Floor layer

How to become a floor layer

Most floor layers start out by doing an apprenticeship and training on-the-job. You should explore these routes to become a floor layer to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

College/training provider

Your local college or training provider may offer courses which will help you start your career as a floor layer. You could study for a Level 1 Award in Flooring Operations or Basic Construction Skills with flooring options, or an NVQ Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Floorcovering.

You could also study short courses delivered by the Flooring Industry Training Association (FITA), the Contract Flooring Association (CFA), the National Institute for Carpet and Floorlayers (NICF) and the UK Flooring Academy.

You’ll generally need:

● 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G) (level 1 course)

● 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D) (level 2 course).

More experienced workers can upskill through the On Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) route.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a course near you
• Funding advice

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a construction firm is a good way into the industry. You could complete an intermediate apprenticeship as a floor layer.

You’ll need 2-3 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

• Find an apprenticeship near you
• Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have some basic experience, you could apply directly to a specialist floor laying company to gain on-site experience as a floor layer. You might start out as an assistant to a more experienced floor layer and progress as your abilities improve.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a floor layer. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

• Find out more about work experience

Skills

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a floor layer include:

• Great customer service
• Ability to work well both on your own and with others
• Communication skills
• Good maths knowledge.

What does a floor layer do?

As a floor layer you could be:

• Measuring up floor space
• Working out the materials needed
• Preparing the base and laying sub-flooring where necessary
• Clearing away furniture and taking off doors
• Removing old flooring
• Cleaning, levelling and sealing the work area
• Gluing or nailing underlay into place
• Installing the final floor finish.

How much could you earn as a floor layer?

The expected salary for a floor layer varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained floor layers can earn £17,000 - £20,000
• Trained floor layers with some experience can earn £20,000 - £30,000
• Senior or master floor layers can earn £30,000 - £35,000*
• Self-employed floor layers set their own pay rates.

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources and have been updated as of 2019

Check out the latest floor layer vacancies:

• Contract Flooring Journal
• Indeed
• Totaljobs

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a team supervisor, estimator or contracts manager.

You could move into areas like buying and product sales.

You could also start your own business in laying carpets and flooring or work as a subcontractor.