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Useful experience for wall and floor tilers includes any building and construction work.

Wall and floor tilers may do some or all of the following:

• discuss tiling designs and options with clients, and give quotes
• measure and mark surfaces based on plans
• clean and prepare surfaces
• lay liquid waterproof membrane in showers and bathrooms
• make and lay adhesives for tiles to be laid on
• cut, shape and lay tiles
• grout, seal and polish tiles.

Strong demand for wall and floor tilers

Chances of getting work as a wall and floor tiler are good due to:

• growth in construction activity, which is expected to continue until at least 2023
• building consents forecast to increase until 2024
• a decrease in the number of tilers and apprentices completing Level 4 certificates.

However, like many building jobs, this role can be affected by economic conditions. A downturn in the economy can lower demand for wall and floor tilers.

Shortage of wall and floor tilers

Wall and floor tiler appears on Immigration New Zealand’s construction and infrastructure skill shortage list. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled wall and floor tilers from overseas to work in New Zealand.

According to the Census, 1806 wall and floor tilers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Self-employment common among wall and floor tilers

Most wall and floor tilers are self-employed, or run their own small business, usually employing up to five other tilers.

Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO)

0800 422 486 - info@bcito.org.nz - www.bcito.org.nz

Wall and floor tilers may progress to set up their own wall and floor tiling business.

Wall and floor tilers need to be:

• careful, organised, methodical and accurate
• able to follow instructions
• able to work independently and as part of a team
• good at basic maths.