10 Week City & Guilds & NVQ Tiling Course

Able Skills are now in the position to offer training and NVQ assessment to level 3 in all of our construction trades:

• Plastering
• Bricklaying
• Tiling
• Painting & Decorating
• Brickwork

QUA851 - Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Wall & Floor Tiling

This will be a 10 week training course with NVQ work based assessments to be undertaken at a later date.

Why NVQ?

NVQs declare competency, they state that you are proficient at what you do for a living and that you carry out your work in the right manner, safely and to an excellent finish.

So where do you start in order to reach such a level of competence in Tiling?

The answer is that you start with tiling training; being taught to do the job of your choice to a standard that is acceptable in your industry and with a qualification which underpins the fact that you have been trained.

Able Skills has developed a 10 week training plan for those of you looking to change career and train as Tilers, receiving a qualification along the way and building on that to work towards NVQ achievement.

Able Skills primary aim is to offer everyone the opportunity to gain skills in a specific area and we work hard to ensure that this can be achieved. We have structured this particular tiling training programme to reflect reality and to ensure that as students, you leave having been taught to industry standards by a training centre which has the staff and facilities to be able to deliver that little bit extra.

At Able Skills we promise to deliver the correct method of training to enable you to achieve NVQ Level 3

We have devised a 10 week tiling training course which will provide you with a City & Guilds qualification and a very in depth understanding of what is required to gain an NVQ. We will also ensure you have a full understanding of portfolio building and evidence gathering. You will understand what the correct path to gaining qualifications (NVQs) is:

Key points are:

1. Quality training, good enough and detailed enough to set you up with the required industry skills.
2. A qualification which will be your entry into your chosen industry
3. Training on all NVQ units
4. Learner pack
5. Portfolio

When you have completed the 10 weeks, we have no doubt that your skill level will enable you to find work within the Tiling industry and immediately start to gather the evidence which will award you your NVQ. Our training has been developed to help you fully understand how to gather work based evidence, how to enlist the help of an onsite recorder, how to record photographic evidence and so on.

We are so confident in the ability of the students who commit to 10 weeks of training that we will register you with the Construction Awards Alliance as someone who is working towards achieving a Tiling NVQ at level 3.

Level 3 Tiling Course Structure

Week 1 – Introductory Tiling

Week 1 will teach you tiling basics, starting from scratch you will learn how to tile both wall and floor areas and gain a complete understanding of the requirements for any area you are planning to tile.

Areas to be covered:

Prime areas to receive tiling  •  Setting out your tiling work  •  Explaining all the different adhesives used for different surfaces  •  Demonstrating all the tools required  •  Cutting tiles using wet tile cutters, dry tile cutters, tile snips and tile saws  •  Explaining tiling involving Borders, Diamonds and Patterns  •  How to cut around windows and reveals  •  How to cope with tiling difficult areas such as uneven walls  •  How to tile angled ceilings and socket areas  •  How to tile splash-backs  •  How to tile around boxed in pipes.

Week 2 – Advanced Tiling

Week 2 is an advanced training week, providing you with the skills to tackle more complex areas and giving you the opportunity to build on your speed, technique and confidence.

Areas to be covered:

Prime areas to receive tiling  •  Building speed and precision  •  Patterns including diamond pattern to wall and floor areas  •  Estimate tile quantities required for each individual job  •  Use of washboys  •  Use of laser lines/levels  •  How to prepare a quote

Week 3 – C&G Tiling

Week 3 is an assessment of your skills for which successful candidates will receive a City & Guilds certificate detailing the work done. This can be very useful to show prospective clients when you are providing quotes or tenders.

Areas to be covered:

Prepare floor and wall to receive tiles   •  Fix Straight edge and check for level  •  Apply adhesives  • Fix tiles  •  Apply Grouting  •  Clean tools & equipment

Underpinning knowledge will enable the candidate to:

State the health & safety implications of using powdered materials and ready mixed adhesives  •  State the need for use of PPE and SSOW  •  Give reasons for levels and straight edges  •  Identify types of tiles  •  Give reasons for grouting  •  Give reasons for gaps when applying tiles  •  State the need for a clean and tidy work area  •  Prepare a risk assessment for the tiling activity  •  Prepare a method statement for the tiling activity

You will also learn:-

How to cope with more difficult obstacles such as pipes for shower attachments and toilet wastes  •  Tile with different materials including mosaics  •  Learn the correct procedure to remove and replace damaged existing tiles with new tiles  •  Undertake a demonstration of how to lay and fit under-floor heating  •  Undertake a demonstration of how to install uncoupling membranes

Week 4 – Natural Stone

This week of tiling training will teach you how to tile with 4” x 4” Natural Tumbled Marble and 12” x 12” Natural Slate. You will learn how to seal natural stone, understand required adhesives and be aware of how to enhance the stones natural features.

