Training discipline is always a challenge when learning to handle building materials. Learning to work with a soft, messy substance like tiling grout is absolutely critical to providing the final quality of finish that distinguishes between a so-called completed job looking like the results of dubious DIY handywork and the immaculate precision of the professional tiler.There really is no substitute for learning exactly how to get the job finished properly on an approved tiling course, rather than spend a considerable amount of time attempting to get the job right by trial and error - but still not discovering the real method of correct application. It maybe kind of OK to say 'that's good enough' when fixing one or two backsplash tiles in your own home, but it certainly won't pass muster if you attempt to offer yourself as a 'tiler' in a paid work environment!A better understanding of how to satisfactorily complete home tiling projects may be obtained on a basic Wall and Floor Tiling Diploma course, or better still, a more detailed 5 day introductory tiling course which presents students with an all round overview of key tiling problems.Practice, of course makes perfect, but you still need to learn the actual practical skill in the first instance, and the very necessary accompanying knowledge in order to understand why a certain method is the only real way to carry out a job rather than take short cuts! In the construction industry, there are many who still are prepared to take unnecessary risks or through lack of correct training, commit terrible blunders.Candidates who are thinking of taking up tiling as a fulltime profession or who wish to add to their knowledge and trade skills have a wide range of tiling courses available, ranging from a 3 week to 8 week full City & Guilds Professional NVQ tiling course. Fully completed and verified, they can be of vital help to tiling students to go on to apprenticeships and acceptance with employers in order to develop their experience and career in the trade.In the tiling profession, as elsewhere, there is no flouting of the rules, not least, at the last stage of grouting! It's vital to ensure that the correct type of grout is to be used, especially where waterproofing is essential. Tiling can't be rushed to quickly finish a job and get paid! Grouting should be carried out after all the tiles have been fixed and allowed to firm up and, therefore, they must be left for least 24 hours after the last tile has been fixed.Careful attention to detail in the preparation stage is key, and before the application of any grout it is important to make sure that the tile faces and joints are all clean and any small amounts of tile adhesive left on the glaze or squeezed out of the joints must be removed before grouting.Grout is available as either premixed or as a powder for mixing with water. Premixed grout may be at the right consistency at the commencement but will begin to 'go off' as soon as the packet is opened, whereas powder grout allows the trained eye and hand of the tiler to mix the grout to the right, smooth, lump free consistency. If the mixture is too runny, the grout will run out of the joints before it sets , but if the mixture is too stiff, it will not be flexible enough to easily work into the joints.Actual grouting application technique requires working with a combination of sponge, squeegee or grout float as a part of the crucial cleaning-as-you-grout process. Learning to work precisely, smoothly and with speed before the grout stiffens at each stage is a key part of mastering the discipline of professional tiling tuition.