Overview
Carpet fitters and floor layers fit carpets and vinyl tiles, and lay laminate and solid timber floors. coverings they use can include include carpet, wood, lino, cork and rubber. They work in places like homes, shops, offices and schools.
Activities
- measure floor space and estimate the amount of materials needed
- clear away furniture and take off doors
- remove old flooring
- clean, level and seal the work area
- glue or nail underlay and floor coverings
- stretch carpet over spiked gripper rods and taping
- heat-seal joins and edges on vinyl flooring
- spray or wax floor coverings to give them a protective coating
- use fast-track flooring systems
- put furniture back and trim and re-hang doors
Organisation
In The Black Country Flooring layers are mainly employed by Carpet shops and flooring firms. They can also be self-employed.
Workplace
Flooring layers work indoors for most of the time.
Working Hours
Flooring layers usually work around 37 to 40 hours a week.
Salary
Starting salary is around £17,000.
Qualifications
You could apply directly to work as a carpet fitter and floor layer. Employers will expect you to have practical skills and be good with numbers.
There are no set entry requirements for this role however the work involves taking measurements and doing calculations. Most employers will want you to have some qualifications, whereas some employers may be more flexible.
You could also apply for an apprenticeship. If you have an EHCP you may be able to apply under the Dfe exemption which allows the apprentice to use Entry level 3 English and Maths qualifications. The apprentice would have to be competent enough to successfully achieve all other aspects of the apprenticeship requirements, become occupationally competent and achieve Entry Level 3 in English and Maths before the end of their apprenticeship.
College – you could start off with a CERTIFICATE IN PATHWAYS TO CONSTRUCTION IN ENTRY LEVEL 3 OR LEVEL 1.