WHAT’S NEW?
KARNDEAN DESIGNFLOORING STRENGTHENS COMMITMENT TO FITTER TRAINING WITH APPOINTMENT OF NEW TRAINING ACADEMY MANAGER
Karndean Designflooring has appointed Dean Dickinson as training academy manager, reinforcing the brand’s ongoing investment in education, skills development and the future of the flooring industry.
The appointment comes as Karndean continues to expand its training offering
following the recent refurbishment of its dedicated Karndean Training Academy, alongside the introduction of an enhanced training programme designed to support both new and experienced floorlayers.
With almost three decades of hands-on flooring experience, Dean brings a wealth of practical knowledge to the role. Having started his career as a fitter’s mate at the age of 17, he progressed through a variety of residential and commercial flooring roles before establishing his own successful luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring business. More recently, he was recognised as NICF LVT Fitter of the Year, further cementing his reputation within the industry. For Dean, the move into training represents a natural progression.
Richard Allen, VP of sales at Karndean Designflooring, said: “Training plays a vital role in maintaining standards across the flooring industry. Dean’s extensive fitting experience, passion for the trade and commitment to supporting others make him the ideal person to lead the next chapter of our training programme.
“The recent investment in our Training Academy reflects our long-term commitment to supporting retailers and fitters alike. By providing high-quality training, we’re helping develop skills, build confidence and support the future growth of the industry.”
Looking ahead, Dean is eager to help shape the next generation of flooring professionals. He said: “The flooring industry is constantly evolving, which is what makes it so engaging. There’s always something new to learn. Seeing a fitter grow in confidence or master a technique they’ve struggled with is incredibly rewarding. I’m excited to help share the knowledge I’ve gained throughout my career and play a part in supporting the future of our trade.”
https://www.karndeancommercial.com/en-gb/commercial-flooring/resources/helpful-information/karndean-fitting-courses/#focus=ev-s0u8-20250714000000
Courses can be booked online at
karndean.com, with Dean’s first programme of courses already available to reserve. Upcoming sessions include, Level 3 on 5 October and Heritage Collection Abstracts training on 9 November.
https://www.karndeancommercial.com/en-gb/commercial-flooring/resources/helpful-information/karndean-fitting-courses/#focus=ev-s0u8-20250714000000
www.karndeancommercial.com
Dean Dickinson, training academy manager at Karndean Designflooring, said: “I have always wanted to move into teaching and pass on the knowledge and skills I’ve learnt throughout my fitting career. Many fitters progress into sales or estimating, but that was never the direction I wanted to take. Helping develop the next generation of fitters felt like the right path for me.”
Dean’s appointment reflects growing demand for skilled floorlayers and increasing recognition across the industry of the importance of professional training.
“Good floorlayers are difficult to find and I’m excited to help support the next generation of fitters”, said Dean. “LVT remains hugely popular and will continue to be an important flooring category for many years to come, so it’s vital that we continue developing existing fitters’ skills while supporting new people entering the trade. I enjoy sharing the knowledge, techniques and small tips I’ve picked up over nearly 30 years, especially when they help make difficult jobs easier.”
Following the launch of his own flooring business in 2020, Dean continued to invest in training through industry-recognised organisations, while also competing in national flooring competitions. After reaching the final of the NICF LVT Fitter of the Year competition in 2021, he returned in 2023 to claim the title.
The refurbished Karndean Training Academy has been designed to provide a modern learning environment where fitters can develop their technical skills through hands-on training led by industry professionals. Courses cater for a range of experience levels, from those completely new to LVT installation through to experienced floorlayers looking to master more advanced techniques.
The enhanced programme covers a variety of installation methods, subfloor preparation, design features and best practice guidance, helping fitters build confidence while ensuring consistently high installation standards.
x.com/TContractFloors 5
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