Richard provides a Future Fitters update and introduces another key element, the GoConstruct website, where young adults and indeed anyone, can go to find out more about floorlaying.
IN my August 2022 CFJ article I introduced ‘Future Fitters’, our response to the skills and labour shortage in the flooring industry.
Future Fitters identifies four key areas of work: improving the pipeline; expanding localised delivery of training and apprenticeships; increasing overall employer recruitment (for new entrants) and identifying (new) financial support.
For improving the pipeline, we felt that one of the things we needed to do was increase awareness of floorlaying, and the flooring sector, within schools and colleges and for those entering employment.
We identified the Go Construct STEM Ambassadors programme, where individuals from industry can sign up to visit schools (and attend events like careers evenings or mock interview sessions) as a great opportunity to start doing this. This not only helps young people gain confidence, but also introduces them to our sector and the career opportunities as a floorlayer and potentially in other areas. For more information on Go Construct STEM Ambassadors see my May 2022 CFJ article or follow this link:
www.stem.org.uk/news-and-views/news/go-construct-stem-ambassadors
Since those two articles, Shaun and I have joined the Go Construct STEM Ambassadors scheme and I have attended two events. I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed them, despite initially being somewhat sceptical of how the students would behave and whether anyone would get any value out of the sessions. I cannot tell you how rewarding they were. The first event was a careers evening where we set up a table and students came to see us to ask about what we were representing. They were polite, engaging and asked sensible questions. I felt quite guilty that I had had any reservation.
The second event was speed networking where the students spent just 10 minutes asking you about your job. I adopted the role of a flooring contractor telling them about what it is like to be a floorlayer. Again, they were great, and I got thank you ‘sir’ a number of times and a couple of handshakes. Some traditional values still exist, and I was so impressed.
Attending my first two events was an education for me and informed what we will do going forward. We knew we needed some specific support materials and after the event it was much clearer what they were. So, we came away and developed two banners and a table runner to help explain what we offer. We also developed some simple leaflets to complement the QR codes that worked really well. The students basically asked four questions: ‘What is the job?’, ‘What can I learn?’, ‘What qualifications do I need?’ and ‘Is there an apprenticeship?’. For those seeking a vocational route, we were music to their ears. The banners and table runners are available to members to use if they need them. We have spares and some practical flooring demo kits. We also have large scale jigsaws in carry cases with plans to show different materials and engage students where the event allows.
Our banners help answer the main questions and tell the story of becoming a floorlayer, but also act as a prop to provide further support. Our strategy all along has been to use industry resources that are available and promote those through QR codes and so one important reference tool is GoConstruct.
If you are speaking to someone who is thinking of entering our industry and want to give them something they can return to remind themselves about the role of a floor layer, potential income and even watch videos where former apprentice of the year Jordon Gayle explains his journey, the GoConstruct website is invaluable.
Scan the QR codes in the advert on the left on your mobile device to take you there.
One of the key objectives of Future Fitters is provide practical support for our industry in bridging the current skills and labour gap. There are no magic wands – time and investment is required, but every journey starts somewhere, and we are here to make it as accessible as possible. I feel really positive about how the industry is responding to our initiative. Please let me know if you need any further information, but a lot of it can be found by visiting our dedicated webpage.
The CFA is a leading trade association representing the flooring Industry. If you would like further information about our Future Fitters project, or an application pack outlining the benefits of membership, please contact the CFA offices.
0115 9411126
info@cfa.org.uk
www.cfa.org.uk
