Starting out as a Tiler.

[M83T]

Hi apologies if this has been asked before but here goes
I have recently finished a short introduction to tiling course which I really enjoyed. I took the course to see if I tiling was for me and with a view to eventually starting out on my own. The course covered the basics of floor and wall tiling over two weekends
I know that this is a career path I would like to follow but I'm unsure as to which direction to go now. I'm going to re tile my kitchen splash back at home for practice so I'm going to start buying some tools after this should I look into another course (which is quite a few £££) or just try and pick up a few small jobs to build up experience
I can't afford to jack in my current job so would be looking to do this evening's/weekends for a while to see how it goes
Any advice????

 

[Dumbo]

See if you can shadow some local tilers on a weekend .

 

[WetSaw]

Practice on your friends and family to gain experience before charging. Don't try and run before you can walk. Preparation is key to a good finish.

 

[GoneGuy]

As said above, maybe pop into local tile shops to get numbers for local tilers for you to gain experience with

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Good luck and enjoy!

 

[Dumbo]

Some manufacturer's of adhesive and matting products hold some free courses or for very little expenditure . Log on to various websites and have a look . If you're are not sure comeback and ask as some members have done some of these courses .

 

[acaciaguy]

Go on a few manufacturers courses. They are very good

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Look through the recent posts on the forum - Mapei are doing dates now!

 

[-=HaZ=-]

When I started up 5 years ago I'd only done a few weeks on a short course but had done small jobs before this. I am still learning now and every day I tile but I'm really busy these days so it can work out for you.
I found picking up small jobs like kitchens and small floor jobs or round baths was great to learn and then add more to that.
The internet is great for advise and videos or things. Also get manufacturer product details to learn what to use and when
As someone said just try and find local guys you could follow for a weekend even if you don't do anything. They might get you to do the basics like mixing and prepping

 

[M83T]

Thankyou so much for all the replies they really are helpful I am glad I have found this forum and can ask for advice and get good honest replies I think this will be useful in the future.
I will definitely look at some of the manufacturer courses, I'm happy to pay for courses but I get the feeling that experience is the key to progression so don't want to spend huge sums just yet. Once again thanks for your help any other advice about starting up would be gratefully received!

 

[The Legend; Phil Hobson RIP]

As above, courses can be good, but if you can work along side a real life tiler, do it.................

 

[Time's Ran Out]

As above, courses can be good, but if you can work along side a real life tiler, do it.................

@Andy Allen is down your way - oh! A real life Tiler - sorry!

 

[M83T]

Haha! I see @Andy Allen is in Gloucester, I'm in Devon!!

 

[Dumbo]

Haha! I see @Andy Allen is in Gloucester, I'm in Devon!!

He thinks Devon is a town in Gloucester you know like Newcastle is a suburb of Sunderland

 

[Time's Ran Out]

He thinks Devon is a town in Gloucester you know like Newcastle is a suburb of Sunderland

It’s down south!
At least up here the ladies tattoos are always spelt correct.
@jcrtiling the hurtful comment isn’t my lack of geographical knowledge , it’s using Newcastle in the same sentence as that other place!!