Organisations Ready to Fully Support Female Floorlayers Through Comprehensive Training Environments

By Louise Walters, Commercial Director at Designer Contracts

My journey in the flooring industry began in 1996 with insurance claims, where I started as a customer service agent at a call centre managing flooring replacements for major insurance companies across the UK. Within four years, I became the call centre manager. This role helped me gain a deep understanding of various flooring types and installation methods.

In 2006, I joined Designer Contracts as a merchandise manager, supporting the managing director in supplying and installing flooring across the UK. My role spanned multiple sectors, including new build, social housing, education, healthcare, and public sector. I was responsible for purchasing and sourcing various flooring products, such as carpet, resilient, and hard flooring options.

Due to the diverse environments and buildings we worked in, I also learned about different subfloor types and preparation methods, building strong relationships with many flooring and subfloor preparation manufacturers and suppliers over the years.

As the commercial director, I work closely with our 13 regions to supply and install flooring across the UK. Each role within our company, including management, warehouse, administration, and installation teams, is crucial in ensuring we specify, supply, and install the appropriate and technically correct type of flooring.

One area I am especially passionate about is promoting the opportunities available for women in the flooring industry, particularly as floor layers. While Designer Contracts does not yet have many female fitters, we would actively welcome more opportunity to work with women in this skilled trade.

As far as I am concerned, there are no barriers to women joining the industry, and now is one of the best times for women to take advantage of the career paths available. The industry is increasingly aware of the need to promote these opportunities and break down any remaining barriers that may have historically deterred women from pursuing vocational skills in flooring.

Through my involvement with the CFA (I proudly serve on the Council as treasurer) and exposure to FITA, I have seen first-hand that these organisations are ready to fully support female floor layers through comprehensive training environments.

The skills, dedication and attention to detail that women can bring to floor laying are invaluable, and I would strongly encourage anyone interested to explore this rewarding career path.

If you are a young woman considering your future career or someone seeking a change, flooring offers a fantastic opportunity to develop a skilled trade in a welcoming and supportive industry.

Find out more about the opportunities and benefits of joining a career in the flooring industry from the CFA’s Future Fitters guide: www.cfa.org.uk/Future-Fitters-Recruiting-More-Floorlayers/