Wall and floor tiler
Level 2 · IntermediateConstruction and the built environment 2.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A wall and floor tiler measures, cuts, and fixes ceramic, porcelain, stone, and mosaic tiles to walls and floors in domestic and commercial buildings. You will learn to read plans, prepare surfaces correctly, and produce accurate, watertight finishes that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It is a trade with consistently strong demand, and experienced tilers can progress to self-employment or supervisory roles.
On the job
What you’ll learn
How to set out tile layouts using geometry and planning grids
Surface preparation for different substrates including plasterboard and concrete
How to mix and apply adhesives, grouts, and waterproof tanking systems
Cutting tiles accurately using hand tools and wet-cut saws
Health and safety on site including COSHH for adhesives and grouts
British Standards and building regulations relating to tiling work
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Measure and set out a tiling layout before starting a job
Prepare and level substrates to achieve a flat, stable surface
Mix and apply tile adhesive to the correct bed depth
Fix tiles accurately and check alignment with a spirit level
Cut tiles to fit around sockets, pipes, and edges
Grout, clean, and seal finished tile surfaces
Complete work to meet customer and site quality standards
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 2 (Intermediate) - roughly GCSE level. Often open with few or no formal qualifications - a strong first step. Some employers ask for a couple of GCSEs.
What’s next: Typically leads on to a Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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