Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Tiler / Tile Fitter- from: Youtube Search
- Fitter- from: icould [UK] Video
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information Estimating sises, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Working Life
The work includes setting out tiles, marking grid lines, and levelling datum lines and tile batons. It also involves fixing ceramic tiles to walls, floors and steps and laying vinyl tiles, sheet materials.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Cut and shape tile to fit around obstacles and into odd spaces and corners, using hand and power cutting tools.
- Lay and set mosaic tiles to create decorative wall, mural, and floor designs.
- Align and straighten tile using levels, squares, and straightedges.
- Determine and implement the best layout to achieve a desired pattern.
- Measure and mark surfaces to be tiled, following blueprints.
- Finish and dress the joints and wipe excess grout from between tiles, using damp sponge.
- Cut, surface, polish, and install marble and granite or install pre-cast terrasso, granite or marble units.
- Mix, apply, and spread plaster, concrete, mortar, cement, mastic, glue or other adhesives to form a bed for the tiles, using brush, trowel and screed.
- Apply mortar to tile back, position the tile, and press or tap with trowel handle to affix tile to base.
- Level concrete and allow to dry.
Further Information
- Kitchen and Bathroom Fitter- from: N.C.S. [UK]
- Tiler- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Tiler / Tile Fitter
As a Floor and Wall Tiler you need to be an accurate and careful worker. You must be able to take accurate measurements and do simple calculations. You need good practical skills and you must be able to use cutting tools.
You need to be physically fit, as the work involves carrying, kneeling and bending, and have good interpersonal skills.
Interests - Tiler / Tile Fitter
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Entry / Progression - Tiler / Tile Fitter
Normally a Tiler will apply for a further education and training program in a centre, develop their skills, and look for an apprenticeship. As one of the wet trades in construction, skills are applied and developed in practice with theory supporting skills.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: construction skills for employment, interior systems.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: building construction pre-apprenticeship, sustainable construction technology, construction, building.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Plasterer, Painter and Decorator, Construction.
Search for Apprenticeships
There are many pathways to developing skills & qualifications to prepare you for a career as a Plasterer:
Key Skill Cert: SafePass, Manual Handling , Working at Height, Dry Lining & construction skills
To become a Plastering Apprentice NFQ level 6 in Ireland you must be hired by an employer.
Apprenticeship employers are formally approved by SOLAS in advance of employing apprentices. Apprentices get a formal contract of employment as part of their apprenticeship.
To find an apprenticeship, you can search apprenticeship vacancies on the Apprenticeship Jobs Portal. You can search for vacancies by location and by apprenticeship.
Entry Requirements The minimum age at which the employment of an apprentice may commence is 16 years of age. The minimum educational requirements are:
- Grade D in five subjects in the Department of Education & Skills Junior Certificate Examination or an approved equivalent, or
- The successful completion of an approved pre-apprenticeship course, or
- Three years’ work experience gained over sixteen years of age in a relevant designated industrial activity as SOLAS shall deem acceptable
Full eligibility & entry criteria for this apprenticeship are available in the Plastering Apprenticeship brochure.
Pay & Salary - Tiler / Tile Fitter
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €55k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Solas/ Indeed/ Payscale/ CIF Rates/ WRC/ Excel
Last Updated: March, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Tiler / Tile Fitter
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Steel erectors Roofers; roof tilers and slaters Glaziers; window fabricators and fitters Construction; building trades fitters n.e.c.; Floorers and wall tilers; Construction and building trades supervisors.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Employment levels in 2022 returned to pre-COVID-19 levels after declining for the previous two years. The Census data shows that employment is spread across a number of roles, all of which increased between 2016 and 2022.
The share aged 55 years and older fell between quarter 4 2021 and quarter 4 2022 from 38% to 23%; although still above the national average of 19%, job opportunities through replacement demand have likely lessened. The Recruitment Agency Survey identified issues with sourcing steel fixers/erectors, curtain wallers, and fitters/glaziers with Skills for Growth data suggesting issues with recruiting roofers for the construction sector. New employment permits issued in 2022 related to foremen, fitters/glaziers and tilers.
Vacancies advertised through DSP Jobs Ireland were mainly for glaziers, tilers, roofers/solar panel installers. Roofing awards from QQI totalled 54 in 2022, up slightly compared to 2020 and 2021 but still below their pre-pandemic level of 84. The DFHERIS report notes that it is becoming increasingly common for roofs to be constructed offsite which is likely to have knock-on effects for demand for these skills but a significant increase in retrofitting activities would likely see increased demand for roofers and glaziers. Although future shortages may emerge, albeit in small numbers, none are evident at present.
Useful Contacts - Tiler / Tile Fitter
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The National Guild of Master Craftsmen
- 3 Greenmount Lane Harold's Cross Dublin 12
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- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Construction Industry Federation
