New guy, considering a change of career

[Switching]

Hi guys.
I'm the new guy.

I'm on here to help me gain more insight into becoming a tiler. Bit of background, spent a fair bit of my life in the Forces. Now I'm out and doing a management position in a customer service role. And its a good job but it's sucking my soul from my body, slowly but surely.
Always been a hands on type of lad and I am seeking a trade. Unfortunately I am in my thirties now and nobody hires apprentices at this age. That and I have a mortgage to pay.

So, I am considering doing a basic tiling course, then becoming a tiler as a 'side hustle' til I establish myself. Is this a worthy endeavour? I am a hard worker (especially when it's paying for my dinner) but are these types of week long intensive courses worth it? Do they make you competent?

Also, can anyone recommend me a course, ideally in Scotland. Be it a weekend long or weekends, not too bothered.

Thanks for having me

 

[LM]

Hello and welcome to tilersforums 🙂
A few of the guys who know more about tiling courses will be along soon I'm sure to steer you in the right direction.

 

[Qwerty]

Welcome to the forum and good luck

 

[One Day]

Hi. I started when i was 31. I was in a senior sales role and earned decent money with the usual mortgage and kids etc. It was a tough first few years, learning as i earned, but i love what i do now. Great satisfaction and i still can pay that same mortgage. Perhaps more important, i get to spend more time with my family now too.
I didn't go on any formal courses, other than BAL 1 and 2 day courses. They were brilliant. Don't overlook the training from the likes of BAL and Schluter, aswell as the paid-for courses!

 

[Old Mod]

Hi and welcome to the forum.
There are many threads on here concerning courses and training, try the search box top right.
Just watch the date, some may be outdated by now.
Here's a recent one to look at.

UK Pro Tiling Training - http://www.tilersforums.com/threads/uk-pro-tiling-training.81726/

 

[Old Mod]

I didn't go on any formal courses, other than BAL 1 and 2 day courses.

Well I didn't know that Mark!

Do you see how I cherry picked the shortest course to quote you on! 😀😉

 

[Switching]

Hi. I started when i was 31. I was in a senior sales role and earned decent money with the usual mortgage and kids etc. It was a tough first few years, learning as i earned, but i love what i do now. Great satisfaction and i still can pay that same mortgage. Perhaps more important, i get to spend more time with my family now too.
I didn't go on any formal courses, other than BAL 1 and 2 day courses. They were brilliant. Don't overlook the training from the likes of BAL and Schluter, aswell as the paid-for courses!

Thanks man. I am surprised that you for by with just a couple of days training!
What is BAL?

 

[Old Mod]

BAL is an adhesive company primarily.
Most reputable adhesive companies give training on their products.
There is one being run by Mapei, they are one of our sponsors.

Mapei Ceramic Product Training Dates 2017 - http://www.tilersforums.com/threads/mapei-ceramic-product-training-dates-2017.82049/

 

[Switching]

BAL is an adhesive company primarily.
Most reputable adhesive companies give training on their products.
There is one being run by Mapei, they are one of our sponsors.

Mapei Ceramic Product Training Dates 2017 - http://www.tilersforums.com/threads/mapei-ceramic-product-training-dates-2017.82049/

Ah right, I take it they train you for a narrower field. I would be looking for a more generalised course, maybe with some stonework thrown in.
Thanks for the reply.

 

[Old Mod]

Yeah look at the first link I posted to uk pro tiling,
that'll be more of what you're looking for possibly.

 

[Italy]

I at age 31 I was already in decline.
I am now in a phase scrapping. ahaah
I think it was wrong, the departure.

good luck and welcome

 

[White Room]

Hi and welcome....

 

[MTiler]

Some training centres do the resettlement training for ex Forces.
Do at least a 4 week full time course to get the basics.