hello again

Leatherface · 17-09-2008

hi all tilers old and new, to those who know me, sorry I have not posted for a while - due to pressure of work and family, have been stacked out with work.
Will try my best to make more regular visits but will not be on a daily basis.
Latest update for those who are considering doing their NVQ - I have nearly completed mine through Leeds College of Building - the on site assesement method - even better it was free as I fitted the criteria for the Government scheme - Train To Gain. Had an initial visit from one of the tutors - a load of paperwork to fill in. Then was given some homework - a method statement to complete ( how I would go about a job from start to finish). a detailed CV to complete. Also some paperwork for previous employers or people who I have sub-contracted for, confirming that I had undertaken various types of tiling jobs. Customer references were required, also photographic evidence of me working on various jobs through all the stages up to completion.
I thought it would be a good idea to put all these photo's on a disk and add text notes using windows photo editor.
This was very beneficial as I took my laptop & disk to a job on Saturday ( which was also the venue for my first on site visit from the tutor. I spent well over an hour going through the photo's with him, explaining how each task was carried out and why.These included wall and floor tiling, setting out, cutting methods, tiling to falls, envelope cutting, self levelling, substrates, preparation etc etc. He was really impressed and said that he did not need to see me again & did not need to stay and see me stick any tiles down either. He also said that it was very refreshing to find a tiler who had prepared so well & could demonstrate his knowledge. He also added that he only passed 3 people last year as many just took photo's of other peoples work and tried to pass it off as their own, but became un-stuck when they had to explain how the job was carried out.
The up-shot of it is that I am waiting for a date for my touch screen health and safety test, once passed I will have my NVQ level 2.
I would also like to add that this is partially down to Dan and the guys at PITT who gave me my initial training which I have built upon. Especially their setting out methods.
I remember ages ago saying what a waste of time getting an NVQ was, but am now glad that I have done it, especially because I will get and keep a CSCS card that will be my ticket for working on many jobs where it is required.
I will happy to answer any question anyone may have.
Hope i will be able to give a bit of valuable input to any of you newbie tilers.
Regards
Leatherface