Areas to be covered:

How to prepare the wall and floor areas to receive natural stone products  •  Measure areas to calculate quantities required  •  Prep areas  •  Select and grade natural stone products  •  How to overcome the uneven thickness of the tile when laying it onto a floor  •  Mix appropriate adhesives  •  Cutting the stone where necessary  •  Ensuring (with your instructors help) that you are working to a domestic and commercial standard of finish whilst also working clean and safe  •  Receive a demonstration on how and why you need to seal the products prior to grouting  •  Seal the tiled area  •  Grout your completed installation  •  Clean as necessary prior to applying a necessary 2nd coat of seal

Week 5 – Tanking & Screeding

Week 5 takes you briefly away from tiling to concentrate on aspects of preparation. We will cover Waterproofing requirements for Wet rooms etc and Floor Screeding so that even the most uneven of floors can be prepared to receive tiles.

Floor Screeding

We will take you through floor screeding to include:  

Calculating the quantities of materials required  •  Gauging and mixing of screeding materials  • Transferring datum levels  •  Preparing background areas, brushed and bonded  •  Positioning screeding battens/screeds  •  Laying and finishing floor screeds level and to falls  •  Incorporating drainage inlets

Additionally you will mix and lay self leveling compounds which will include:

Preparing background areas  •  Calculating the quantities of materials required  •  Mixing of materials  •  Laying self leveling compounds including removal of any air trapped in the mix

Waterproofing / Tanking

We will show you how to apply specified tanking systems to these wet areas (prior to tiling) which will extinguish any doubt and ensure a tiled installation which will not fail.
We will go through the procedure of applying tanking systems from start to finish so that when you have completed your course at Able Skills you will be capable of tiling in wet areas with confidence.
You will also tile the area after having completed the tanking system so that you can see the finished article.

Week 6 – First Assessment

During this week you will work to a specification in a fully fitted kitchen or bathroom area. You will come across all of the problems a professional Tiler comes across when undertaking various jobs. You will be expected to complete the project with little supervision, demonstrating everything you have learned in the previous 5 weeks.

You will be expected to be able to: 

Calculate materials required to complete the job  •  The attention paid to working cleanly  •  Working methodically  •  Your awareness of health and safety

We will be looking to ensure that you have produced a finished product that any paying customer would be happy with.

Week 7 - Preparing backgrounds/Plastering

If you want to be able to offer a full and valuable service you will need to appreciate that not all tiling surfaces are ready for you to tile on. As a result, we have incorporated some plastering and rendering training into this package.
This will enhance your portfolio of skills and ensure that you do not need to call in and rely on anyone else to complete that particular job.

 In the allocated week you will learn

Health & Safety and PPE  •  To cut and fix plaster board to walls and ceilings  •  To tape standard and internal joints  •  To cut and fix angle beads around windows and reveals  •  To prepare surfaces before plastering using bonding plaster and finishing plaster, ensuring a flat finished surface ready for decorating  •  To mix plastering materials  •  To skim walls  •  To skim ceilings  •  To apply PVA adhesive Unibond to existing surfaces

Week 8 - Geometrical Tiling

There may be times in your career as a tiler whereby you will be asked to undertake specialist tiling projects. It may be that someone has an older property and they would like a Victorian path or hallway laid or it may be that the property has arched areas which require tiling.
To help you through these unusual requests, we will dedicate a week to supporting you through complex tiling with intricate cuts to produce beautiful finishes and work which you can be proud of.

Week 9 – Practical assignment – 3 Tasks

There will be times in your tiling career that you have to work under pressure to make deadlines. During this week you will undertake three tasks which must be completed within 32 hours and also meet required standards.

