The Benefits of Taking On An Apprentice

National Apprenticeship Week, taking place next week on 9–15 February 2026, aims to bring together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy. Apprenticeships are vital to bringing the next generation of talent into the flooring sector with benefits for the apprentice and employer alike.

With this in mind, the Contract Flooring Association (CFA) is constantly working with sector representatives to maintain, develop and agree apprenticeship standards and frameworks which meet the requirements of sector and offer an attractive career path to both young people and people looking to change careers, while at the same time making sure that government funding mechanisms are improved to engage more employers in creating apprenticeship vacancies.

Not only do apprentices address skills shortages, but companies will be getting a keen, motivated member of staff that wants to learn and help your business to grow. According to government statistics companies who employ apprentices, win more business*:

• 92% of companies that have taken on apprentices believe this leads to a more motivated and satisfied workforce.
• Hiring an apprentice is a productive and effective way for any organisation to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce.
• 86% said apprenticeships helped them develop skills relevant to their organisation.
• 80% have seen a significant increase in employee retention.
• Apprenticeships are a tried and tested way to recruit new staff, re-train or upskill existing staff.
• Up to 100% funding (depending on location and if subject to the Apprenticeship Levy) could be available to support apprenticeship programmes in your business.
• Additional grants and incentives may also be available to businesses actively recruiting apprentices.
• Apprenticeships are a great way of attracting enthusiastic talent with fresh ideas and incorporating them alongside existing staff.
• Apprenticeships ensure that the workforce has the practical skills needed for the business in the future
• You can employ an apprentice who’s aged 16 up to any age and from any background.
• There is no age cap on apprenticeships and funding
• If you employ an apprentice below the age of 25, you are not required to pay employer National Insurance contributions for them.

*stats were taken from www.apprenticeships.gov.uk

The Floorlayer Apprenticeship Standard co-delivered by the Flooring Industry Training Association (FITA) and WEBS Training Ltd provides leading knowledge and skills, setting the ‘gold standard’ for floorlaying apprenticeships. FITA is now building a waiting list of interested employers looking to employ apprentices and apprentice candidates for the next cohort due to begin in April. Visit www.fita.co.uk/Flooring-Apprenticeships/ to find out more.

To learn more about apprenticeships and training in the flooring sector, visit the CFA Training Guide 2025–2026.