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The recommended prerequisites for high school students include construction courses, shop courses, and multiple math courses. Knowledge of geometry, algebra and calculus are all applied to the tile trades almost every day.

Tile setters and layers apply math to real-world problems and use fractions, read tape measures and calculate area at most job sites.

Completion of high school classes does not count for hours in the apprenticeship program, but the experience and classes taken are valuable in building students skill set.

A two-year diploma is not required to qualify for a tile apprenticeship.

Though some individuals learn their trade by working as helpers to experienced tile setters, a common path to start this career is a formal apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship programs are available through community and technical colleges and are sponsored by unions and contractor organizations.

Tile apprenticeships are paid career training that lasts approximately two-to-four years. Apprentices receive both on-the-job practical training and classroom instruction. The apprenticeship requires participants to complete 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 144 classroom-training hours each year.

Apprenticeship candidates can apply in March through the website. Candidates will be evaluated on job readiness skills, interviewed by a panel, and take math and reading comprehension aptitude tests.

The application process for tile apprenticeships begins in June, where potential candidates can enroll in a 6-week pre-apprenticeship program. This program is not a paid experience and participants can expect to purchase books for about $600. The program is geared toward recent high school graduates. Basic math, relationships, trade history, terminology, tools and union safety are covered.

Contacts for more information:
Barry Blazevic, Manager of Operations at 763-404-8345 or bblazevic@bactraining.org
Jayson Moore, Tile-Terrazzo Coordinator at 763-404-8345 or jmoore@bactraining.org

By the end of their training, tile setters are able to handle a wide variety of tiling jobs on their own. After completing an apprenticeship, a tile setter can assume the title of ‘journey worker’ and begin to work independently.

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Customer service and time management skills are important for a tile apprentice’s success. Tile setters and layers also must be experienced with a variety of tools, including floats, levels, and power saws. They may need experience with computer-aided design (CAD) cost estimating, and project management software depending on the project.
Endurance and strength are needed to perform repetitive bending and lifting movements on the job.

High school students preparing to become a tile apprentice should seek out part-time jobs that require being physically fit such as landscaping. Knowledge of tools such as the experience one gets working at a local hardware store is beneficial to a future tile apprentice’s experience.

Military members applying for a tile apprenticeship should reach out to Jayson Moore, Tile-Terrazzo Coordinator for BAC 1. Veteran’s can also search job opportunities at www.helmetstohardhards.org.