UK tiling skills shortage reaches critical point

UK tiling skills shortage reaches critical point: Industry and education leaders are calling for urgent action to reverse a 30% decline in the UK tiling workforce, warning that the specialist trade is at risk of being overlooked by young people at a time when demand has never been higher.

The UK tiling industry is facing a deepening skills shortage, with an estimated 38,000 registered tilers currently working nationwide, down by around 30% since 2010, according to industry figures. With an ageing workforce and falling enrolment on college tiling courses, employers are warning that without intervention, the trade could face long-term decline.

A new collaboration between industry and education providers is shining a light on the problem and offering a model for how it can be fixed.

Northamptonshire-based Pro Tiler Tools, part of Topps Group, has partnered with Leeds College of Building and South and City College Birmingham to support wall and floor tiling apprenticeships and encourage more young people to consider the trade as a viable, long-term career.

Sam Bucknall, Director at Pro Tiler Tools, explains why this initiative is so important: “We’re seeing a serious disconnect between demand and supply in the tiling trade. The number of skilled tilers isn’t keeping pace with the industry. That’s why we feel a responsibility to support apprenticeship pathways and inspire the next generation of tilers. Our college collaboration is about investing in people and equipping them with the skills, tools, and confidence they need to build lasting careers.”

The initiative comes amid growing concern that tiling is being overshadowed by higher-profile trades such as plumbing and electrical work, despite offering strong earning potential, self-employment opportunities and consistent demand.

John Shaw, Head of Learning & Development at Topps Group, said, “Tiling is one of the most technically demanding finishing trades in construction, yet it’s one of the least promoted to young people. We’re seeing fewer learners coming through at the same time as older tilers retire and that gap is widening every year. Many Colleges have told us they were close to cancelling tiling courses altogether due to low uptake, while bricklaying and electrical courses were oversubscribed and that was a real wake-up call. A good tiler will never be out of work but if young people never hear about tiling as a career option, the industry simply can’t replace the skilled workers we’re losing.”

Unlike many construction roles, tiling requires specialist training, precision and a strong understanding of modern materials, adhesives and large-format tiles. Industry leaders warn it is no longer a skill that can be picked up informally on site.

Through the partnership, Pro Tiler Tools is supporting colleges with tools, materials and curriculum input, while also using its industry reach to encourage employers to take on apprentices. The company is reinvesting a significant proportion of its apprenticeship levy back into the sector to help reduce cost barriers for small businesses.

The results are already looking positive and apprentice numbers at partner colleges have increased by nearly 80% year-on-year, with intakes growing in both Leeds and Birmingham and the first ever January intake now under consideration.

The two-year Level 2 Wall & Floor Tiling apprenticeship combines block-release college learning with on-site experience, allowing apprentices to earn while they train and progress to self-employment or specialist roles once qualified.

Industry advocates say the model demonstrates how closer collaboration between employers and education providers could help address skills shortages across construction.

“This isn’t just about filling vacancies, John adds, it’s about protecting a skilled trade, raising standards and giving young people access to stable, well-paid careers that don’t require university debt.”

Alan Heard, Wall & Floor Tiling Lecturer at Leeds College of Building said, “The partnership between the Topps group and Leeds College of Building is a great example of industry and training providers working together to address the national skills shortage. The support from Pro Tiler Tools has been very strong, from tile tool donations enabling us to create more challenging workshop projects for  apprentices, to raising awareness amongst employers. We’re hoping to increase the size of apprentice provision and we’re expecting the ongoing support and awareness raising activities should have a positive effect.”

Rob Smith, Head of Partnership and Skills, Leeds College of Building adds, “From an employers’ point of view, it has never been easier to take on an apprentice. Full support is provided by the college who guide employers through the onboarding process, ensuring all funding is in place, incentive payments are made available, and employers are supported to obtain any available grant funding. The government also pay 100% of the course costs and remove employer’s National Insurance contributions for their apprentice.”

With construction demand continuing to grow across housing, renovation and commercial sectors, the tiling industry is urging careers advisers, schools and policymakers to broaden the conversation around vocational routes.

To find out more about the new apprenticeship initiative, or to register your interest in taking on your own apprentice visit www.protilertools.co.uk/apprenticeships or call 01604 859800

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