The Contract Flooring Association (CFA) has appointed Mark Graham as its new training manager, with responsibility for supporting the association’s training activities and the Flooring Industry Training Association (FITA).
Graham joins the CFA following a 25-year career at Hillarys Blinds, where he spent the last decade working within its training department. Beginning his career as a technology trainer, he progressed to lead trainer, designing and delivering training programmes for internal teams and more than 1,300 self-employed advisors through a dedicated window furnishings training academy.
During his time at Hillarys, Graham gained experience in supporting individuals through career development and delivering training to people from a wide range of backgrounds. He says this experience reinforced the importance of recognising different learning styles and approaches, as well as the need for ongoing skills development within businesses.
Graham believes regular training and upskilling can help ensure workforces remain equipped with current products, tools and techniques, supporting efficiency and business development.
As part of his new role, Graham will manage FITA, supporting the organisation’s training consultants, overseeing the Floorlayer Apprenticeship programme and coordinating course delivery.
While the flooring sector is new territory for Graham, he has already gained an understanding of the skills involved in the trade after attending FITA carpet and vinyl installation courses. He says the experience highlighted the technical knowledge and physical demands required of professional installers.
“I may be trading window dressings for floor coverings, but my core goal remains the same: to deliver excellent training, use best practice and help prepare future installers for the trade,” Graham said.
Graham will also work alongside former CFA training manager Shaun, who he says has provided valuable support during the transition. He noted the contribution made to the sector during Shaun’s eight years in the role and said he hopes to build on that work moving forward.
Following his initial meetings with the CFA team, Graham said the organisation’s focus on supporting members through training, safety and competency initiatives was clear.
Having completed his first week in the position, Graham has already taken part in site visits, member meetings and committee discussions as he begins to understand the priorities and challenges facing the sector.
A key focus will be supporting the development of new talent within the industry. Graham said the shortage of skilled floorlayers is an issue he has already heard raised during his introduction to the sector, with the apprenticeship programme forming an important part of his role through FITA.
“The apprenticeship scheme is hopefully going some way to bridging this gap and will be a big part of my focus through industry interaction and our dedicated training arm, FITA,” he said.
Graham is now looking to engage with CFA members and the wider flooring community to better understand their training requirements and explore how the association can continue to support businesses across the sector.
