As industry across Australia emerges from what can only be called a tumultuous year, the need for the flooring industry to employ apprentices is more important than ever.

With the Australian Government’s Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements Scheme now in effect, employing apprentices has never been more cost effective in keeping businesses in business.  Major flooring retailers have welcomed the government’s initiative to give employers a return on their investment in training the next generation of qualified installers.

“Flooring Xtra welcomes the investment in the future of our industry. This announcement is much needed and will assist business to underpin the long-term growth of the flooring trade, this in turn will benefit our industry and provide long term career paths for our youth which will be the life blood of our industry in years to come. Flooring Xtra will be actively promoting this throughout our store network and installation teams across the country to ensure that this opportunity is taken up wherever possible”.  Adam Enno, Marketing Director, Flooring Xtra

The FCIA continues to lead the growth of apprentice enrolments in the national flooring industry and promotes high quality, industry driven training to ensure all apprentices develop skills to industry standard.  The FCIA’s apprenticeship model, incorporating their unique residential workshops, has been embraced by their members and partner RTOs for more than 2.5 years, generating growth in the Certificate III in flooring technology by more than 150%.

Industry support of the FCIA apprenticeship model has already been immense. The additional government support, of up to 50% of the first year wages of an apprentice, for employers only accelerates the mission of the FCIA to eliminate skills shortages that have plagued the industry for decades.

“Carpet Court are heavily invested in the FCIA program through numbers of participants already enrolled and our commitment to the support of this vital part of our industry into the future.

Attracting new entrants into our already strong network of stores and their skilled installation teams is a priority of ours to ensure continued high quality of installations for our customers.

The government incentives to support an apprentice through the stores are now substantial and the increased activity in consumer spending in our sector since COVID shows no sign of weakening soon.There would be no better time to consider an installation apprentice and the FCIA program is fast becoming the preferred vehicle for our members with the experience-based learning approach this model offers”.  Greg Zeegers – Operations Manager NSW/QLD, Carpet Court

“We have been using the FCIA for three years now, and currently have two apprentices enrolled in the program. The FCIA take all the hard work out of organising the training with their onsite assessments and residential training programs. The apprentices learn a lot from the onsite one-week intensive learning environment.

We will be using the FCIA training [model] for future apprentices, and I encourage all retailers to get on board and hire more apprentices and train up to be skilled installers”. Adrian Clegg, Managing Director, Carpet Court Taren Point and Kogarah.

FCIA will continue to grow and support the apprenticeship program to ensure that the quality and reputation of the flooring industry is elevated.

Employers wanting further information on apprentices or the government incentives, please contact FCIA National Training Manager on 0407 295 149 or email info@fcia.org.au