Task A – Tile around a window (guide time 8 hours)

To do this you must:

• Work out how many tiles you will need adding 20% wastage
• Calculate how much edging trim you will need adding 20% and round up to the nearest full length
• Produce a list of all the materials you need to complete the job
• Set out and tile around the window as per drawing

Task B – Tile around an archway (guide time 16 hours)

Tile and grout the designed archway and side panels with different sets of tiling patterns. To do this you must:

• Use the drawings to plan the job
• Work out how many tiles you will need, adding 20% wastage
• Calculate how much edging trim you will need, adding 20% and rounding up to the nearest full length
• Set a timescale for how long the job will take, broken down into its three major areas
• Set out for the complete job
• Cut the key stone tiles with external cut of 92mm and an internal cut of 61mm as per drawing
• Tile the two supporting columns, the archway and the key stone using the measurements given for the arch key stones
• Infill with diagonal set tiles starting at the top
• Tile the right side panel and then the left side panel, cutting and using trim as per the drawing
• Tile the two supporting columns, the archway and key stone using the measurements given for the arch key stones
• Infill with diagonal set tiles starting at the top centre
• Tile the right side panel and then the left side panel, cutting and using trim as per the drawing
• Grout the tiling

Task C – Tile the floor (guide time 8 hours)

Tile the floor as in the drawing. To do this you must:

• Work out how many tiles you will need, adding 20% wastage
• Produce a list of all the materials required to complete the job
• Set out and tile the floor with an inlaid pattern as per drawing
• Grout the floor tiling

Week 10 – Practical assignment – Official Level 3 Assessment

For this task you will be creating a Wet Room

This task will require you to:

• Prepare a schedule and a list of materials required for the job – be sure to plan, allowing for drying times! And allow 20% wastage on tile quantities
• Form the floor area of the wet room
• Install tanking/waterproofing system to floor and wall areas
• Tile the floor with three sizes of tiles
• Tile the wall areas with tile sizes as indicated on the drawings
• Seal as necessary and grout all tiles
• Plan your work to make the best use of your time.

Task A: Plan job (guide time 2 hours)

Prepare materials list and schedule tasks. To do this you must:

• Measure areas and calculate material quantities required
• List tools required for the job
• Check open/drying times. Split and schedule tasks around breaks and ends of day, as suits

Task B: Form floor and wall areas (guide time 6 hours)

Create surfaces suitable to receive tiles. To do this you must:

• Produce datum lines to floors and walls.
• Install rapid drying, floating screed at 40mm thick, over polythene membrane
• Install pre formed tray for shower area
• Install uncoupling membrane to bench area

Task C: Tile wall and floor areas (guide time 24 hours)

Install tiles to flat, inclined and curved surfaces. Tile the floor and walls as indicated in the drawing. To do this you must:

• Prepare all surfaces for the installation of tiles
• Set out and tile walls to indicated height (excluding waterproofing sections)
• Set out the floor according to the drawings
• Use proprietary edge finishes to all edges
• Seal and grout tiles where necessary

Task D: Install waterproof membrane (guide time 3 hours)

Apply tanking system to vertical planes. To do this you must:

• Select the appropriate materials and quantities for the job
• Properly prepare the surface to receive the waterproofing
• Apply waterproofing compound to recommended thickness

Progression to NVQ - QUA851 - Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Wall & Floor Tiling

There is no doubt in our minds that following this 10 weeks of intensive, hands on practical training that you will have the skill level to tile to level 3 standards but in order to achieve the NVQ in full, you need to prove your competence in a real working environment. To help you achieve this, Able Skills will register you for NVQ level 3 which will prove to prospective employers and clients that you have the tiling skill level to produce quality work.

Throughout the entire 10 weeks you will not only have been taught all aspects of tiling and understanding what the requirements of a tiler are, you will also be taught other aspects of working that a tiler also needs to do and know to get the job done to a customers satisfaction. Examples of this are:

• Developing and Maintaining Good Occupational Working Relationships in the Workplace
• Confirming the Occupational Method of Work in the Workplace
• Conforming to General Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace

These are all skills that need to be demonstrated once working as a tiler in order to achieve NVQ level 3.

NVQ level 3 registration will enable you to be considered a competent tiler and you will be recognised as someone who is working towards achievement of NVQ level 3. We will provide you with a ‘blank’ portfolio which you must complete when you undertake certain aspects of tiling work. Full guidance will be given on what information is relevant and within the portfolio will be evidence and assessment sheets ready for you to use as and when you gather your work based evidence.

