In 2019, NTCA registered national guidelines with the U.S. Department of Labor for tile finisher and tile setter programs. The guidelines offer guidance to NTCA members in developing their own tile finishers and tile setters apprenticeship programs. Our program, part of the U.S. Department of Labor’s National Apprenticeship System, uses an employer-driven, “learn-while-you-earn” model that combines hands-on job-related training with NTCA University on-line learning. Both the finisher and setter programs are hybrid programs which require a certain amount of time on the job learning, in the classroom learning including NTCA University, and competencies which require a certain skill level of tasks to do the job. While the guidelines are typically used for Office of Apprenticeship approved contractor programs, this information can also be used in the development of a company’s in-house training program.

 

Company Training/Apprenticeship Program Development

Once an employer creates their apprenticeship program using the NTCA National Guidelines for Apprenticeship, apprentices hired by the employer are able to begin their on-the-job training apprenticeship.

Benefits of a training or apprenticeship program:

• Develop a skilled workforce that understands industry standards and methods.
• Have a repeatable program that can be used as part of your recruitment. 
• Utilize your program to set goals and pay increases for your team.  This could include passing CTI and ACT tests.
• Empower your new hires to understand why they are asked to do something.
• Be able to show a career path with your company.
• For U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship registered programs, the program could be used to apply for grants from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
  

NTCA University and NTCA National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards for Tile Finisher and Tile Setters can be used as a part of a member’s training program but since every company is different there is still work to be done to create a new training program within a company. Use our Considerations For/How to Develop a Training Program and FAQ on Developing a Training Program documents to help you get started.

 

Recruitment

To make the lives of NTCA contractor members easier, NTCA has created videos and flyers that NTCA members can use when recruiting new hires at job fairs, career days, or on their own websites. These include:

• A Become a Tile Setter flyer that explains what tiles setter do, the skills needed, and the career path they could take.
• The Tile Industry Careers flyer that describes potential positions tile setter can pursue.
• Our Introduction to the Tile Trade video explains the attributes of a certified tile and stone installer, the benefits of the trade, and how to start your path in tile.
• NTCA's Women in Tile video profiles the work and careers of 6 female tile setters and encourages other women to consider a career in the tile installation trade.

 

Ready To Start Your Own Apprenticeship Program?

As an NTCA member, NTCA will provide our registered national guidelines as well as contacts at your state’s Office of Apprenticeship to help you with the process. To get started, fill out our NTCA program interest form below.

Have additional questions?
Reach out to Becky Serbin, Director of Education and Curriculum, for more information.