What it takes to become a good tiler

The ideal tiler should be the sporty type, robust and flexible. Aptness in crafts, precision and the capacity to think in three dimensions are further important assets of a future tiler.

According to Thomas Gruenendahl of the Chamber of Crafts in Duesseldorf, tiler is one of the toughest jobs in the construction industry. Large amounts of material, sometimes several tons, must be hauled to the construction site.

But after hauling comes planning. When a tiler enters a room, he must be able to picture how the room will look after the craftsman has finished his work. Imagination and a faible for colours and forms are needed as well as technical and mathematical competencies. In order to advise customers appropriately, tilers need a thorough understanding of their material and in-depth knowledge of product varieties.

Qualified tilers are in great demand for the construction of new building as well as for the modernisation of older ones. The tiler training is also a good basis for further training as a technician or foreman, for studies in construction engineering and architecture as well as for an employment as a vocational training school teacher.