Page 47 - CFJ_Jul26

TRAINING

experience in floorlaying can lead to higher differently from solid wood, young floor when learning in construction trades can
pay, work on complex projects (again with layers need to understand how to handle, be low. Worse, flooring often relies on
greater pay), and what can be earned by cut, and install it correctly. self-employment where income can be
becoming self-employed. Highlighting And then there’s the need to consider inconsistent. Contractors need to offer
these opportunities makes flooring more why low-VOC products are growing in fair starting pay which increases as skills
attractive compared to other options. use for health and safety reasons. Young improve; financial stability is a key factor in
Training in sustainability and modern workers, without being taught, may retaining young workers.
materials not understand that by using low-VOC It’s worth reiterating the store placed
With a world very much interested in products, they can make environments on training and support – especially as
sustainability, it goes without saying that better for both themselves as fitters and a flooring is a skilled trade that requires
young floor layers need to learn about building’s occupants. time and experience to master. Structured
sustainable sourcing, engineered timber, Knowing about such elements training, such as apprenticeships and
and low-VOC products. It needs to be of sustainability has a bearing on NVQs, alongside strong mentorship from
remembered that flooring is increasingly employability. It needs to be made clear experienced workers, helps to bond young
being influenced by environmental to young entrants – who themselves are floor layers to the trade (and contractor) as
regulations, client expectations, and long- likely keenly aware of the environment – it suggests that they are more than just a
term health considerations. that employers are increasingly looking
Giving new entrants knowledge in these for workers who understand sustainability hired hand.
areas will prepare them for current and and can meet modern environmental Working conditions are another factor to
future standards. standards. consider. It’s no secret that floor laying is
They particularly need to hear that And with regulations and building physically demanding and involves long and
sustainable sourcing now focuses on certifications becoming stricter, such anti-social hours. Contractors that do what
where and how materials are obtained. knowledge will give an individual a they can to ease this through providing
Take timber, for example. They need to competitive advantage over others. necessary equipment, promoting health
understand that it should come from The challenge of worker retention and safety, and keeping anti-social working
responsibly managed forests which With the landscape set out – where hours to the minimum will make the job
avoids deforestation and environmental established workers are aging out and the more bearable.
damage. Just as important is understanding young don’t necessarily see the value in Finally, there’s the matter of flooring’s
certifications and supply chains to help joining the flooring sector – it’s very much image. Many young workers view flooring
them make informed choices. apparent that contractors need to do what as manual labour, rather than a skilled
Floorlayers, regardless of age, will have they can to keep those that have joined trade. By promoting the technical aspects
clients now likely to demand proof that very much engaged. Without taking the of the job, the use of modern sustainable
materials used have been sustainably right steps there will be a serious risk of materials, and the real potential for self-
sourced. Giving young floorlayers an a skills shortage and an inability for the employment and business ownership this
awareness of this will help them meet sector to function properly. perception can be changed. Social media
these requirements while improving the One of the most important steps, as is key.
reputation of their employer or business. noted earlier, is to highlight how a career in
Just as valuable is a knowledge of flooring can progress. Many young workers Summary
engineered timber which is becoming join but leave quickly because they cannot The young are the future, no matter
more widely used as an alternative to see a future in the job – or at least one that which way we look at it. With so much
solid wood. The young need to grasp how pays well. Employers must make a point competition for their attention, flooring
it’s made, how it improves stability, and of outlining how an entrant can move up needs to go out of its way to change
how it can reduce the impact of moisture- through the roles with increasing levels of perceptions and get the young thinking
related movement and the benefits where responsibility. that there’s not only a good income to be
underfloor heating is used. In a material world, it’s just as important earned but also, a solid and long-lasting
And with engineered wood behaving to improve pay and job stability. Pay career. 

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@CFJMagazine CFJ July 2026