Tiling Apprenticeships

What is Wall, Floor and Roof Tiling?

Wall and floor tilers will work on construction sites in new residential and commercial building projects, and for private customers making alterations or upgrades to bathrooms or kitchens. Roof tilers or roof operatives predominantly work outside, tiling complete roofs, or specialising in areas like sheeting or cladding. Roof operatives fix tiles and mend roofs.

Apprenticeships are one of the most popular routes to a tiling career, but what should you expect from a tiling apprenticeship?

How do tiling apprenticeships work?

Wall and floor tiling apprenticeships and roof tiling apprenticeships will give you the essential skills to work as a tiler. This includes using specific tools, working with different types of tiles, preparing surfaces, cutting tiles and observing health and safety in the working environment.

How long are tiling apprenticeships?

The length of tiling apprenticeship courses will vary, depending on the amount of an apprentice’s time that is given over to training. Ideally apprentices spend around 20% (or a day every week) with their training provider. Some courses will be offered at training centres where they can be completed in a 6-week period of intensive training.

The Level 2 NVQ apprenticeship programmes are generally regarded as the principal pathways to a professional career as a wall and floor tiler and roof tiler. The roof slating and tiling qualification will take around 24 months to complete, and the wall and floor tiling apprenticeship 30-36 months.

How much do I earn as a tiling apprentice?

Newly trained wall, floor and roof tilers earn around £17,000-20,000. Experienced tilers can earn in excess of £30,000.

What types of tiling apprenticeship are available?

These are the main NVQ apprenticeship wall and floor tiling, roof slating and tiling qualifications in England:

Level 1 Diploma in Wall and Floor Tiling
Level 1 Certificate in Wall and Floor Tiling
Level 2 Diploma in Wall and Floor Tiling
Level 2 Certificate in Wall and Floor Tiling for Property Maintenance
Level 2 Construction Diploma in Roof Slating and Tiling
Level 2 Diploma in Roofing Operations
Level 3 Diploma in Wall and Floor Tiling

In Scotland the apprenticeship options for wall and floor tilers, roof slating and tiling are:

Modern Apprenticeship in Wall and Floor Tiling (SVQ Level 3)
Modern Apprenticeship in Roofing
Modern Apprenticeship in Construction/Construction Specialist (SCQF Level 5)

In Wales wall, floor and roof tilers can take the following apprenticeships:

Level 2 Foundation in Construction and Building Services
Level 2 Core in Construction and Building Services Engineering
Level 3 Construction – Wall and Floor Tiling
Level 3 Construction – Roof Slating and Tiling

What will you learn during a tiling apprenticeship?

There will obviously be major differences between a wall and floor tiling apprenticeship, and a roof slating and tiling apprenticeship, but some of the basic aspects covered are:

Working safely
Learning about building methods and construction technology
Calculating tile and material quantities
Common preparation methods
Using tiling and roofing tools and equipment
How to use plain and interlocking tiles, natural slates and other materials to cover valleys, hips and general roofing areas
Measuring out
Cutting tile techniques
Application methods

Qualifications required to become a wall, floor or roof tiler

No specific subjects are required for apprenticeships in wall and floor tiling in England. However, English and Maths are always highly valued by employers. Maths is handy for tilers when working out tile coverage.
For entry onto the Level 1 tiling course apprentices will usually need to have at least two GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G). The Level 2 Diploma and Certificate requires two GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or completion of Level 1.

In Scotland, modern apprenticeships are offered in wall and floor tiling. These lead to an SVQ Level 3 qualification, which are equivalent to NVQ Level 3. No formal qualifications are required to begin a modern apprenticeship in wall and floor tiling.

To be accepted onto a wall and floor tiling intermediate apprenticeship in Wales, applicants should have five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C). But entry requirements will vary across providers, and some tiling apprenticeship programmes in Wales do not require any qualifications.

Each level will require apprentices to work on construction sites, for which you will need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card.

Skills required to become a wall, floor or roof tiler

Tilers of all descriptions need to have good attention to detail, excellent practical skills and a reasonable level of numeracy to calculate the amount of tiles needed for jobs. Roofers need to have a good head for heights, enjoy working outdoors and have a reasonable level of physical fitness. The ability to work well with others is essential, as you will usually be working alongside other trades.

Future prospects and career progression

Tiling and roofing is one of the trades most widely employed in the construction industry, so work is always in plentiful supply. Senior wall and floor tilers can progress to become site supervisors, clerks of works, estimators or contract managers, or work as trainers or assessors on tiling courses. Tilers often start their own businesses.

How to apply for a tiling apprenticeship

If you are interested in applying for a tiling apprenticeship one of the best things to do is look for vacancies being offered by local construction or tiling companies. Do some searches on job websites, or if you've had some previous work experience at a company, ask if they are taking on any new apprentices. You will have to apply for any apprenticeship role, so will need to produce a CV and attend an interview.

Find out more about the role of a tiler

You could:

Check out the wall and floor tiling job profile
Check out the roofing operative job profile

Where to find tiling apprenticeships

Choose one of the below job posting sites to find tiling apprenticeships in England, Scotland and Wales.