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Careers

Tilesetter

Works with ceramic tile, terrazzo and marble.

Who Am I?

Do you enjoy working with your hands? Do you have a good eye, and high standards? Could you cut and lay tiles with an artistic flair? Then, you could become a Tilesetter!

What do I do?

Tilesetters use ceramic, marble, and quarry tile to cover interior and exterior walls, ceilings and floors, and to make decorative mosaics. You may cut or shape the tile yourself or use prefabricated tile sections for quick installation.

How do I start?

You can get a jump-start on your future career in the construction trades by checking out construction courses offered at colleges and high schools. These hands-on courses will help you build the basic skills you will use in the construction industry.

While you're still in high school, you can begin an apprenticeship program as a Senior Years Apprentice and earn both high school and apprenticeship credits at the same time. After high school graduation, many Senior Years apprentices continue in regular, full-time apprenticeship programs.

While Manitoba does not offer a complete Tilesetter apprenticeship program, you can become certified. To be an apprentice in this trade, you must be at least 16 years old. You should be a Senior 4 graduate, or, as a mature student, have an equivalent academic standing.

Length of Program

Under development but training is available.

How does apprenticeship training work?

Manitoba does not have a regulation for this trade, but because it is recognized interprovincially, you can still take apprenticeship training.

Contact the Apprenticeship Branch to determine how many levels of training are required, the number of hours of practical and technical training you need to complete each level of training and where technical training is offered.

You can complete your on-the-job training requirements with a qualified employer in Manitoba. The Apprenticeship Branch will arrange the out-of-province technical training. When you go to school, you pay a small portion of the tuition and are responsible for the cost of any required books and supplies. Most apprentices are eligible for employment insurance (EI) when they go to school.

When you successfully complete all levels of training, and score at least 70 % on your final examination, you receive a Certificate of Qualification confirming your status as a certified journeyperson. Your certificate also has "Red Seal" endorsement that means that your trade qualifications are generally recognized throughout most of Canada.

How much do I make?

Wage Rate: $22.25 (Base rate, effective Jan. 1, 2010, not including benefits).

Employers provide holiday and vacation pay and may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care, retirement packages, and training benefits. The value of the benefits can range from 20% to 30% over and above the basic hourly pay rate. Tilesetters generally work a five-day, 40-hour workweek and overtime is sometimes required to meet construction deadlines.

Where do I go from here?

Tilesetters are employed by special trade, building, and general contractors. Some contract their services for smaller renovation projects.

How do I advance?

Many Tilesetters stay in the trade until they retire while others advance to supervisory positions such as foreman and superintendent. With additional training, Tilesetters can transfer their skills to other occupations like Bricklayer, Interior Systems Mechanic, Plasterer or Concrete Finisher.