is there any point doing a tiling course just now? well with the down turn in the housing market? i know new builds have almost stopped but what about the bathrooms and kitchens? the small jobs?

I am booked in to do a course in october and i am beginning to wonder if there is any point just now? i have the determination to make a go of it as this is what i want.

Also if there are any tilers from the central belt in scotland looking at this your input would be very very much appreciated as this is the area i will be looking for work.

Thanks to everyone who can help, mark

i would think it all depends on your circumstances and job situation but over all ...Yes its worth it as you will be ready when things get better.
I have to be honest though and say this is not a good time to pack a job in to "try your hand" at tiling unless you have good contacts.

thanks for that, i sort of suspected that.

As for giving up the day job, at present i only work part-time so any work where i can take home more than £150 a week would be a bonus, so my plan is to dothe course and hopefully get a little job a week.

Once i have done the course i have 4/5 jobs lined up (friends and family), to give myself some practice.

Do you think its a bit unrealistic the 1 job a week?

YOU WILL GET £150.00 DOING ONE JOB PER WEEK SO I’D SAY YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOOSE

I would recommend you doing the course......then you have the training ready to go at your will......

hi mr mcculloch,im based just outside edinburgh,i did a short course about 4 months ago now and quit my job on the back of it,i was extremely busy at first,,july was poor to be honest but i did make ends meet and august is looking good so far.personally if all you need to earn is 150 a week then id go for it mate ull earn that in less than 2 days tiling at the start anyway.i would try and make as many contacts and sources of work as soon as possible so lots of avenues are open to you..tile shops,business cards,local paper ads,van/car signage and contact any tradesmen you are friends with or know to tell them you are out there to get the ball rolling..good luck mate

Hi Mark, yes it's not the greatest time but at least you have a part time job to bring money in. As long as you are not one of these self delusional people, who think that work will fall in your lap, but prepared to put your self about, go looking for contacts, and always do the best job possible even though it takes longer than you quoted for, then go for it. This forum is always here for that bit of self assurance when you start. (I'm still asking 2 yrs down the line) Good luck mark

Thanks for the input, you lot have re-assured me quite a bit.

thanks for the advice, and i wont be slow in asking for advice again

Cheers

If you can build a successful reputation and trade in the current climate (which looks set to get worse yet IMO) then you will be very comfortable when things take a turn for the better.

i have replied to the PM you sent me Mr McCulloch.

this was basically my main concern also and was wondering the same thing.

I am going to do my courses in nov/dec of this year but a lot of people are saying that its a risk and a bad idea.

however, people who have told me this are generally not in the trade, people i have spoken to in the trade generally seem to say go for it so any feedback at all is greatly appreciated.

thanks

well im starting my 4 week course next week and cant wait, i have been in other trades recently so i am under no illusions how tough it will be.
Get adverts out whilst you are still on your course so even if you dont get any reply at first it aint the end of the world.

Put yourself out there and talk to other trademen , you might be just what they are looking for. I know its sometimes daunting to walk on site and just ask if there is any tiling work but you never know unless you ask.

I like the take Graces dad has on it, if you can get up and running in this financial climate , you will be turning down work left , right and centre when it inevitably gets better.

Also you could look at it like i will and you are constantly gaining experince teventually dissapear from this god for saken country and live in the sun