Six apprentices have successfully completed their training programmes with Designer Contracts, the UK’s largest flooring contractor.

Three of them formed part of the company’s first cohort of apprentice fitters, taken on in 2022 under a new block release training scheme. It was launched as a joint venture between FITA (Flooring Industry Training Association) and Webs Training Ltd. The other apprentices were team members already working for Designer Contracts and wanting to develop further within the business.

Tom Davis (South East area), Adrian Kucharski (Central area), Owen Gibson (North East area) have all passed their end point assessments to qualify as trainee fitters with the business. 

Ailsa Grieve, Jodie Green and Jake Sambrooks developed their knowledge, skills and behaviours following apprenticeships completed over a one-to-two-year period within the business. They were supported by workplace mentors and the company’s learning and development team.

Said performance and development director Rachael Pemberton-Baghurst: “Seeing how these team members have all grown over the course of their apprenticeships has been hugely rewarding and underlines our commitment to people. 

“Apprenticeships are just one part of the extensive learning and development opportunities we provide to all our team members so we can continue to meet our customers’ needs.”

The decision to take on apprentice fitters in 2022 represented a significant move for Designer Contracts and was in support of a CFA-led industry training initiative to combat a chronic skills shortage and shrinking pool of available fitters. Tom, Adrian and Owen will continue to be supported as they develop their skills independently.

Said Rachael: “Our business development apprentices have not only developed their own skills but inspired other team members to want to follow in their footsteps. Their commitment to self-improvement has not only benefited Ailsa, Jodie and Jake personally but strengthened the team as a whole.”