Hgv to tiling - Tile Advice

[Mcvie88]

Hi guys

My names James currently looking at a possible career change, im currently a hgv driver and although i do enjoy it somedays im looking at a career that could possibly be more family friendly. With the potential to earn more aswell.

Id be doing a short course of possibly 1 or more than likely 2 weeks, im ex forces so hopefully can get funding from elcas still. After the course id either be looking at doing jobs alongside my full time job to build up a name for myself, unless can find a full time tiler in my area willing to take someone on with limited knowledge.

Any advice/criticisms of my plans more than welcome.

Thanks

 

[Glynn]

Good morning James
Welcome to the forum. I was also a HGV driver for twenty one years then went to college on a one year City&Guilds Level2 course which for me, is the only type of course that will not only give you the skills and the technical knowledge to be a tiler it will give you a qualification that is recognised around the world if you ever think of moving abroad. One thing to remember though, once you have finished your tiling course it is just like passing your driving test. You might have the skills to pass the test but now you start to learn, and there is no end of learning as you will find out just by following this forum and listening to the others debate what should/could be done, what can/can't be done, what BS 5385 says. tips when you come across situations that are not in any book, discussions on best practice ect. This forum is a font of knowledge. I am a massive fan of education and though I do think that attending a certified training college or centre is the best way to go, I travel the length and breadth of the UK and meet tilers that have never set foot in a college but have been taught by dads and granddads and the quality of their tiling is awesome so don't be put off attending a short course if you can find the right one. One thing is for sure, the hours are better than being an HGV driver.
Best of luck

 

[Mcvie88]

Good morning James
Welcome to the forum. I was also a HGV driver for twenty one years then went to college on a one year City&Guilds Level2 course which for me, is the only type of course that will not only give you the skills and the technical knowledge to be a tiler it will give you a qualification that is recognised around the world if you ever think of moving abroad. One thing to remember though, once you have finished your tiling course it is just like passing your driving test. You might have the skills to pass the test but now you start to learn, and there is no end of learning as you will find out just by following this forum and listening to the others debate what should/could be done, what can/can't be done, what BS 5385 says. tips when you come across situations that are not in any book, discussions on best practice ect. This forum is a font of knowledge. I am a massive fan of education and though I do think that attending a certified training college or centre is the best way to go, I travel the length and breadth of the UK and meet tilers that have never set foot in a college but have been taught by dads and granddads and the quality of their tiling is awesome so don't be put off attending a short course if you can find the right one. One thing is for sure, the hours are better than being an HGV driver.
Best of luck

Hi glynn thanks dor the reply, yea i understand i wont be perfect to start with but at least will give the capabilities to go on and work and get better with practice. Hoping that i can find someone who will let me tag along in mh area sometimes so feel good enough to go out on my own. And probably do small jobs on the side of driving and eventually decrease driving to be able to do it full time.

 

[Dan]

Welcome to the forum.