Celebrating Apprenticeship Excellence During National Apprenticeship Week – Sam Shetliffe of Capital Flooring and Blinds
As part of National Apprenticeship Week, taking place from 9 to 15 February, The Guild of Master Craftsmen is proud to celebrate the apprentices, employers and training providers who are helping to secure the future of skilled trades through high standards, dedication and professional development.
One such example is Guild member WEBS Training, a respected training provider committed to developing skilled, knowledgeable and professional tradespeople. WEBS Training is currently supporting apprentice Sam Shetliffe, who is completing his Level 2 Floorlayer apprenticeship while working at Capital Flooring and Blinds, a flooring and blinds specialist serving Nottingham, Derby and the surrounding areas from their showroom in Ilkeston, Derbyshire.
As part of his role within the business, Sam supported and oversaw the application process for Capital Flooring and Blinds to become a member of The Guild of Master Craftsmen, demonstrating a strong understanding of professionalism, quality standards and the value of independent vetting within the trade.
Capital Flooring and Blinds supply and fit flooring and blinds across the region, with a clear focus on building long term relationships through a hassle free and enjoyable customer experience. Their service covers every stage of the process, from expert advice and qualified fitting through to bespoke aftercare.
What made you want to apply to be a member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen? Talk us through the process and how you were involved?
Sam – “I wanted to become a member of The Guild of Master Craftsmen because it’s a respected mark of quality that demonstrates the high standard of workmanship we deliver. Being independently vetted and approved helps build trust with our customers, shows our commitment to professionalism, and sets us apart from competitors.”
Members of the Guild of Master Craftsmen benefit from being featured on the Find A Craftsman website, as well as the brand strength that comes with membership of a respected organisation.
Harry Shetliffe, director of Capital Flooring and Blinds, was supportive of Sam’s plans for the business to join the Guild from the outset.
How has being a member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen helped your business since joining?
Harry – “Being a member of the Guild has helped our business massively. In today’s connected world it’s so easy for people to offer their services, even when they are poor, so being in the Guild gives us credibility and shows customers that we are a quality outfit. They also offer an array of discounted services, which takes away the hassle of us having to search online and find someone.”
Sam’s involvement in Capital Flooring and Blinds becoming a member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen was also a valuable addition to his submission for the Contract Flooring Association’s Apprentice of the Year Awards, which took place in May 2025. Sam was shortlisted and achieved 2nd place, a fantastic result that also saw him awarded a range of tools and equipment from the event’s sponsors.
How do you feel about being shortlisted and achieving 2nd place?
Sam – “I feel incredibly proud to have been shortlisted and to achieve 2nd place in the Flooring Apprenticeship of the Year. It’s a real honour to be recognised for the hard work, dedication and passion I’ve put into learning the trade. The experience has motivated me even more to keep developing my skills and delivering the highest standard of workmanship. It also means a lot to know that industry professionals value the effort and commitment I’ve shown throughout my apprenticeship.”
How has the competition shaped your work, and are you planning on submitting an application again next year?
Sam – “The competition has been hugely motivating and has helped me raise the standard of my work. Knowing that my skills were being judged against other talented apprentices pushed me to pay even closer attention to detail. It’s also given me valuable insight into what excellence in the flooring trade looks like. I definitely plan to submit an application again next year. Having experienced the process, I’m inspired to continue developing my skills and aim even higher.”
Sam is now around three quarters of the way through his course and, based on his achievements so far, has a very bright future ahead of him.
Comment on Sam’s progress and future potential?
Harry – “We are really pleased with how Sam is progressing. His practical skills are getting better day by day and he is gaining more confidence. He can now analyse a problem and come up with a solution from his existing skillset. He has also contributed to the business side. He managed our Guild of Master Craftsmen application, which now makes us stand out from the crowd, he comes up with new marketing ideas and is always looking at how we can offer better customer service. I have no doubt Sam will go far in his career as long as he keeps doing what he is doing. There is no limit to how high he can go within our business.”
Sam How are you feeling about your apprenticeship and beyond?
Sam – “I’m feeling really positive about my apprenticeship and the direction it’s taking me. Every stage has helped build my confidence, sharpen my skills and confirm that I’m on the right path in the flooring industry. I’m proud of the progress I’ve made so far, and I’m excited to keep learning and taking on more responsibility as my experience grows. Looking beyond the apprenticeship, I’m motivated to keep pushing myself, develop into a highly skilled craftsman and build a strong future in the trade, whether that’s taking on more advanced projects, leading on installations and helping guide new apprentices.”
A National Apprenticeship Week Celebration
In recognition of National Apprenticeship Week from 9 to 15 February, The Guild of Master Craftsmen would like to congratulate Sam Shetliffe on his achievements and commitment to developing high standards of workmanship through his apprenticeship.
We also commend Capital Flooring and Blinds for their investment in apprenticeships, skills development and professional standards, and for becoming a member of The Guild of Master Craftsmen.
Finally, we recognise WEBS Training for the vital role they play in supporting apprentices and employers, helping to develop skilled tradespeople and artisans who uphold quality, professionalism and integrity across the industry.
To find out more about both these outstanding members click here:
