Page 46 - CFJ_Feb26

CFA CEO COMMENT

Wise words - A conversation with a floorlayer

‘But I’ve laid floors in airports, schools, as well stay in the drawer. We’ve spent to a teenager, don’t simply ask, ‘Which
police stations and a few kitchens for years acting like trades are what you university are you applying to?’ Try,
friends. And when we had the pandemic do if you ‘can’t’ go to university, instead ‘What’s your plan?’ And if they say, ‘I’m
in 2020, I was the one working through of a choice you make because you doing an apprenticeship,’ or ‘I’m learning
the night, so we had extra capacity for all like working with your hands, solving a trade,’ give them a big smile and say,
the people who needed hospitalisation.’ problems, grafting, contributing to ‘Brilliant, AI won’t be replacing you
The kids suddenly perked up. They had society and seeing the results of your anytime soon. We’ll be needing you more
proper questions. ‘Do you have to work work under people’s feet for decades. than ever.’
fast, do you earn decent money, are Four years after school, some young Because we will, so tell any young
there any jobs and have you ever glued people walk away with a degree. Others person you meet about the opportunities
your hands together?’ – Yes, yes, lots walk away with no debt, a qualification, in commercial flooring and as a floor
of opportunity and no I’ve never glued and a trade they can use anywhere... layer. We have a wonderful industry
my hands together, (adhesive is mostly from Aberdeen to Australia. And when that can offer a good income, a lifelong
water based and I try to look after my the flooring in a hospital corridor fails, career with many different opportunities.
hands). it’s not the degree certificate that comes Plus, there is a huge amount of support
Here’s what no one told me when I running. on offer through the CFA including our
was 16 or younger. The country doesn’t That’s the bit people forget for some annual Training Guide that summarises
function without tradespeople. We can kids, just knowing their path is respected all you need to know as either an
have all the architects and engineers changes everything. It’s not about ‘just’ employer or candidate. 
in the world, but if no one preps the fitting floors. It’s about pride. Purpose. 0115 941 1126
subfloor, spreads the adhesive and fits The sort that stays with you long after info@cfa.org.uk
the floorcovering, those plans might the job’s finished. So next time you talk www.cfa.org.uk

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

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