The units that contribute to a complete NVQ Level 3 are:

The Full Route to achieve a Tiling NVQ level 3 is made up of the following:

QCF141v2 - Preparing Backgrounds to Receive Wall and/or Floor Tiling in the

QCF142v2 - Tiling Wall and Floor Structures in the Workplace

QCF143v2 - Producing Tiled, Mosaic and Stone Surface Finishes in the Workplace

QCF209v2 - Confirming Work Activities and Resources for an Occupational Work Area in the Workplace

QCF210v2 - Developing and Maintaining Good Occupational Working Relationships in the Workplace

QCF211v2 - Confirming the Occupational Method of Work in the Workplace

QCF641 - Conforming to General Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace

We will also continually support you throughout the process and if you choose, we will check your portfolio evidence to ensure that you are on the right track. We will be looking for you to gain photographic evidence of work you are undertaking along with gathering quotes, drawings, estimates, job references and letters from customers relating to the work you have undertaken.
This ongoing evidence and information will be encouraging as you witness the improvement in your abilities and it also enables you to see your own progression. When work based assessments are required, we will arrange for our Assessors to visit you at your place of work. If you complete all of the NVQ units required and have provided evidence of this, Able Skills own Assessors and Internal Verifiers will make a decision on the portfolios completeness and eligibility for an NVQ.

We offer training at Weekends if you have work or other commitments through the week. Some of the aspects of this ten week course can be completed over weekends. We aim to make our training as accessible as possible to everyone

Cost and Duration of 10 Week City & Guilds & NVQ Tiling Course

Duration: 10 Weeks

• Cost: £3,495.00 Inc VAT
• £500 Deposit payable
• Please call us for our easy installment plans.

 

Additional Information

Able Skills is open 7 days every week and most courses can be completed either through the week (Mon-Fri) or at weekends (Sat-Sun) – Please call for details

A deposit will secure your start date and any balance can be paid on the start date or spread over the period of your training – Interest Free!

For all workshop based training and/or assessment we recommend suitable clothing and for your safety, protective footwear is essential.

Tiling New module

by Able Skills

4 Week City & Guilds Tiling Course

If you want to learn tiling comprehensively and to be able to undertake the most common aspects of tiling then this 4 week course is ideal. You will learn the basics before undertaking tiling in more complex areas and then move onto a C&G assessment and finish up learning to tile using slate and marble. Again, an ideal package of learning for those who will be sticking to domestic tiling or for those Plumbers and Kitchen Fitters who want to be able to offer a broader service of work.

Duration: 4 Weeks

6 Week City & Guilds Tiling Course

If you are looking for a change of career and want to be a Tiler then this is an excellent choice of course to undertake. From the very basic to the more complex aspects of tiling, this programme of learning will see you competent to undertake the most difficult of tiling tasks. This entire course can also be covered using weekend training.

Duration: 6 Weeks

8 Week City & Guilds & NVQTiling Course

This is the perfect course to take if you want to start earning a living as a Tiler and progress even further to achieving a level 2 NVQ. The content of this 8 week course takes you from the very basics through to a C&G assessment, some plastering training and geometric tiling training as well as other aspects of tiling. The NVQ registration will generate a CSCS card for you so that you can access to site work should that be your choice.

Duration: 8 Weeks

Dalprasad K 

I am very happy with the initial briefing to lessons and teaching phases. Instructors are very helpful and reliable to help at any time and any stage. The structure of the course is very effective, with a lot of practical work to improve your skills. The instructor is always to hand to support you if you come into difficulty. Fantasic course, I wish Able Skills a lot of success.

Chris T

I found the Centre on the Internet, and after reading forums, Able Skills seemed the best. I took a 1 week tiling course with them and i learnt so much more than I expected. The Tutors were brilliant, the centre was 1^st Class. Value for money training and I will be attending other courses with them.

Chakrabahadur R

It was a very useful course, even though it was only 1 week. The instructors were able to deliver an extremely constructive lesson to achieve the students goal and needs. We had very sufficient materials and I can say that this is one of the best training centres around and instructors too.

Simon Richman

I just completed my 6 week plastering course and decided to take the one week introduction in tiling. I was made aware of many different types of wall and floor tiling. I was grateful for the advice and help from my instructors Max and Terry. Able Skills come highly recommended.

Fraser G – 5 Day Intensive Tiling Course

I was researching centres that were on the army resettlement course database.  I emailed a couple of centres to request some additional information and Able Skills came straight back to me (others took over a week!).  Funding went smoothly as Able Skills are an approved centre for resettlement.  Tuition was great, allowing me to make my own mistakes and rectifying them myself.  The speed of training was ideal and the course instils confidence in your abilities. 

Paul J – 5 Day Intensive Tiling Course/Multi Skills

I choose to train with Able Skills as the centre was close to my home and also due to the quality of the facilities.  Many thanks to Max and Terry who gave me a valuable insight into tiling this week. 

