What does a Floor Covering Installer Do?

Floor Covering Installers plan, prepare, install and repair various types of floor covering including tile, resilient sheet goods, carpet, ceramic and wood floors.

Job Related Skills, Values and Interests

• learning about and applying relevant acts and legislation such as municipal by-laws, building codes and the Occupational Health and Safety Act
• selecting and using various hand and power tools, leveling devices etc. used to install and repair flooring
• inspecting and preparing the floor surface where the floor covering is to be installed
• applying adhesives such as latex-base, asphalt-base or epoxy using spraying, rolling, trowelling or spreading techniques safely
• planning and organizing the job site, including verifying drawings and specifications for the work site
• performing calculations and on-site estimating procedures
• planning, measuring and marking for floor covering installation
• identifying hazards in the work area by inspecting the site, and taking proper precautions
• identifying and selecting appropriate installation methods and tools
• identifying and solving problems with floor covering installation and material, repairing where necessary
• cutting and fitting various floor covering materiel to ensure proper fit; using creative flair to come up with artistic patterns in tile/ceramics
• communicating effectively (verbally or in writing) with clients or agents in regard to the work sequence, areas of coverage, required materials and cost

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

To become a Floor Covering Installer you should have a minimum of Grade 12 followed by completion of an apprenticeship of a total of 6,000 hours (roughly 3 years) through a combination of on-the-job and in-school theory training. Check out the following link to a local union that provides apprenticeship training in this particular field: http://www.carpenterstraining.ca/floor.html

To view the Essential Skills for this particular skilled trade, click the following link:

http://www10.hrsdc.gc.ca/ES/English/ShowProfileOccupation.aspx?v=314&ID=44944&v1=Floor%20covering&v2=&v3=

Apprenticeship Subject Pathways provides additional information for students/parents/educators:

http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/training/apprenticeship/skills/pathwaye.pdf

What’s Your Future as a Floor Covering Installer?

Job opportunities in this field are linked to growth in the new and re-modeled residential housing market, as well as new commercial construction. People who work in this area find employment with:

• carpet and tile businesses (retail or wholesale)
• construction companies and their sub-contractors
• self-employed

For additional information about this career, check out the construction sector website at: www.CareersInConstruction.ca.

Wage Rate

• apprentices start at a wage rate less than that of a journeyperson
• this rate increases gradually as you gain competency and skill
• Fully qualified Floor Covering Installers can earn anywhere from $14.00/hr to $20.00/hour sometimes with benefits and opportunities for overtime

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is working as a Floor Covering Installer For You?

Are you able to bend, kneel for long periods of time, lift and perform work that is physically demanding?	Yes      No
Do you enjoy planning a job from start to finish?	Yes      No
Do you prefer to work on different tasks and not the same thing every day?	Yes      No
Is it easy for you to spot differences in size, shape, contour or form?	Yes      No
Do you enjoy working with a variety of different hand tools?	Yes      No
Can you get the job done to tight deadlines with little supervision?	Yes      No
Do you enjoy performing a job where satisfying the customer is essential?	Yes      No

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, Floor Covering Installer may be for You!

You may want to explore other jobs that require similar interests and skills such as:

• Brick & Stone Mason
• Carpenter
• Pool & Hot Tub Installer
• Drywall Installer & Finisher