Tiler

Tilers apply the artistic and functional coverings of interior and exterior walls and floors, according to design specifications.

A tiler examines the design plans, measures and marks the surfaces to be tiled and does the layout of the work. Lathing is fixed to the wall and then a plaster base spread over with a trowel and the plaster levelled to a specified thickness.

The tiles, once they have been cut and shaped with tile-cutters and biters, are positioned and tapped with a trowel handle to affix them to the plaster or adhesive base. The gaps between the tiles are filled with cement and the tiles then cleaned.

A tiler may also measure metal laths and cut them with tin snips to size for walls and ceilings. These are tacked to surfaces with a staple-gun or hammer.

Personal Requirements

at least 16 years old
accurate, neat and orderly worker
manual dexterity
able to work alone without supervision
arithmetical and three-dimensional abilities
good health and physical stamina
good eyesight and colour perception

How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

Grade 9 Certificate.
Grade 10 Certificate or N1 is recommended.

What to Study

There are 3 ways to qualify as a registered artisan:

1. An apprenticeship is a fixed contract between company and apprentice, ranging in duration from between 18 months and 4 years. At the end of the contract, the apprentice writes a trade test leading to professional certification.

2. A learnership is a structured learning programme ranging from about a year to 3 years. A learnership comprises theoretical and practical training. Practical training is conducted on site (on the premises of the organisation). This has the advantage that the learner gets experience whilst training.

3. TVET colleges offer theoretical training to prospective artisans via the new National Certificate Vocational (NCV). During this 3-year programme (levels 2 to 4), learners complete a school-leaving certificate (NCV) similar to the new National Senior Certificate (NSC) in schools. They are also exposed to a practical workshop component.

All learners are required to complete a practical internship under the supervision of an experienced artisan. As an alternative to doing the full qualification, a learner can apply to do a skills programme at a TVET College. Skills programmes are short practical hands-on courses.

For more information about qualifications and skills programmes, contact your nearest TVET College. TVET Colleges are accredited and funded by a SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) such as MerSETA or ChietaSETA. They also receive bursary funding through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for the NCV programme

Employment

trade, building or general contractors
government concerns
businesses that do their own construction and alterations
self-employment, with enough experience, can practise this trade on a private basis or start own business

Further Information

CetaSETA
P O Box 1955
Halfway House, 1685
Tel: (011) 265-5900
www.ceta.org.za

BIFSA Head Office
Construction Park
234 Alexandra Avenue
Midrand
Tel: (011) 205-9000

Getting Started