fitzer

I am hoping to move to Brisbane later this year, but am a bit concerned that I am self trained and will not get work when we move - how difficult is it to get work as a self trained tiler in Brisbane - I have very high standard of work and professionalism, have been working at this trade for the last 9 years as a sole trader, and am willing to undertake any course that may help me progress in the tiling trade. I would appreciate any advise that I might get from fellow tradespeople

tiler burden

hi fitzer,

i can tell you this for sure and johnnie clarke will back me up. the aussies are excellent tradesmen who serve 5 year apprenticeships and they dont suffer fools gladly. there apprenticeships are like the one we used to do here before the trades got spilt into sections (devalued!!) if you are good then i dont think you will have a problem but, alot of the aussie tilers can floor screed, float out swimming pools and can do alot of external work in sand and cement. i am sure you will be fine but a word of caution if you are doing a 4 week course etc. dont expect to get off the plane and think you can pull the wool over there eyes.
get well prepared before you go because before you know it, the word will get round quicker than a bush fire..with 9 yrs experience, iam sure you'll be fine. a pal of mine is in noosa and hes tiling and doing ok. hes a plasterer who's broken into tiling, so you should b fine ;0)
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ps dont think i am trying to make out that the aussies are supermen, i'm not, i just dont want to see anyone of the lads and lasses from on this forum go over there and get caught out :0) be prepared and there'll be no issues. you may even teach those guys a few things ??

fitzer

tiler burden
Thanks for your message - obviously I have'nt any experiences with swimming pools but did 3yrs floor screeding in London before going back to Ireland and tiling. Have worked with porcelain, ceramics and tumble marble - and my work to date is soley on recommendations from customers and from one tile shop for the last 7 yrs meeting their customer requiremants and touch wood have had no complaints to date - except being too particular!!!!!! I am willing to learn and progress in the trade, however there is a very big fear factor over our move and lack of self believe as it took me over a year to break into my home locality but haven't stopped since! Have plenty of photos of work really just need a boost in my confidence from others knowledge of Australia - don't know how to load photos onto computer - really appreciate your correspondence thanks

MICK the Tiler

Hi fitzer

I'm a brizzy tiler worked doen here for 20 years, and 9 years experience is nothing to sneeeze at. It's true we are well versed on the trade front and don't suffer fools easily. You'll will be expected to have a high standard of work ethic and a solid knowledge of all tiling materials and techniques. We lay a large range of materials alot of porcelain, glass, mosaics, trav, quarry, sandstone, monos ,terra, slate, marble, granite just to name a few, but as of this time frame there is a skills shortage and there will be plenty of work for those willing to give it a go type people.

If you have any questions just give us a shout COBBER.

MICK the Tiler

One more thing make sure you come down here with a strong back that's willing to bend, laying 300m2+ floors on your own in 600x600 polished full bodied porcelain is pretty much the norm in houses down here.

JOHNNYCLARKE

I would back up all the posts so far.

I am trying to get in touch with 3 Queenslander tilers who used to work for me
here, and are now back over there to get their input on whats happening now.

Only other thing to add is that if the surfs up you ll hardly see a tiler on site.

Youre definitely making the right move.

JOHNNY

geordieboy

Hi im planning on being out in brisbane by christmas am looking to work for some one any body gonna be wanting a hard gafter about then? sorry for hijacking thread

fitzer

Mick
Thanks for getting back to me - just to say on my behalf - I have worked solely by myself for the last 9yrs - I have a very good work ethic in so far that I work hard with the aim to do a proper high quality job - I say things as I see and if I dont't know how to do something I will say it - I don't try to pull the wool over anyones eyes - I am willing to progress in the trade and learn from those with more experience. Mick, I would only have limited experience of some of those tiles you gave me, the reason being the |Irish domestic market,is done on a budget - people only buy what they can afford ie porcelein has only just started becoming affordable over the last 18 months. Also with big mortgages, people are less willing to use more expensive types of tiles. My hopes are to get a start with a experienced tiler to gain the knowledge of the Australian work standard of tiling. I class myself as a quick learner willing to learn, take orders, and work hard in exchange for experience. I am easy going and above all willing to learn because at the end of the day there is nothing better than to see a quality job finished and a happy customer that will do one thing and that is recommend your work to others. My reason to go to Australia is to provide for my 3 girls along with my wife. Thanks Mick for your advice
Fitzer
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Johnny
thanks for getting back to me and for putting the effort in on my behalf. What i said in Micks reply also applies to yourself. I believe that everyone needs a helping hand every now and then and that is all I am looking for here in order to start afresh with my family. I will have some photos of my work posted on here by the end of the weekend and you will be able to see the standard of my work.
If someone is willing to give me a chance, even if it is as an assistant until they feel they can trust me, and they will get a hard worker with high standards in return. thanks for your help
Fitzer

MICK the Tiler

Tilecorp would be a good place to start they are Queenslands largest tiling contractors that maily specialize in commercial tiling projects . They cover all aspects of materials and do alot of high rise work. Give them a call before you decide and if they are employing you can bet that there is plenty of work around.

Tilecorp Pty Ltd



113 Bukulla, Wacol, QLD 4076
p: (07) 3271 5655 f: (07) 3271 5678
http://www.tilecorp.com.au

fitzer

Mick
Would that not be jumping in at the deep end as all my work over here has been in the domestic field? Do you think they would give me a start given my experience compared to the work field they are in? Will contact them and see what happens

MICK the Tiler

Personally I think packing up and moving to a new country is deep end enough, I congratulate you for even contemplating such a move.

The reason Tilecorp might be a good starting point is that breaking into the domestic market down here won't come easy. Gaining an understanding of Australian standards and by-laws as well as insuranceing schemes will take some time to become familar with, Licensing will also be another hurdle to overcome. By starting with a larger firm you are sheilded from all of these issues as you will work under the companies guidelines. To gain full licensing you will have to work for companies like tilecorp or other larger tile contractors for a minimum of 2 years, this will give you the knowledge and experience so you can then apply for a sub-contractor license so you can work direct to the public.

fitzer

Mick
Thaniks for getting back to me - didnt realise it was like that over there - mind you at least it means you don't get any cowboys thinking they can tile starting up businesses - I will contact them and see what comes back - do you think that they might be interested in taking on someone with my experience who is willing to work and learn from them. As for the undertaking of the move - thats why we are making sure we know everything before we make our final decission and why we are fact finding about anything we can think of before we go so hopefully we wont get too many shocks! Thanks again
Fitzer
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Mick
thanks for all your help - have a far better understanding on the Australian system and standards now and feel more confident about approaching the company now - hope you have a good weekend chat again soon
Fitzer