Dean Cox

I have recently completed a two day tanking course with Terry. It was an excellent course, lots more was covered than expected. Excellent Tutor, many thanks! I will recommend Able Skills and attend another training course.

Andrew Young

I chose Able Skills as they had the best feedback. I learned a lot in my first two weeks. I have never tiled before in my life. The style of training suits me perfectly.  They are patient and don’t mind repeating themselves!

P Jones

I was looking to train with a Company that provided quality in their instruction. I would definitely rate Able Skills as excellent. When I arrived here I was lacking in confidence and could not tile, one of these issues has now been addressed haha. Terry has been fantastic, thanks Terry!

Lee Pemberton

I completed 8 weeks training and feel 100% confident to go out and become a tiler. I would recommend Able Skills to anyone wanting to go into the construction industry. Terry’s instruction was excellent from week 1 to week 8! Thank you!

Adrian Cope

Terry was an excellent Tutor, always willing to help without you feeling “too taught”, he is a credit to Able Skills. I would recommend Able Skills to others.

Om Prakash Gaha

It was an excellent course. The instructor Terry is very friendly and good. He taught us very nicely. The course was value for money and offered accommodation at £20 per night which was fantastic.

Rabin

I chose Able Skills as they had a good training objective. The course was value for money and met all my expectations. I would definitely recommend Able Skills to others.

Taranghang Lawoti

I heard about Able Skills through friends, I liked the flexibility and training standards they offer. I would like to thank Terry for your guidance and simple yet effective teaching skills. I will be recommending Able Skills.

Cikwanine Rushingwa

I have received training at Able Skills before and wouldn’t consider any other training centre. I am very proud to learn here because the tutor teaches me very well, always ready to help if a problem arises. The tiling tutor was fantastic and knew what he was doing.

Tim Martin

I was recommended to Able Skills through a friend. This was an excellent course. From never tiling before, I now feel confident to take on my own home tiling through what I have learnt. Excellent teaching,  great week. Thanks.

D Rai

I heard about Able Skills through my colleagues. I didn’t consider using another training facility as Able Skills offered an all in one solution to my needs, value for money, location & accommodation. I will be recommending to others.

Ian Reid

I have recently completed a short tiling course with Able Skills, who I found using an internet search. They were fairly near to my home. Good tuition and knowledge of instructor. I very much enjoyed the course. The course was worth the money and met my expectations.

Chris Kelly

I found Able Skills on a tillers forum. They had good reviews and location. The course was value for money and I would recommend them to others. I received good tips given by both Terry & Max which will help improve my speed. Thanks!

John Broadrick

I found the 8 week tiling course on the internet. I chose them because their tiling courses were the best. I really enjoyed my first week, I am already much better at tiling after only 1 week.

Mark Gibson

The tutor was very good. He has a good knowledge of the subject and training method. I obtained a good understanding of tiling due to this. I will be recommending.

Duncan Urquhart

I found Able Skills via the internet and found it to be the choice for me as it offered good training with accommodation on site at reasonable prices. The course was fantastic and very enjoyable. I can’t believe how much I have learnt in just a week. Terry and Max have been very methodical and clear on instructions and always there to help and give guidance if I should need it. Thanks guys!

Chris Kelly

When I looked up Able Skills I read all the feedback that had been posted and it was all good. I had tiled a little before but I gained some good hints and tips which will make me more confident, accurate and quick.

Alexis Scaliotis

The training was good and everything asked was explained well and never felt like we were bothering them. Both instructors were approachable. I enjoyed the course and had a good foundation.

Scott Mohan – 3 Week and Week 4 Tiling Course

I was recommended Able Skills through a family friend.  I enjoyed the course very much and once I started to relax it improved my speed. The fellow trainees and the tutors are fun which makes the tasks more enjoyable and achievable. The tutors provided a very good working environment.

Lee Pemberton – Tiling Week 6/8 Course

I found out about Able Skills through searching on-line.  I choose to complete my training with Able Skills due to location, value for money and quality.  It has been a fantastic week and I am looking forward to weeks 7 and 8. 

Scott Mohan – 3 Week and Week 4 Tiling Course

I was recommended Able Skills through a family friend.  I enjoyed the course very much  and once I started to relax it improved my speed. The fellow trainees and the tutors are fun which makes the tasks more enjoyable and achievable. The tutors provided a very good working environment.