International Flooring Media News, Europe
Manufacturers and Education Working Together
Without the support of manufacturers within the flooring industry it is doubtful that training courses in Floorcovering would be able to run effectively. At Accrington & Rossendale College we nurture such co-operation and are continually seeking new ways of improving the relationships between industry and training.
In Europe and other parts of the Globe manufacturers understand this, but for some reason only a handful of British producers show willing and productive support by way of materials and/or financial input into education and training.
Our training, at Accrington & Rossendale College, delivered to youth and adult apprentices, has for many years included providing services and installations to community projects, religious organisations and schools. Our trainees have benefited tremendously through installing materials from manufacturers like Cavalier Carpets, Heckmondwike FB, Polyflor, Altro, Forbo Flooring. Thomsit Henkel and Bostik Laybond.
One of our recent installations involved a logo design created by primary school pupils, with materials and design prepared by Polyflor and installed by our first and second year learners, using sub-floor prep compounds and adhesives from Bostik Laybond. As an added extra we also installed an area of needlepunch carpet from stock provided by Heckmondwike fb. Finishing profiles and dim strips were all from Quantum Profile Systems. These manufacturers have provided valuable amounts of materials over the years, without which we could not have been able to offer such wide and comprehensive training.
This is the second installation undertaken for Crawshawbooth Primary School. Polyflor, the main organiser for the project have previously supplied materials for installation in two Scout halls and a previous school installation. Bostik Laybond are now our main sponsor for sub-floor prep materials and adhesives, increasing both the value and range of products available to us. Perhaps their international focus has allowed them to see the value of supporting training providers.
Construction apprentices at our college have in the past worked on charity projects in many areas of the UK, Europe and Africa. One of our Level 3 joinery students this year is being featured in an upcoming BBC programme and, working with our Painting and Decorating Department, our floorcovering students will be working on a community project for an international wallpaper and paint manufacturer!
I would love to organise a trip to Shanghai for next year's Chinafloor and organise visits to some of the exciting tourist sites in China. Maybe even introduce Sid Bourne to his Chinese fans!!! Or, for the more adventurous fix up a trip after the show, to raise some money while trekking on the Great Wall? Let me know if anyone is interested!
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