George, CFA Apprentice of the Year winner 2022, and fitter at Longlevens Bespoke Flooring, elaborates on how important training is from an apprentice’s point of view.
MY name is George and I have a level 2 apprenticeship qualification in textile and resilient floorcoverings. I started my apprenticeship at a later age than most, at the age of 28. I went on to win CFJ apprentice of the year in 2022 and was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to go on to complete my level 3 advanced LVT course through Floorskills training centre. I feel this gave me the concrete knowledge and specific practical skills that made me the confident and successful self-employed floorlayer I am today. I feel I’ve come so far in a matter of years thanks to the training I’ve undertaken.
LVT, like most other floor coverings has special parameters required to be installed correctly, and the knowledge and skill set needed can be gained effectively by undertaking an LVT course. Alongside a solid knowledge base these courses will also give you the edge with your competition as you will be taught to the highest British Standards.
LVT offers various benefits and is becoming a popular choice among homeowners for its durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. Therefore, it’s crucial for new floorlayers to consider taking an LVT course to enhance their skills and stay competitive in the industry.
In addition to technical skills, an LVT course also equips new floorlayers with a deeper understanding of the benefits and advantages of LVT flooring. This knowledge is crucial for effectively promoting and selling LVT to potential clients. Armed with this information, new floorlayers can confidently recommend LVT to their clients, highlighting the material’s long-term value and cost-effectiveness. By expanding their knowledge of LVT, new floorlayers can position themselves as experts in the industry and establish trust with their clients, ultimately leading to greater customer satisfaction and business.
Unlike traditional vinyl flooring, LVT is designed to mimic the look of natural materials such as wood or stone, making it a versatile and stylish option for residential and commercial spaces. By undergoing a comprehensive LVT course, new floorlayers can learn about the different types of LVT, as well as the correct techniques for cutting, installing, and finishing the material. This specialised training can help new floorlayers develop a deeper understanding of LVT installation, enabling them to deliver high-quality results and leave you confident in your ability to provide a great service.
From my experience (I used Floorskills training centre whose professionalism I can’t praise enough) you’ll begin any LVT course with an in depth understanding into subfloor identification and how it’s prepared, followed by acclimatisation of materials, selecting the correct adhesive for the environment, dry fitting and setting out the LVT, learning different installation and scribing methods and product aftercare. You’ll learn much more than you expect to from these courses, such as customer liaison skills and calculating wastage factors etc.
All LVT courses I’ve completed have significantly contributed to the refinement of my fitting techniques, ensuring a professional finish that endures the test of time. I consistently apply my acquired knowledge into my daily tasks, as LVT has become my primary focus in floor covering installations since completing these courses. Although I haven’t been installing for a great length of time, I’ve been able to pass on some of the knowledge I’ve gained on to highly experienced installers, leading them to book onto LVT courses themselves.
On a course, it’s not about being judged on your current ability. You can start a course no matter what stage you’re at in your flooring career. You get the support and guidance you need and can have any questions answered by experienced tutors. I believe the future of the flooring industry is defined by these courses, enabling professionals to remain well-versed as the demand for LVT continues to increase.
A comprehensive LVT course equips new floorlayers with a deeper understanding of the advantages and innovations in LVT flooring, enabling them to expand their business opportunities and increase their earning potential. Therefore, investing in a course is a valuable and essential step for new floorlayers looking to establish themselves as reputable professionals in the competitive flooring industry. If you’re thinking of undertaking an LVT course, I highly recommend because of all the reasons above.
www.longlevensbespokeflooring.co.uk
