THE planning of training within any business, regardless of its size cannot be overstated, it holds the key to unlocking the potential of employees and helps to drive businesses by investing in their staff at the right time for the right purpose. Take into consideration the rise in flooring types like LVT and a business can find themselves in a position where there are gaps within installers’ skills and knowledge that could cause problems for you and the client.
With the help of FITA’s highly skilled training consultants, supportive manufacturer sponsors and its dedicated council (made up of both CFA and NICF members) we continue to see more delegates on courses, more bespoke training days taking place and four full rolling apprenticeship cohorts. All of these have their fair share of LVT content as well as the correct preparation of subfloors.
When speaking with employers the conversation usually begins when the employer has a free minute between busy periods and has time to look at things in more depth. This is the way of the world and the battle of completing work that pays the bills vs development of skills with formal training can leave large gaps in skills and knowledge that soon fall down the list of importance once the order book starts to fill up again.
Focus should be placed on identifying what talent you have and their capacity in set flooring types, and cross-reference this against planned and future market activity. This exercise helps to identify both the current need for training, as well as the potential future needs of the business and sets a definitive schedule. If this identifies that an increase in fitters may be required, or additional skills needed, it can be factored in.
A training plan/programme, along with a schedule showing clear dates and times, is fundamental to future proofing skills and labour as well as successful upskilling. A training matrix showing an overarching view of what staff training has taken place shows you what skills and labour you have as well as any gaps, which fitters can be developed and where potential recruitment may be required (both employed and sub-contracted).
It is also imperative that these plans are also shared with the staff themselves, giving them a clear insight into their own development and clarity on why training may happen at certain points.
This kind of planning outline plainly to all required to know within the business when new recruitment of skills and labour needs to be planned to ensure it is in place at the correct time. It helps in identifying times and types of training required for current fitters and scope for expansion, so when decisions like employing apprentices are required, it is a proactive choice, which ensures that they peak in their learning at the exact time you need their skills the most, not a reactive one.
Through FITA, CFA and NICF members along with the wider flooring sector have access to a 3-day basic LVT course, aimed at both domestic and commercial installations. The course teaches installers how to correctly identify subfloor types and moisture, prepare the subfloor, see what might affect the product and make sure they use the correct type of flooring and adhesives. Delegates learn the fundamentals – how to correctly prepare and how to install in line with British Standard and manufacturer guidelines. Just the basics – no angles or curves, no borders, no designs – just the correct approach to basic LVT fitting; marking out, laying patterns, how to deal with skirting, doorways, etc, and which adhesives to use where and when.
The FITA 3-Day intermediate LVT course deals with more complicated fits and is designed to improve on already gained skills of a design floor installer including approaches to more complex installation techniques such as border work, 45-degree fitting, feature strips and herringbone work.
FITA also provides a 3-Day advanced LVT course too. This course is purely aimed at those looking to incorporate advanced techniques into their LVT installations. Focusing on complex herringbone installation with/without borders, stairs, and motifs/inset designs. We think it is necessary for any installer looking to enhance their range of skills, allowing them to truly stand out from the crowd.
Training should not be something that is seen as derogatory to an installers current skill set and or a suggestion that they do not install to a quality standard but a continuing development in most cases. It is an indication that you are actively trying to improve your knowledge, skills and behaviours toward working more efficiency and competently. You cannot teach experience, but you can give individuals the tools to tackle a wider range of jobs with greater confidence.
This all boils back down to being aware of existing knowledge and realising when an update to skills and techniques is required., something a training plan or schedule can be forecast and presented in black and white. It is too easy to think ‘I can’t learn something new’ or ‘I haven’t got time.’ A multi-skilled workforce is important now, more than ever, with an ever-growing skills and labour shortage affecting the flooring industry.
FITA is co-founded by the Contract Flooring Association (CFA) and the National Institute of Carpet & Floorlayers (NICF) to provide specialist training for the floorcovering industry, FITA is an independent, not-for-profit organisation — by industry, for industry. We have two specialist training centres at Loughborough and Kirkcaldy with fully equipped practical and lecture areas.
FITA Loughborough
LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) Installation – Basic (3-day)
2-4 Sep 2024
4-6 Nov 2024
20-22 Jan 2025
31 March -2 April
2-4 Jun 2025
LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) Installation – Intermediate (3-day)
30 Sep-2 Oct 2024
18-20 Nov 2024
17-19 Feb 2025
22-24 Apr 2025
21-23 Jul 2025
LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) Installation – Advanced (3-day)
7-9 Oct 2024
11-13 Mar 2025
27-29 Aug 2025
FITA Kirkcaldy
LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) Installation – Basic (3-day)
30 Sep-2 Oct 2024
6-8 Jan 2025
24-26 Mar 2025
30 June-2 Jul 2025
LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) Installation – Intermediate (3-day)
21-23 Oct 2024
20-21 Jan 2025
28-30 Apr 2025
28-30 July 2025
LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) Installation – Advanced (3-day)
9-11 Dec 2024
16-18 Jun 2025
For more information on FITA LVT course content, course dates, apprenticeships, bespoke courses and more visit our website.
0115 950 6836
www.fita.co.uk
shaun@fita.co.uk
Shaun Wadsworth
FITA and CFA training manager
