Tiling Apprenticeship Guide
04/12/2025
A new education partnership designed to boost the number of qualified tilers in the UK has been launched by Topps Tiles Group, of which Pro Tiler Tools is proud to be a part. We have teamed up with Leeds College of Building and South & City College Birmingham to inspire the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
This tiling apprenticeship guide walks through what a tiling apprenticeship looks like, how to find one, the typical duration, job prospects, and how you can apply, especially through a company like Pro Tiler Tools.
What Is A Tiling Apprenticeship?
A tiling apprenticeship is a structured training programme where you work as an apprentice (often as a tile apprentice, tiling apprentice, or tile setter apprentice) while you learn the trade of installing tiles on walls and floors. You’ll learn how to prepare surfaces, fix tiles, grout, and finish off work to a professional standard.
For example, the standard for a wall & floor tiler outlines that you’ll be installing a wide range of ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tiles in domestic and commercial settings.
If you take up a tile installer apprenticeship, you’re gaining hands-on experience and also gaining qualifications and skills that employers value.
Benefits of Taking On An Apprentice For Your Business
Hiring an apprentice allows you to invest in the future by getting talent that’s right for you. It’s easier than you think: if you are a smaller employer, you are eligible for government funding, which will pay between 95% and 100% of the apprentice training costs.
Apprenticeships are suitable for people at any age and any level so you can hire someone new or upskill an existing employee, allowing you to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. They help you to:
Access funding and grants: The government provides funding and incentives for hiring apprentices, which can cover a significant portion of the training costs.
Offer on-the-job training in a safe working environment
Build a culture of learning and development
Enjoy higher staff retention and morale
Develop tailored skills: Train apprentices with the specific skills your business needs, ensuring they are a perfect fit for your organisation.
Address skills shortages: A proactive way to combat industry-wide skills gaps and ensure you have the talent you need for the future.
Improve productivity: On-the-job training allows apprentices to contribute from day one, while upskilling existing staff through apprenticeships can also boost productivity.
Enhance your reputation: Taking on apprentices can improve your company's image as one that invests in developing talent and supports a diverse workforce.
Why Take On A Tiling Apprentice?
Shape the future of tiling: Pass on your expertise and passion to a motivated individual
Expand your workforce: Get an extra pair of hands to help with those demanding jobs
Boost productivity: Increase your output and take on more projects
Gain a fresh perspective: New ideas and a different approach can benefit your business
It’s cost-effective: Grants and funding are available to support your business
Tackling the tiling skills shortage in the UK
Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your team and invest in the future of your business. For more information about apprenticeships and how to take advantage of this exciting opportunity, please visit the following resources:
The South & City College Birmingham: Wall & Floor Tiling Apprenticeship
Leeds College of Building: Wall & Floor Tiler Apprenticeship
About Apprenticeships: Hire an apprentice
Key Steps To Hiring an Apprentice
Here are the main steps to taking on a tiling apprentice:
Choose an apprenticeship for your business or organisation.
Find an organisation that offers training for the apprenticeship you’ve chosen.
Check what training funding you can get.
Make an apprenticeship agreement and training plan with your chosen apprentice.
As a starting point, just fill in the form on this page expressing your interest, and the colleges will be more than happy to help you sort everything: register your interest in hiring an apprentice.
Tiling Apprenticeship FAQS
How Long Is A Tiling Apprenticeship?
Although few colleges in England still offer wall and floor tiling training, it is an established part of the construction curriculum at South & City College Birmingham and Leeds College of Building.
In 2022, the government removed funding for Level 2 Wall & Floor Tiling Diplomas, which halted progression routes for full-time students. However, both colleges still offer a Level 2 Wall & Floor Tiling Apprenticeship Standard, usually completed over two years. Apprentices travel to the colleges from as far away as Northumberland to Lincolnshire.
Find out more:
The South & City College Birmingham: Wall & Floor Tiling Apprenticeship
Leeds College of Building: Wall & Floor Tiler Apprenticeship
How To Get A Tiling Apprenticeship
Build some interest / basic experience: Even if you haven’t done any tiling yet, show you’re keen and reliable.
Meet entry requirements: Many employers/training providers will expect you to be at least 16, and have basic English & Maths, or be working towards them.
Interview/assessment: Show your attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to work on-site.
For everything you need to know about apprenticeships, have a look at these resources:
About Apprenticeships: Hire an apprentice
What Do You Learn In A Wall & Floor Tiling Apprenticeship?
When doing a wall and floor tiling apprenticeship, you’ll cover:
Health & safety, site work, equipment use (including power tools, measuring instruments).
Preparing backgrounds: walls and floors: e.g., screeds, levelling, renders, membranes.
Setting out work: measuring, marking, cutting tiles (around obstacles, using laser levels)
Installing wall and floor tiles: ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, mosaics.
Grouting, finishing, defect rectification, and handover of finished work.
Interpreting drawings/specifications, working with other trades, materials estimation, and aspects of business like employment types.
A tiling apprenticeship is a brilliant route into a skilled trade for the next generation of tilers, as well as a fantastic business opportunity for established tilers.
How Do You Take On A Tiling Apprentice?
Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your team and invest in the future of your business. Complete this form to register your interest in taking on a tiling apprentice: Take On A Tiling Apprentice.