As National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is taking place from 10th to 16th February to uplift apprenticeships and the value they bring, TTA wishes to use the opportunity to spotlight tiling apprenticeships and their importance for both the apprentice and the employer.
TTA members play a crucial role in delivering tiling apprenticeship schemes. For individuals, a tiling apprenticeship is an effective way to gain hands-on experience working alongside industry professionals, as well as “earn while you learn”. For employers, Government funding incentives make apprenticeships a cost-effective way to close skills gaps and create a job-ready workforce.
Anthony Parrott, TTA board director and member of TTA’s Training Committee, comments: “One of the biggest issues facing our industry is labour shortages. I think it is therefore imperative that all companies have a dedicated apprentice programme to train the next generation of skilled tilers.
“We at W.B. Simpson & Sons (Midlands) have had an apprentice programme for nearly 20 years. It started with James Mason in 2006 who joined us as a 16 year-old and is still with us. Today, he is capable of carrying out all porcelain and stone works including swimming pools, and we believe he is one of the best tilers in the country. The following year, Shanbir Grewall joined us along with Mark Maguire as 18 and 16 year-olds, respectively. Both progressed to become very skilled tilers capable of holding down large commercial projects. Over the last four years, Mark has progressed to be our senior contractors manager, running several jobs at a time, some up to a value of £2,000,000. We have also taken on the sons of some of our senior tilers as the next generation of apprentices, which is great to see.
“While it takes effort, time and money to have an apprentice programme, it has been very successful for us and a worthwhile investment. As a managing director I would argue it was not only essential for us to do this but very rewarding to see the apprentices progress through to highly skilled tilers. I would strongly recommend those not yet taking on apprentices to begin as soon as possible. If you need any help or guidance, feel free to contact me as I firmly believe this is an important focus for our industry.”
There are also a number of industry schemes to support apprenticeships. Open Doors, delivered by Build UK, takes visitors behind the scenes to showcase the fantastic range of careers available in the UK construction industry. It returns from Monday 17th until Saturday 22nd March 2025 and booking is now open for visitors. To find out more and get involved, visit www.opendoors.construction.
SkillBuild, delivered by CITB, is the largest construction competition for apprentices and full-time learners in the UK and is proudly sponsored by The Tile Association. In 2024, SkillBuild was won by Holly Taylor Whitehead who was not only the first Leeds College of Building entrant to attain top position in the tiling category, but also the first female student to enrol on its College Wall & Floor Tiling apprenticeship. If you are an apprentice or employ one, to be in with a chance of winning register now for SkillBuild 2025 at www.goconstruct.org/skillbuild/.
TTA provides free training support for all members. Email training@tile.org.uk or call 0300 365 8453.
