Hi all,
seen so many people just finished courses but, understandably, needing lots of help and scared of doing big jobs, etc.
Also, people wanting to be tilers all want to know which course to do.
As courses are not recognised by people who employ you (unlike electricians,etc) why don't people just learn the way people used to and work with a tiler. After a couple of years they've learnt all they need to know without relying on tile forums to tell them what adhesive they should be using.
I may be missing something and I am prepared to be corrected!

Tile forums aren't just for people who have been on courses.. they are for anybody looking for advise..be it new comers to tiling..DIY or even time served tilers who have come across something new and need tips on installing it etc.....
A tiling course is designed to give a basic structure to the knowledge of tiling..mostly designed for peeps who just want to tile there own bathrooms etc....and some peeps then try to go on and become full time fixers....
There are not by far enough fixers or company's who would take on new comers.. so these courses are a way of breaking in to the tiling game...
Yes! as we know they don't teach all you will come across in the tiling industry but being taught some basics is better than just turning up at some ones house and tiling with no knowledge............

People will go on a tiling course, to see if they like the idea of tiling for a living. People will also do a course to learn basics to do a job for themselves.
Not all tilers want to take apprentices on nowadays.
I will answer peoples questions on whatever subject without wanting to know their motives...I impart my knowledge because I enjoy it.
Chris I know you have tiled for 15 yrs, but would you like to formally introduce yourself to the other members...just to be polite .....Gaz
http://www.tilersforums.co.uk/new-members-say-hi-here/

i agree serve you time ,or make mistakes and give tilers a bad name.People

From my point of veiw, Im doing a years course in tiling as I have tried so hard to gain employment with a tiler. I have offered my assistance for free labouring and hoping to learn.

I personally believe it can be very difficult, especially for mature people from theirs twenties to fifties, sometime older.

I have a good alround set of skills and could be a great asset to atiler if they gave me the chance. I have not been lucky enough to get a chance. To be honest, unless I gained employment from a passionate and knowledgable tiler I probabl;y woudn't be happy to work them, but thats just me.

I can also understand that this type of thing can be frustrating for a time served tiler. These guys worked hard and trained to be where they are today and then some wanna b's just do a weeks course and try to muscle in on the trade, and I guess to some extent undervalue the fact that a real tiler is a highly skilled and knowledgable person.

Even on the course Im doing just now I get random fools making comments like' why you doing tiling, anyone can do that'. Aye right, these are the t***s that think they can tile cos they stick a few tiles to a wall in there kitchen. (most dont even do a decent job) I am not a qualified tiler but, still this kind of attitude pis#*es me of big time.

kris
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May I just say to people on here, I only do jobs that I feel i can do to a good standard. I take my time and always let people know that I am currently training to be a tiler so, they know what their getting. I tell them also that I may be slower than a tiler too.

p.s. I am looking for a job as trainee or apprentice if anyone is interested! lol

Kris don't worry mate..these peeps will come and go...you just keep plodding mate.. you will get there... We don't all think like this mate....

Cheers Dave,

I do totaly understand where this guy is coming from thogu. There are alot of people offering tiling services and taking on jobs that they really are not up to.

Its the same with all trades kris...and it will never change.....

I only did a weeks course and I'm doing alright and do a fantastic job.
I couldn't shadow a tiler for a year to get experience,I have bills to pay so can't work for nothing.
I don't think I'd ever take anyone on in the future simply cause he'll be after the same work as me in the future,thats why no-one else will take anyone on.You have to look after yourself and your family first.

I can show you some BOVIS built houses where I live that were bricked by so called bricklayers ... I think using the horizon as a level!?!?

Hey Kris, I got a pal who said to me "tiling is a piece of p***" after he heard i'd been on a course.
I've seen his bathroom wall, I bet you don't have to guess more than once where you think his starting point was, and I gotta say he's right, it would be p*** easy to get the result he's got. And obviously his bath is not level

Originally Posted by dhceramics

Its the same with all trades kris...and it will never change.....

Got to agree with Dave on this one Chris, I think you'll find that a lot guy's are changing their careers at a later age and there going to find it difficult to find work with a one man band, which what most are doing now, my self included, I've employed people and found it's just not worth the hassle. I was on site work back in 1972 and we where having chancers coming on site then, so believe me this is'nt a new issue that's just reared it's head, but the guy's have to get their training from somewhere and I feel courses are the only option.

Lets face it...the Govmnt...dont give a sh1te....every man for his self, self-opportunity reigns supreme, pay your taxes and work overtime for the ones living on benefit...at least these people paying to go on courses are wanting to work and offer a service to people for an honest wage, not robbing or tossing it up against some wall,... at someone elses expense...so back off....Gaz

I wasn't having a go at anyone for doing them, I just wondered if it was the best thing to do to get in the trade as you don't really learn till you've been doing it for a while.
If people wont take you on, you have no choice so its a good idea.
And I for one, am not afraid to see new tilers as there's plenty of work for everyone. I've trained up many people and they use the same contacts but I'm happy for them!
Sorry for not introducing myself Gaz, didn't realise how much it must mean to you.
Hello, my name is Chris and I'm a tiler.....just to be polite...

people do courses to gain knowledge for a certain trade because nowadays there are not many apprenterships being offered.my dad,back in the 60s done a five year enginering apprentership,you would be lucky to find a year long one now!i was layed of from my job last year and decided to get a trade but was offered no help what so ever from the goverment,i had to get a loan to pay for the course i attended(8wk course).i decided on tiling because ive done some tiling at home before and enjoyed it-i now realise how crap my tiling was not really knowing what i was doing! tiling is a skill,people think you just start in the corner and away you go iused to! i take pride in my work,and want the finished product to look good ,i did the course to get a trade to gain a skill not to earn a fast buck!!