Inspiring the Next Generation and Taking Flooring Careers Into the Classroom

Shaun Wadsworth, CFA Training Manager, elaborates on inspiring the next generation and taking flooring careers into the classroom

Recently, there’s been a noticeable rise in social media activity and general discussion about visiting schools and colleges to speak to students about career opportunities in flooring.

So, I thought it would be timely to explore these opportunities in a bit more detail for those looking to get involved.

In 2022, the CFA researched, produced and launched the Future Fitters campaign with a clear goal: to address the skills gap and build a sustainable pipeline of talent for the contract flooring industry. That guidance is being updated and a new version will be published later in 2025, but that’s a topic for the future.

One key area the CFA identified is the importance of introducing the idea of a career in flooring, particularly the role of a floorlayer as an entry point to young people, and those helping shape their future decisions.

Through GoConstruct, CITB partnered with the STEM Ambassadors scheme to showcase the wide range of opportunities available across the construction sector. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) Construction and Built Environment Ambassadors play an essential role in inspiring young people to consider careers in construction through a variety of activities.

This initiative has in turn been supported by the CFA and remains central to one of our core aims to grow awareness of the industry within education, with multiple entry points into both primary and secondary schools, as well as outreach to school leavers.

Practically speaking, this means volunteering some time to visit schools or colleges to deliver short presentations, lead workshops, attend career events, or run hands-on demos and exercises related to flooring. It might even include conducting mock interviews, anything to help students learn more about the possibilities within our sector.

We’ve already seen great examples of this, with successful career events attended by CFA members in Scotland (MacGregor Flooring Company and Veitchi Flooring), as well as in the East Midlands, where CFA CEO Richard Catt and I have attended multiple events.

Becoming an ambassador is straightforward. Simply visit the STEM Ambassadors website and fill out a registration form. The online training is quick and informative. Completing the basics and getting approved generally takes less than four hours, and it can be done at your own pace.

Along the way, you’ll pick up useful presentation tips and learn about essential safeguarding practices. You’ll also receive a free DBS check, which can be used for other youth-related volunteering if needed.

The CFA is always looking to add value. If you’re interested in becoming a STEM Ambassador and promoting our sector, we’d love to hear from you. We can support you with presentation ideas, equipment, and useful learning materials including student handouts and digital resources with QR codes, so young people can easily revisit what they’ve learned and explore more about a career in flooring.

Alongside school visits, CFA and its members are also involved in initiatives like Build UK’s Open Doors, which invites students behind the scenes to learn about the industry. CFA has hosted its own events through its training arm, FITA, in Loughborough over the past two years. These events provide students with a real-world look at floorlaying in action and aim to inspire future generations by showing them the integral role flooring plays in construction and refurbishment projects.

The great news is that we have some fantastic stories to tell. Many of the businesses we work with there are full of talented individuals who started as novice floorlayers and are now masters in their field or now run their own companies or hold senior positions. They earn good wages and have built rewarding careers. These are stories young people need to hear across the supply chain.

The CFA is here to provide support and guidance, but it relies on the enthusiasm and actions of those in the industry to step up and get involved. If you’re interested in engaging with your local community, get in touch, I’d be happy to talk through how we can help you get started.

If you have questions about skills and labour, CFA membership or training opportunities for you or your business please do get in touch.

0115 950 6836
shaun@cfa.org.uk
www.cfa.org.uk