How long is a tiling apprenticeship?
Carsten Smith: As usual, the apprenticeship lasts for three years, but you can shorten it to two and a half years if you perform well.
The apprenticeship is organised by the Chamber of Crafts and takes place in schools, technical training centres and in companies. In technical training centres, beginners can lay their first tiles in special practice rooms. Unfortunately, it is not possible to start like that on a building site.
Apprentices come to the building sites in the first year, but they are introduced to the process slowly and start by performing small tasks, such as cutting or grouting. Of course, it depends on how good the apprentice is. Some can work alone immediately after the apprenticeship, but some need another year or two before they are at that stage.