A HANDS-ON
When it comes to learning a skill, there is no substitute for practical experience, which is behin Manager at F. Ball and Co. Ltd., talks about this in the wider context of the importance of
Experience shows that flooring contractors derive most benefit from practical instruction and the chance to put theory into practice.
This is why F. Ball has recently redesigned its on-site training and demonstration facility, with restyled course content to offer a more dynamic, hands-on learning experience on offer. In accordance with its aim of helping flooring professionals keep up to date with the latest advancements in product technology and stand out from the competition amidst increasing customer expectations, the new state-of-the-art training facility has been relaunched as the ‘F. Ball Centre of Excellence’. Training programmes run year-round led by experts from within the company cover subfloor preparation, moisture management and control and adhesive selection.
THE IMPORTANCE OF TRAINING As continuous learning has always been integral to ensuring the highest standards of professionalism in the flooring industry, these include specialist courses for both apprentices and seasoned professionals.
Apart from starting their careers with the skills and knowledge to meet customer expectations, flooring professionals need to update their knowledge and acquire new skills in order to respond to changes affecting the industry and retain a competitive edge.
34 | TRAINING
Basic training should cover subfloor preparation, including the identification of different subfloor types and how they should be prepared, the application of a floor levelling compound to create a smooth base ready for the receipt of new floorcoverings, and selecting adhesives based on compatibility with different floorcoverings. It should also include instruction on how to avoid common causes of floor failure, chief of which is still unmanaged subfloor moisture.
ADVANCEMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY The need for flooring contractors to continuously improve and develop their knowledge throughout their careers has become more and more important as advances in technology have accelerated the development of subfloor preparation products and adhesives with properties and applications to help meet ever more exacting demands.
For example, combinations of new, fast-drying levelling compounds, waterproof surface membranes and adhesives mean that contractors can now install floorcoverings in as little as one day, whereas it would have once taken up to three days. Armed with knowledge of these new fast-track products, contractors are better equipped to deal with increasingly demanding time constraints.
Similarly, advancements in adhesive technology have enabled F. Ball to formulate products with previously impossible
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