
If you're thinking of completing a qualification in Wall & Floor Tiling, our latest feature article in Tile and Stone Journal is a must-read! Our founder and lead tiling instructor Antony discusses how tiling qualifications are still essential.
“The landscape of formal education in wall and floor tiling has been shifting in the UK. With fewer colleges offering qualifications in this field, private training centres like Trades Training have experienced more demand for our courses.
This shift raises an important question: are tiling qualifications still relevant to the industry?
In our experience, the answer is a resounding yes! "
Click here to read the article in full. For details of our tiling qualifications click here.
Are Tiling Qualifications Still Relevant?
The landscape of formal education in wall and floor tiling has been shifting in the UK. With fewer colleges offering qualifications in this field, private training centres like ours have experienced more demand for their courses. This shift raises an important question: are tiling qualifications still relevant to the industry?
In our experience, the answer is a resounding yes. Tiling qualifications remain highly relevant and in demand for both new and experienced tilers. They provide foundational skills and offer career advantages.
The Necessity of Qualifications
In some cases, qualifications are essential, particularly for those who wish to work on construction sites. Even where qualifications are not strictly required, they often give candidates a competitive edge. Employers value the assurance that comes with a formal credential.
Who Benefits from Qualifications?
New Tilers
For individuals just entering the tiling trade, qualifications are a key stepping stone. They provide structured learning and the opportunity to demonstrate skills to potential employers. For example, one of our students, Shannon, completed a 7-week City & Guilds Diploma with us. She sought a comprehensive course to build her skills and a certificate to validate her training. Shannon secured employment immediately with a local company, highlighting how qualifications can fast-track career opportunities.
Experienced Tilers
Even seasoned professionals may need qualifications. For those aiming to work on larger construction sites or improve their employability, qualifications like the SVQ/NVQ are invaluable. Our assessors often evaluate experienced tilers “on-site,” enabling them to formalise their skills and knowledge. One of our earliest students, for instance, transitioned from a career in management to tiling after completing our Wall & Floor Tiling course. He later completed his SVQ, allowing him to access site work and grow further.
Businesses
Many businesses recognise the importance of training their staff through private training centres. Such training allows employees to develop their skills without the immediate pressures of a live site. Employers often prioritise qualifications to ensure their investment translates into measurable value, with staff gaining both expertise and evidence of career progression. Our centre regularly works with construction companies, housing associations, charities, and government agencies, all of whom value the quality assurance that comes with nationally recognised qualifications.
Advantages of Qualifications
While the quality and relevance of training are paramount, qualifications provide additional benefits that enhance the training experience:
Comprehensive Skill Development
Qualifications ensure that students acquire a wide range of lifelong skills. Though some tasks included in the curriculum may not be used daily, they often cover fundamental techniques that are transferable across various projects. This adaptability is crucial as trends in tiling aesthetics evolve over time.
Quality Assurance
Being approved by an awarding body means a training centre must adhere to high standards in both teaching and course content. This approval process includes annual reviews to ensure training remains current and relevant. Moreover, instructors must complete continuing professional development, keeping them up to date with industry advancements. In private training centres, many teachers also actively work in the trade, bringing real-world experience to the classroom.
Challenges and Opportunities
The decline in college courses presents both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, it limits traditional pathways for younger individuals who might prefer an apprenticeship route. On the other hand, private training centres have stepped in to fill the gap, offering flexible, tailored training that meets the needs of diverse learners.
Centres are well-equipped to provide nationally recognised qualifications alongside customised training. This flexibility ensures that students receive practical, hands-on training while also meeting the standards set by awarding bodies.
Conclusion
Tiling qualifications remain highly relevant despite the reduction in college-based courses. They are essential for individuals entering the trade, experienced tilers looking to advance their careers, and businesses investing in their workforce. Qualifications not only validate skills but also provide a framework for lifelong learning and adaptability in a changing industry.
While it would be ideal to see more traditional training options available, private training centres play a crucial role in bridging the gap. For those considering a career in tiling or looking to advance their skills, pursuing a qualification is undoubtedly a worthwhile investment.