Teaming up with Leeds College of Building and South & City College Birmingham, Northamptonshire-based Pro Tiler Tools aims to inspire the next generation of skilled tradespeople whilst supporting a national drive to increase apprenticeship sign-ups.
The UK tiling industry is facing a deepening skills shortage, with an estimated 38,000 registered tilers currently working nationwide, down by around 30% since 2010, according to industry figures. With an ageing workforce and falling enrolment on college tiling courses, the trade could face long-term decline without significant intervention.
Pro Tiler Tools, part of the Topps Group, is proud to be part of the new education partnership designed to boost the number of qualified tilers in the UK and believes this strategic partnership marks an important step toward rebuilding a pipeline of talent that is crucial for the continued growth and quality of tiling in both domestic and commercial projects.
Sam Bucknall, Director at Pro Tiler Tools, explains why this initiative is so important: ‘We’re seeing a serious disconnect between demand and supply in the tiling trade. The number of skilled tilers isn’t keeping pace with the industry. That’s why we feel a responsibility to support apprenticeship pathways and inspire the next generation of tilers. Our college collaboration is about investing in people and equipping them with the skills, tools, and confidence they need to build lasting careers.’
The construction industry as a whole has felt the impact of a widening skills gap, but in tiling specifically, the shortage of trained professionals is reaching critical levels. Employers are struggling to find qualified tilers, and younger generations often remain unaware of the rewarding career opportunities the trade offers.
‘The partnership between the Topps Group and Leeds College of Building is a great example of industry and training providers working together to address the national skills shortage,’ says Alan Heard, Wall & Floor Tiling Lecturer at Leeds College of Building. ‘The support from Pro Tiler Tools has been very strong, from tile tool donations enabling us to create more challenging workshop projects for apprentices, to raising awareness amongst employers. We’re hoping to increase the size of apprentice provision and we’re expecting the ongoing support and awareness raising activities should have a positive effect.’
Rob Smith, Head of Partnership and Skills, Leeds College of Building, adds: ‘From an employers’ point of view, it has never been easier to take on an apprentice. Full support is provided by the college who guide employers through the onboarding process, ensuring all funding is in place, incentive payments are made available, and employers are supported to obtain any available grant funding. The government also pay 100% of the course costs and remove employer’s National Insurance contributions for their apprentice.’
Pro Tiler Tools’ commitment to tackling the skills shortage goes beyond apprenticeships and the team are passionate about training and supporting the industry more broadly.
Working closely with their suppliers to facilitate training days across the country, they help ensure professionals at all levels have access to the latest techniques, tools, and trends.
John Shaw, Head of Learning & Development at Topps Group, said: ‘Tiling is one of the most technically demanding finishing trades in construct. We’re seeing fewer learners coming through at the same time as older tilers retire and that gap is widening every year. This isn’t just about filling vacancies, it’s about protecting a skilled trade, raising standards and giving young people access to stable, well-paid careers that don’t require university debt. A good tiler will never be out of work but if young people never hear about tiling as a career option, the industry simply can’t replace the skilled workers we’re losing.’
To find out more about the new apprenticeship initiative, or to register your interest in taking on your own apprentice visit www.protilertools.co.uk/apprenticeships or call 01604 859800.
