John Clark, Headlam Transformation Director, explores the current skills gap crisis in the flooring sector and how the industry can take action to ensure the future of flooring is resilient for years to come.
The UK flooring industry has experienced massive upheaval in recent years, which has been further compounded from the significant skills gap crisis currently facing the sector. The number of fitters available is in decline, with an 18% shortage in fitters in 2023/24. Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) highlights this decline, showing 36,900 floorers and wall tilers in 2023-24, down from 39,000 the previous year. Rather than allow this trend to continue, we must work together to reverse this trajectory and futureproof the industry.
How did we get here and what does it mean for the industry?
There are a number of reasons for the skills gap, including the misperception around flooring not being an attractive career path for young people. With much of the conversation around future skills focusing on ‘green’ skills or digitally led roles, ‘traditional’ careers like flooring often go overlooked.
The skills gap crisis is not unique to flooring: the UK construction sector will need an additional 251,500 workers by 2028.
What Can the Industry Do?
Investment in training programmes is an essential first step. Vocational careers like flooring require, hands-on training and learning experiences and it is critical that these programmes provide workers with the right industry accreditations to carry forward into their careers.
At Headlam, as the UK’s largest flooring distributor, we have invested in training by developing a six-month pilot training scheme in Leeds that incorporates vital supply chain collaboration. The programme provides young people with comprehensive flooring training, from understanding the different types of materials and preparation methods to installation, equipping them for a successful career in the sector. The programme combines theory and practical application through onsite training at our suppliers’ training facilities. On completion, trainees receive a Headlam diploma as well as the practical experience needed to embark on their career journey in the industry. Headlam is also committed to supporting each trainee with employability training and placements to find employment within the independent flooring sector.
This programme is a positive example of how the industry can collaborate to invest in young people and futureproof the flooring sector, while simultaneously increasing the standard of fitters in the area. This collective action, underpinned by support from our supply chain in facilitating the training, is a necessary driving force for the industry to bridge the skills gap.
Attracting young people to the flooring industry requires a change in perception. Having better resources to develop young people and provide them with a career path will help to attract talent and more importantly, retain them. Businesses must collectively explore how best to promote the flooring sector, leveraging the fact that demand for fitters will not diminish and having in-demand skills will give young people the opportunity to enjoy a worthwhile and diverse career.
Conclusion
The industry’s future depends on our ability to attract, train, and retain the next generation of skilled fitters. By collaborating across the supply chain to invest in comprehensive training programmes and change perceptions of the profession, we can make a step change against the growing skills gap. Not only will this approach safeguard the industry’s growth but also contribute to wider economic stability. While this may be a work in progress, we, and others, realise that it is time for the industry to seize the opportunities available to us to bridge the skills gap and ensure a resilient and thriving flooring industry for years to come.
