What Does a Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Setter Do?

A Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Setter covers interior and exterior walls, floors and ceilings with terrazzo, tile or marble. These finishes could be both decorative and protective, using ceramic tiles, marble, quarry tile, mosaics or terrazzo. A Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Setter could line a swimming pool with mosaic floors one day and tile a backsplash in a kitchen the next!

Job -Related Skills, Interests and Values

  • preparing, measuring and marking the surface to be covered
  • mixing and applying mortar, mastic, cement, or other adhesives using hand tools
  • laying mosaic tiles
  • removing and replacing cracked or damaged tiles
  • installing floating floors, wire meshing and forms
  • using hand and power tools to install terrazzo, tile, granite and marble
  • observing safety in accordance with government and company standards

To view the Essential Skills necessary for someone to work in this occupation, click on the following link and scroll down to Tilesetter NOC code 7283:

http://srv600.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/esrp/english/general/all_profiles.shtml

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

Many employers may require you to complete your Grade 12, although Grade 10 is the legal minimum requirement to apprentice in this trade. To succeed in this trade, you should have courses in Mathematics, Science and English. It takes 3 to 4 years to complete a Terrazzo, Tile and Marble setter apprenticeship via 8000 hours of on the job and in-school training. The in-school component is comprised of 2 blocks of in-school courses: Level 1 and Level 2 (both are 9 weeks long). This is a Red Seal trade, which you may achieve red seal certification and work anywhere in Canada!

What’s Your Future as a Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Setter?

Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Setters generally work a 40-hour week, either in residential, commercial or industrial settings. Some Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Setters are self-employed and successfully run their own businesses. The job outlook for this trade is fair through to 2007, and travel from job to job is the norm. Employers who hire in this trade include:

  • Construction companies
  • Residential and industrial building developers
  • Masonry Contractors

For more information about this trade, check out the Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Association of Canada at: www.ttmac.com, and the construction sector council website at www.CareersInConstruction.ca.

Wage Rate

  • An Apprentice earns less than a Journeyperson, but as your skills and expertise improve, your wage increases
  • Wages for fully qualified Terrazzo, Tile & Marble Setters vary in the range of $15-$28/hour, depending on the size of the shop they work for and if they are self-employed
  • Craftspeople in this trade can make more money with experience and increased skill level
  • Potential exists for overtime during busy periods

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is Working as a Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Setter For You?

Do you have good manual dexterity, an eye for detail, and enjoy working with your hands in creative ways?

Yes      No

Do you have the physical strength to manipulate heavy pieces of granite or marble?

Yes      No

Can you work to precise measurements?

Yes      No

Are you able to work on your knees or up on ladders for extended periods?

Yes      No

Are you willing to travel to work, or to work overtime?

Yes      No

Do you like working outdoors in various weather conditions?

Yes      No

Can you work well independently or as a member of a team to get the job done?

Yes      No

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, a career as a Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Setter may be for You!

You may also want to explore other careers that require similar interests and skills, such as:

  • Bricklayer
  • Marble Mason
  • Cement Mason
  • Cement (Concrete) Finisher
  • Floor Covering Installer
  • Drywall Finisher and Plasterer
  • Construction Craftworker
  • Restoration Mason