Tiler

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

Entry requirements:

College

You could take a college course to learn some of the skills needed to do this job. Courses include:

• wall and floor tiling
• construction skills - tiling

Some colleges offer short DIY courses in tiling that you can try before deciding whether to take a longer course that leads to a qualification.

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Wall and Floor Tiling Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

This can take up to 3 years to complete and combines on-the-job training with off-site study.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Work

You may be able to start work as a site labourer or tiler's 'mate' and do further training on the job to qualify as a tiler.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• knowledge of building and construction
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with your hands
• knowledge of maths
• the ability to work well with others
• customer service skills
• design skills and knowledge
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• the ability to work on your own
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• leadership skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• concentration skills
• active listening skills
• physical fitness and endurance
• knowledge of English language

What you'll do:

Tilers fix tiles to walls and floors in kitchens, bathrooms, shops and restaurants, using materials like ceramics, slate, stone and marble.

As a wall and floor tiler, you'll:

• work out the amount of materials needed for a job
• follow design plans to match the layout of tile patterns
• cut tiles to the correct shape and size by hand or with power tools
• prepare surfaces by levelling off with plaster, sand or cement
• fix tiles into place and apply grouting and sealants
• tidy up work areas and dispose of old materials safely

Location : You could work at a client's home, at a client's business or on a construction site.
Environment : Your working environment may be dusty, noisy and physically demanding.
Uniform : You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Salary:

Starter : £21,000
Experienced : £38,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

40 - 45 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends occasionally

Career Path:

With experience and extra training, you could move into:

• site management
• estimating
• contract management
• heritage work

You could also train apprentices in further education or set up your own business.