Carpet Fitter/ Floor Layer
What is the work like?
As a carpet fitter or floor layer, your work could range from fitting carpeting and floor tiles in shops and offices, to laying laminate floorboards in people’s homes.
Each job would depend on the size of the area and the type of floor covering required. Your duties could include:
- measuring up floor space and estimating the amount of material needed
- drawing up a plan to make the best use of materials
- clearing the work area of furniture and taking off doors
- removing old flooring
- cleaning, levelling and sealing the bare floor with compound if required
- taping, heat-sealing, gluing or nailing floor coverings into place
- stretching carpet over spiked gripper rods
- spraying or waxing the floor covering to give it a protective coating
- replacing furniture and re-hanging doors.
You would normally work as part of a small team of two to three people.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
Most carpet fitters begin by joining a company and training on the job. You may not need any qualifications, but employers will expect you to show evidence of your maths skills and practical ability.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme with a carpet fitting or floor laying firm. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
As an alternative, you could take a college course, such as the BTEC First Certificate in Construction, which would give you some of the skills needed for the job. See local colleges for details.
Because many jobs involve travel to sites across a wide area, you may need a driving licence.
See the ConstructionSkills website for more details about carpet fitting/floor laying as a career. The construction industry is also being promoted as a career choice for women through the Know Your Place campaign.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working, you would receive training from an experienced fitter. You could also complete the NVQ in Floorcovering at levels 1 to 3.
The NVQ has options for:
- Textiles – tufted and woven carpeting, carpet tiles and sheeting
- Impervious coverings – tiles and sheeting
- Wood – block flooring and timber strip flooring.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)
Many building contractors now insist that you have a CSCS card to work on their sites. The card is proof of your skills and competence. To get your card you must:
- pass a health and safety assessment
- have an NVQ or equivalent qualification.
If you are working without qualifications, you may be able to use On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) or Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) to get your NVQ and card. Contact CSCS or SkillsDirect for further details.
Where can I go for more information?
Bircham NewtonKing's Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 6RH
Tel: 01485 577577
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- New carpet fitters/floor layers earn between £11,500 and £14,000 a year.
- Experienced fitters can earn between £15,000 and £18,500.
- Carpet fitters with managerial duties can earn around £21,000 a year.
Some companies will offer a vehicle as part of the salary package.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your basic working week would be around 40 hours. On commercial premises, you may have to work evenings, nights and weekend to limit the disruption to clients' business. You could be working at several different locations every week.
This job can be physically demanding, and you would spend much of the time kneeling down to lay flooring; you would also have to lift and carry heavy flooring materials and move furniture.
You could come into contact with chemical sprays and adhesives, which may cause problems if not used safely.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent practical skills
- good maths skills to measure floor areas and work out costs
- good fitness levels
- a polite and pleasant manner for dealing with customers
- the ability to work quickly and accurately
- an awareness of health and safety.
What opportunities are there?
You can find work as a carpet fitter or floor layer with specialist flooring firms, carpet showrooms and carpet/flooring manufacturers.
With experience, you could be promoted to supervisor, product sales or contract management. Another option could be to set up your own business.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
Contract Flooring Association (directory of flooring companies)
Carpetfitters.biz (job vacancies and lists of companies in the flooring businesses section)
Jobcentre Plus
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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