As we reflect on the year that was, it is fair to say that 2022 was a busy year for everyone in the flooring industry.

For most in this industry, the two biggest issues raised were:

  • the lack of installers
  • the lack of new people coming into this industry.

In response to this, FCIA will be working with retailers, manufacturers, commercial contractors and suppliers to try and resolve these issues.

VISA Program

FCIA is working with retails groups and immigration agents to encourage qualified installers to come to Australia to try and fill the installation gap we have.

Skills and Training Promotion

  • Continue visiting schools and career days to encourage students to enter the flooring trade.
  • Continue encouraging existing non-qualified installers to have the skills recognised through RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning).
  • Work with our members and partnering with industry experts in running short training courses for installers.

Qualified Trainers and Assessors

Like many other trades, the flooring industry lacks qualified trainers. As part of FCIA’s commitment to source new trainers and assessors, we have developed a mentoring program for installers who are working through their Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE).  If you are interested or know of anyone who may be interested in becoming a flooring trainer and assessor, please contact me.

Inaugural FCIA Gala

The FCIA will be hosting the Gala for the flooring industry in Melbourne on the 4th of March 2023. This will be held at the Plaza Ballroom and will celebrate the achievements of the flooring industry. The evening will include the achievements and goals of the FCIA, presentations and awards.

Group Training Organisation (GTO)

The GTO will support the industry by making hiring, management, and training of apprentices easier for all employers.  It removes the administration and wage frustrations that many employers face.  The GTO will advertise, screen, recruit, employ and host flooring apprentices. Detailed information will be provided over the next few months.

It appears like the previous few years 2023 is shaping up to be another very busy year for the FCIA and the flooring industry as a whole and I am really looking forward to working with you and your business.

I encourage you to contact me at any time to discuss industry issues or suggestions on how we can find solutions to some of our industry concerns.

Happy 2023

Fiona Wischnewski, CEO FCIA Group, fwischnewski@fcia.org.au