Carpet Fitter / Floor Layer
The Work
Carpet fitters and floor layers lay floor coverings in homes and commercial premises such as shops, bars, restaurants and offices. They work with a variety of materials including carpeting, carpet tiles, wood, laminates, lino, rubber and cork sheeting. The job involves visiting customers on site to measure up floor space and estimate how much material is needed. Before a job gets underway, the fitter will draw up a plan to make best use of materials and to ensure any patterned cuts/blocks match.
Every job is different and depends on the size and shape of each room and the type of floor covering required, but for most jobs tasks involve:
Fitters may complete several jobs a day and usually work in a team of two or three people.
Hours and Conditions
Most carpet fitters / floor layers work a basic 39-hour week, Monday
to Friday. On commercial premises, evenings, nights and weekend work
is often required to minimise disruption to clients' businesses.
The work involves carrying heavy materials, moving furniture, bending, kneeling and stretching. Fitters come into contact with dust and chemical sprays, which may affect people with breathing difficulties or dust allergies.
A driving licence is useful.
Skills and Interests
To be a carpet fitter/floor layer you need:
Training
Training is normally provided on the job with day or block release
at local colleges or training providers leading to NVQ / SVQ qualifications.
You work towards NVQs / SVQs in Floorcovering Occupations (Construction)
levels 1 to 3.
Together with mandatory units, you take options from:
The Flooring Industry Training Association (FITA) offer a range of relevant short courses, approved by the National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers (NICF) and the Contract Flooring Association (CFA). The courses cover areas such as carpet types, floor preparation, methods and equipment, cutting and seaming techniques, and estimating and planning. For details contact FITA below.
Foundation and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships (MAPPs) may be available for people aged 16-24. For details see:
MAPPs
(England)
Skillseekers
(Scotland)
National
Traineeships MAPPs (Wales) and
MAPPs
(Northern Ireland)
Opportunities
Carpet fitters and floor layers are employed by retail carpet shops, department stores, specialist flooring firms, interior designers, carpet showrooms and carpet manufacturers throughout the UK.
It is possible to specialise in fitting carpets in domestic properties, commercial properties or in fitting other types of floor coverings such as vinyl, tiles, and hardwoods.
If working for a company, there are opportunities for promotion to supervisor or contracts manager. Many carpet fitters and floor layers are self-employed, completing jobs on a contract basis.
Salary
The figures below are intended as a guideline only.
The Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) agrees minimum wage rates annually.
For trainees, depending on the stage of training they are at, salaries range between £7,100 to £13,000 a year.
With qualifications, fitters can earn in the region of £16,000 upwards per year.
Further Information
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CITB - Construction Skills
Tel: 01485 577577
www.citb.org.uk
Floor Industry Training Association
Tel: 0115 941 1126
www.fita.co.uk
