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TRAINING

Shaun Wadsworth

The gold standard: FITA and WEBS continue the

journey for apprenticeship excellence

Four years on, the FITA and WEBS apprenticeship partnership is setting national standards,
producing confident, skilled floorlayers and reshaping the future of industry training, says Shaun

S 2025 draws to a close, I cannot and teamwork that the flooring industry This year has also brought some proud
Ahelp but reflect with real pride on values so highly. moments of recognition. The CFA’s 2025
how far our apprenticeship programme The results speak for themselves. Flooring Apprentice of the Year Award
has come. When we first launched the WEBS Training’s achievement rates are included two of our own: Daniel Mee of
joint initiative between the Flooring well above national averages, 76.6% Hillside Contracts, who took first place,
Industry Training Association (FITA) and overall compared to 60.5% nationally, and runner-up Sam Shetliffe of Capital
WEBS Training in 2021, we had an initial and 69.6% specifically for floorlaying. Flooring and Blinds. Their success
goal of providing quality flooring delivery represents the very best of what this
to apprentices in the East Midlands, programme stands for.
building on our success of 20 plus years For apprentices, FITA and WEBS
delivering private training courses. provide far more than a certificate. They
Four years later, that goal has not gain access to modern facilities, expert
only been achieved but also become mentoring and invaluable connections
something of which I am truly proud. across the flooring industry, including
What began as a pilot has grown into a support from leading manufacturers.
thriving programme, with more than 50 For employers, the programme
apprentices attending training at FITA offers a reliable source of skilled new
throughout the year. talent and a supported process from
Our reach now extends far beyond recruitment to end-point assessment. It
the East Midlands, with employers is a win-win that strengthens the entire
from across the UK choosing to send trade.
their apprentices to us often travelling Looking ahead to 2026, the focus
significant distances because they value is on building upon this momentum,
the quality of training we provide. continuing to refine delivery, widening
Under the scheme, apprentices spend access, and embracing innovation in
focused blocks of time, up to 50 days ‘Under the scheme, materials, sustainability and installation
at our purpose-built training centre in methods. The flooring sector is evolving
Loughborough, before returning to their apprentices spend rapidly, and with it, the need for
employers for hands-on site experience. focused blocks of competent, well-trained floorlayers has
The apprenticeship is government- never been greater.
subsidised, with funding covering time, up to 50 days As I look back on 2025, I couldn’t
95–100% of off-the-job training costs be more pleased with what we have
for most employers. We also support at our purpose-built achieved together, apprentices,
companies with recruitment, advertising training centre in employers, trainers and industry
and mentoring, because we know that a partners alike. Through shared
successful apprenticeship journey relies Loughborough’ commitment, collaboration and belief in
on both sides being supported equally. the value of skilled craft, we are laying
For me, one of the most rewarding Even more impressively, over half of our strong foundations for the future of our
aspects of the role is seeing apprentices apprentices have achieved distinctions in industry. 
grow in confidence. We make a point of their end-point assessments. That level 0115 950 6836
nurturing them as individuals not just of performance reflects the dedication of shaun@cfa.org.uk
to develop the right technical skills, but not just the learners, but their employers www.cfa.org.uk
also to build the professional attitude and the tutors who guide them. Shaun Wadsworth is CFA training manager

CFA, Unit 22, Eldon Business Park, Eldon Road, Chilwell, Nottingham NG9 6DZ 0115 941 1126 | info@cfa.org.uk | www.cfa.org.uk

www.contractflooringjournal.co.uk 35
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