A career in tiling is a great option for anyone who enjoys working with their hands, has a keen eye for detail and wants a good amount of variety in their day-to-day work.
Tiling is very much a practical career and is best suited to those who prefer their working life to be predominately physical. With that being said, you’ll require some theory knowledge of construction processes.
What does a tiler do?
The kind of work tilers are expected to carry out will vary on a daily basis, and will also depend on whether you focus on domestic or commercial work. A few of the most common responsibilities of tilers include:
- Speaking to clients to better understand what they’re looking for
- Repairing and removing old tiles and surfaces
- Preparing surfaces by levelling off with plaster, sand or cement
- Marking out areas to estimate the amount of materials needed to complete jobs
- Cutting tiles to size and shaping with hand-cutters or bench-mounted tools
- Fixing tiles in place and applying adhesives before applying finishes
What routes are available for entering the profession?
There are four main training methods for becoming a qualified tiler: a college course, apprenticeship, working as a site labourer or ‘tiler’s mate’ or through a private training provider like Able Skills.
What qualifications does a tiler need to hold before starting work?
While it is not a legal requirement to hold a formal qualification to begin tiling work in a domestic setting, completing a City & Guilds certificate or NVQ can help assure potential customers that you have trained to a high standard.
For tilers who expect to be working on a construction site, you’ll need to hold a valid CSCS card before doing so.
How long does it take to complete a tiling qualification?
The length of time it will take to become a qualified tiler will depend on your prior experience and the level you wish to train to. For complete beginners in the industry who want to achieve their NVQ Level 2, the training to prepare you for that will take roughly seven weeks.
How much do tilers earn?
According to Indeed’s latest salary data, tilers in the UK can expect to earn an average base salary of £27,866.
What progression opportunities are available to tilers?
Career progression paths for tilers could include becoming a site supervisor, clerk of works, estimator or contract manager.
Experienced tilers may also choose to set up their own business, allowing you greater control over your working schedule and rates. There is also the option to pursue a career in teaching, training and assessing.
Are you interested in a career in tiling? Able Skills offers a range of expert-led tiling courses for all levels of experience. For those who want a taste of the industry, an introductory course is a great way to learn basic skills and open the door for further training. Weekend tiling training is also available for those looking for a more flexible way to complete their learning. Drop by the training centre anytime we’re open and our team would be happy to help you find the course that’s right for you, or If you can’t make it in, call us on 01322 280 202.