Flooring Boost Training Scheme

Jacobsen Flooring Boost

In partnership with Work Force Central Dunedin, the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment, the Ministry of Social Development, and FloorNZ

Three Dunedin locals have gained life changing skills and employment through a government and industry joint training progamme aimed at supporting Dunedin's ,new Hospital build. 

In response to a shortage of trained workers, 'Flooring Boost', a six-week training programme, has been introduced by Work Force Central Dunedin (WFCD) to enable trainees to gain basic floor installation skills, plus units towards a level three pre-appreticeship qualification. 

The initiative is the first joint training project run from the WFCD hub supporting the new Dunedin Hospital build. 

Jacobsen Commercial Territory Manager, Mark Faulkner, says the limited number of qualified vinyl layers in the region together with an aging population of experienced installers, had prompted the Flooring Boost initiative. 

In Dunedin, vinyl layers are booked 2-3 months in advance for the installation of flooring in both commercial and domestic builds. However, it is expected that when the tenders go out for laying commercial vinyl for the new Dunedin Hospital, there will be a large shortfall of qualified people, particularly as many experienced installers are aging. This initiative gets ahead of this potential shortage ensuring trainees are ready when needed. 

The programme started with a week's intensive training with an Allied Trades Institute tutor at the Hub in a custom-built, industry-equipped trailer sponsored by Jacobsen. 

"It's exciting to see the equipment ready for training", Mr Faulkner says, who adds he hopes the trailer can be taken around schools to interest young people in joining the industry. 

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) Regional Labour Market Manager, Emma Hamilton, says "MSD has committed to providing funding through the local 'Work Experience Works' initiative to assist employers to support the trainees with paid work experience for 30 hours a week at minimum wage."

After the first week, the three trainees joined TAK Flooring, AH Flooring, and Carpet Court Dunedin for hands-on work experience to finish their pre-employment certificates, with an eye on eventual apprenticeships. 

Planning for another six-week programme is currently underway, please contact us if you are interested in participating or have any questions.