Page 34 - CFJ_Feb26

TRAINING

Supporting flooring skills beyond the course

Unlike FITA’s open YouTube content, the ‘Ongoing digital support the following courses in 2026 can use
app acts as a personalised digital toolkit, the discount code FITADIGITAL for a 15%
tailored specifically to each delegate’s helps floorlayers retain discount (25% for CFA and NICF members)
experience and training history. At launch, skills, confidence, and • Carpet Installation Basic (3-day)
it will support delegates attending our • Domestic Vinyl Installation (2-day)
most popular courses, with further best practice onsite’ • LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) Installation Basic
resources planned to expand its coverage (3-day)
throughout 2026. As the only not-for-profit training • Laminate and Floating Wood Installation
The FITA Digital App represents a organisation in the flooring sector, backed Basic (2-day)
forward-thinking approach to flooring by two major trade associations, FITA • Commercial Vinyl Installation Basic/
training, combining the reliability and continues to lead the way in delivering Intermediate (4-day)
expertise of hands-on instruction high-quality, accessible, and industry- • Commercial Vinyl Installation Wet-
with the convenience and flexibility of focused training. The FITA Digital App is rooms (3-day)
modern learning technology. FITA trained the latest example of our commitment to • Commercial Vinyl Workshop Cap and
floorlayers now have access to ongoing providing flooring installers with the tools Cove (1-day) 
support both during and after practical they need to succeed, now and into the 0115 950 6836
training, ensuring skills remain sharp, future. shaun@cfa.org.uk
confidence is maintained, and industry To celebrate the launch of the FITA www.cfa.org.uk
standards are upheld. Digital app, any delegate looking to book 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

Roberts and FENTO support the flooring industry’s next generation

OBERTS and FENTO are supporting recognised training facilitators reportedly in modern carpet and hard flooring
Rthe next generation of flooring ensures trainees ‘can benefit from the installation tools. It has reportedly
installers at colleges and academies quality, accuracy and reliability of Roberts invented, designed and improved many
across the UK. tools and the ergonomic, supportive common flooring tools in use today,
Apprentices and trainees at FITA, NICF, protection of FENTO as they learn how to and ‘continues to introduce innovative
Derwentside College, Gower College, and install floors to the highest professional products that address the challenges of
Optimum Skills, are now undertaking their standards’. today’s professionals’.
training using Roberts tools and FENTO Roberts category manager Tom Connelly
knee protection as the partners look to play explains: ‘The industry faces a skills Roberts partners with FENTO in the
a pivotal role in encouraging and supporting shortage, so the work of training providers UK to distribute the company’s range of
the next generation of flooring installers. like the NICF and Optimum Skills is vital ergonomically designed knee protection
The ongoing relationships they have in ensuring that flooring has a future of for today’s craftspeople.
with some of the industry’s most qualified and skilled installers. FENTO was established in 2000
‘Roberts has been creating by sailmaker René van Rijn and
tools for the industry for physiotherapist Geert Kaal. Says the
more than eight decades and company: ‘It was a result of René’s
is renowned for the quality of inability to find a knee protector that
its tools. It only seems right prevented his knee and back problems.
we give something back and Its range is trusted by more than 1m
let the next generation learn tradespeople across the globe.
with some of the world’s ‘Supporting training facilities with tools
best flooring tools in hand. and protection allows the companies
Our partnership with FENTO
means their knees and backs to not only support the next generation
are well protected from the but also raise standards and ensure a
very first day too, so they can thriving and successful future for flooring
build a lasting career.’ installation.’ 
Founded in 1938, Roberts, 01283 243450
described as a quality sales@qepuk.com
brand of QEP, is a pioneer www.robertstools.co.uk
A lot of Roberts goodies to go around

34 CFJ February 2026 www.contractflooringjournal.co.uk
@CFJMagazine