A strong career choice for strong women. Watch Sharlo Strickler describe her construction experience.

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 get more information and apply at www.bactraining.org. Candidates with experience may schedule a job skills evaluation to determine apprentice level. Those with no experience may begin work as a tile finisher or attend our spring pre-apprenticeship.

Each spring we host a one-week tile finisher pre-apprenticeship. This course focuses on providing pre-apprentices a quick glance at the day-to-day work of a tile finisher, preparing them for what to expect on the job, and the basic tasks they’re likely to perform when starting out. For those interested in attending the spring pre-apprenticeship, applications are accepted year-round at www.bactraining.org/become-apprentice.

Contacts for more information:

John Slama, Manager of Operations at 763-404-8345 or jslama@bactraining.org

Rebecca Nohava, Recruiter/Creative Logistics at 763-404-8345 or rnohava@bactraining.org

No college debt. No regrets. Listen to Jesse Stonehouse’s construction career experience.

The best skill a tile finisher apprentice can possess is the ability to learn and follow directions. A working knowledge of how to read a tape measure, add/subtract/multiply basic fractions, and the ability to understand written instructions for measuring and mixing grouts and other materials. Endurance and strength are needed to perform repetitive bending and lifting movements on the job.

Military members applying for a tile apprenticeship should reach out to John Slama, Manager of Operations for the MN/ND Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Apprentice Training Center. Veterans can also search job opportunities at www.helmetstohardhards.org.