The Gold Standard: FITA and WEBS Continue the Journey for Apprenticeship Excellence

By Shaun Wadsworth, CFA and FITA Training Manager

As 2025 draws to a close, I cannot help but reflect with real pride on how far our apprenticeship programme has come. When we first launched the joint initiative between the Flooring Industry Training Association (FITA) and WEBS Training in 2021, we had an initial goal of providing quality flooring delivery to apprentices in the East Midlands, building on our success of 20+ years delivering private training courses. Four years later, that goal has not only been achieved but also become something of which I am truly proud. What began as a pilot has grown into a thriving programme, with more than fifty apprentices attending training at FITA throughout the year. Our reach now extends far beyond the East Midlands, with employers from across the UK choosing to send their apprentices to us, often travelling significant distances because they value the quality of training we provide.

Under the scheme, apprentices spend focused blocks of time, up to 50 days at our purpose-built training centre in Loughborough, before returning to their employers for hands-on site experience. The apprenticeship is government-subsidised, with funding covering 95–100% of off-the-job training costs for most employers. We also support companies with recruitment, advertising and mentoring because we know that a successful apprenticeship journey relies on both sides being supported equally. For me, one of the most rewarding aspects of the role is seeing apprentices grow in confidence. We make a point of nurturing them as individuals not just to develop the right technical skills, but also to build the professional attitude and teamwork that the flooring industry values so highly.

The results speak for themselves. WEBS Training’s achievement rates are well above national averages, 76.6% overall compared to 60.5% nationally, and 69.6% specifically for floorlaying. Even more impressively, over half of our apprentices have achieved Distinctions in their end-point assessments. That level of performance reflects the dedication of not just the learners, but their employers and the tutors who guide them.

This year has also brought some proud moments of recognition. The CFA’s 2025 Flooring Apprentice of the Year Award included two of our own: Daniel Mee of Hillside Contracts Ltd, who took first place, and runner-up Sam Shetliffe of Capital Flooring and Blinds. Their success represents the very best of what this programme stands for.

For apprentices, FITA and WEBS provide far more than a certificate. They gain access to modern facilities, expert mentoring and invaluable connections across the flooring industry, including support from leading manufacturers. For employers, the programme offers a reliable source of skilled new talent and a supported process from recruitment to end-point assessment. It is a win-win that strengthens the entire trade.

Looking ahead to 2026, the focus is on building upon this momentum, continuing to refine delivery, widening access, and embracing innovation in materials, sustainability and installation methods. The flooring sector is evolving rapidly, and with it, the need for competent, well-trained floorlayers has never been greater.

As I look back on 2025, I could not be more pleased with what we have achieved together, apprentices, employers, trainers and industry partners alike. Through shared commitment, collaboration and belief in the value of skilled craft, we are laying strong foundations for the future of our industry.

Shaun@fita.co.uk
0115 950 6836
www.cfa.org.uk