hands-on training and learning experiences and it is critical that these programmes provide workers with the right industry accreditations to carry forward into their careers.
While there are a range of training programmes available across the flooring sector, this is primarily done on an individual company basis. More impactful would be engaging the supply chain to collaborate and deploy resources into developing high-quality training programmes that address the required skills for a successful career in the flooring industry across both commercial and residential flooring. Not only will this result in more standardised training but by creating training programmes that companies throughout the supply chain can collectively promote, the industry is better placed to attract young people into joining the sector.
At Headlam, as the UK’s largest flooring distributor, we have invested in training by developing a pilot training scheme that incorporates vital supply chain collaboration. Working with seven of our suppliers, we created a six-month training programme in the Leeds area. The programme involves providing young people from Leeds with comprehensive flooring training from understanding the different types of materials and preparation methods to installation to provide them with the allow them to start a successful career in the sector. The programme combines theory and practical application through onsite training at our suppliers’ training facilities. On completion, trainees will receive a Headlam diploma as well as the practical experience needed to embark on their career journey in the industry. Headlam is also committed to supporting each trainee with employability training and placements to find employment within the independent flooring sector.
˝The number of fitters avaliable is in decline, with an 18%
shortage in fitters in 2023/24˝
With less fitters available, skilled labour will become significantly more expensive and incur further costs to businesses. These increased costs can potentially limit growth opportunities for companies as they simultaneously continue to face challenging market conditions. For consumers, a shortage of skilled fitters can result in delayed projects such as home improvements, as well as the possibility of unsatisfactory services should they resort to using an unqualified provider out of desperation. On a broader scale, with the current government intent on building 1.5m houses over the course of this current parliament, it is essential that the industry ensures there are enough fitters to help complete housebuilding projects nationwide.
WHAT CAN THE INDUSTRY DO?
Despite these headwinds, the flooring industry has a promising chance to bridge the skills gap and foster a more skilled workforce through proactive action.
Better investment in training programmes is the first step to addressing skills shortages. Vocational careers like flooring
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This programme, which has seen great results so far, is a positive example of how the industry can collaborate to invest in young people and futureproof the flooring sector, while simultaneously increasing the standard of fitters in the area. This collective action, underpinned by support from our supply chain in facilitating the training, is a necessary driving force for the industry to bridge the skills gap.
Attracting young people to the flooring industry requires a change in perception. Having better resources to develop young people and provide them with a career path will help to attract talent and more importantly, retain them. Businesses must collectively explore how best to promote the flooring sector, leveraging the fact that demand for fitters will not diminish and having in- demand skills will give young people the opportunity to enjoy a worthwhile and diverse career.
CONCLUSION
The industry’s future depends on our ability to attract, train, and retain the next generation of skilled fitters. We need to be proactive, and by collaborating across the supply chain to invest in comprehensive training programmes and change perceptions of the profession, we can make a step change against the growing skills gap. Not only will this approach safeguard the industry’s growth but also do our part in contributing to wider economic stability.
While this may be a work in progress, we, and others realise that it is time for the industry to seize the potential opportunities available to us to bridge the skills gap and ensure a resilient and thriving flooring industry for years to come.
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