Not sure this is a good thing for this industry, I served a five year apprenticeship, along with a five year day release at a college of building. I think I earned my NVQ 3. the hard way. But this seems to be a thing of the past.
I am still proud of my experience, and would not change it, having said that, I have said before on this forum a piece of paper means nothing.
It can be a wee bit baffling sometimes when the trade you love a spent 4-5 yrs training and working hard in to become qualified in become a six week course and a bit of paper, im sorry and apoligise in advance but it just doesnt cut it for me. and I wouldnt employ anybody to carry out work in my home or on site who is trained in this way or regard them as tradesmen or pro's
Like Phill and many others I was fortunate enough and went out and got a traditional apprenticeship at 16 was schooled by craftsmen who had been at it since the early 50's some where terrazzo men most could ss render ss screed and hand fix experience and knowledge you just simply cant buy, 6 weeks INTENSIVE just wouldnt even scratch the surface or merit a qualification , I play 5's once a week if I did a course would I profesional at the end of it? would I be signing for Man utd? point is N.V.Q aint worth the paper is printed on.
Sorry for the rant, just very frustrating to see the trade become what it has and been bought and sold so easily, and fed up being called to inspect or fix novices problems that are taking work away and undercutting tradesmen
Tiling is a mind set, you can either cut it, or you can't. Attention to detail is paramount, experience can never be replaced. I am talking about the confidence to walk on any job, anywhere in the world and be able to say, " I am a tiler" then ( walk the walk, not just talk the talk).
I like to see people do well in this industry, but it is not so easy to become a true master of your craft