For most people, a career in a trade begins with an apprenticeship, but for Kayleigh Rice, the world of Amtico Flooring in Ireland was the background of her entire life. Growing up in a family business, she didn’t just see flooring as a job, she saw it as a craft. While she always had a deep love for art and design, Kayleigh found that she preferred a hands-on way to be creative. Instead of a sketchbook, she chose the precision of a cutting blade and the geometry of a bespoke floor layout. She spent four years fitting full-time and two years part-time while finishing school and college, putting in six years of hard work before many people even pick a career path.
Working side-by-side with her dad, Derek Rice, who is also an Amtico Endorsed Fitter, Kayleigh learned that quality isn’t something you can rush. Her dad was her main mentor and taught her the importance of the tiny details that most people never see, but everyone eventually notices. It was this encouragement that gave her the foundation she needed to take on the tough Amtico courses. One of her favourite memories is fitting the Amtico floor in her own family home. Walking through that front door every day is a constant reminder of what you can do when you put your mind to a trade, and it was that project that made her realise she could truly make a life out of this.
“Being the first woman (and the youngest ever!) to gain the Amtico Endorsed Fitter qualification is a huge achievement for me, it gives me extra confidence that I am on the correct path in my career”.
When Kayleigh went to complete her official certification, she met tutors like Paul and Andy who helped her sharpen her skills even further. While she loved the process, she admits that the hardest part was the clock. The assessment requires fitters to install test floors within a set time, which was a bit of a struggle for someone like Kayleigh who naturally wants to take a little more time to ensure every single edge is flawless. For her, “good enough” is never the goal, and she would always prefer to spend those extra few minutes to ensure the result is 100% perfect. This way of thinking is exactly why she is so trusted by people looking for Amtico Flooring in Mayo.
Kayleigh is among the first women to complete the Amtico Endorsed Fitter programme, a win that has given her a lot of confidence in her career. She knows she is on the right path and she wants to encourage other young women to look at the trades. Her message is simple, as she says people should just go for it. She believes a trade is perfect for anyone who likes to stay active and is willing to learn. While it is hard work that needs 100% effort, she points out that once you have that certification, you have a skill that lets you work anywhere in the world.
If you ask Kayleigh what her favourite type of project is, her eyes light up when she talks about new builds. She sees a full house as a giant blank canvas and there is a real sense of pride that comes from walking into an empty shell and knowing the whole area is about to be changed. Seeing all the different floor designs, from the clean lines in the kitchen to the patterns in the hallway, all coming together at the end of a job is what gives her the most satisfaction. Every day is a bit different and every home has its own quirks, which is perfect for someone who enjoys a challenge.
For homeowners, having the youngest Amtico Endorsed Fitter on the job provides peace of mind. Kayleigh explains that the qualification shows the customer that the person in their home has been trained to the highest level. It means the fitter has the expertise needed to install a professionally finished and flawless floor that won’t just look good when it’s first laid, but will stay that way for years. Whether she is working on a modern apartment or a big family home, she brings that same “artist’s eye” to every plank and tile.
Beyond the tools and the assessments, Kayleigh is part of the local community. She knows that choosing a floor for your home is a big investment, and she is always happy to help people through the process. Her work proves that when you combine a love for design with a disciplined trade, the results speak for themselves.
We are very lucky to have her as part of the Master Carpets & Flooring team. Her journey from watching her dad work to becoming a record-breaking specialist is a great story for all of us. When you book a project with us, you are getting more than just a product, you are getting the care of someone who truly loves what they do.
Being an Amtico Endorsed Fitter means the installer has been trained and tested by Amtico to the highest industry standards, ensuring a flawless finish and a valid product warranty.
Absolutely. Kayleigh and the Master Carpets team provide expert installation for Amtico Flooring in Mayo and the surrounding areas, covering everything from small bathrooms to full-house renovations.
Coming from a family business that values quality, Kayleigh knows that the subfloor is the foundation. She takes extra time to ensure it is 100% perfect, which prevents floor failure and protects your warranty.
Absolutely. Kayleigh loves full-house projects because they allow for a seamless flow of design. Amtico is durable enough for every room, from the bathroom to the bedroom.
When you visit our showroom in Castlebar, simply let our team know you’re interested in having one of our Amtico Endorsed Fitters lead your installation, and we will do our best to schedule your project with Kayleigh.
