Floor layer

Floor layers prepare and level floors in new and old buildings. They then measure the area, and finally, lay the floor.

Work activities

Floor layers prepare floors for surfacing and use a variety of materials to cover them. Some choose to specialise in working with just one type of material. A floor layer’s work begins with careful preparation of the floor to be covered. The bare surface, which could be wood, concrete or asphalt must be scraped, cleaned and made smooth. Some coverings are laid using glue; carpet may be laid using either glue or gripper fixings; and wood floors require panels to be cut, fitted and joined. Laying wood floors demands extra skills in cutting and sawing and is often done by a specialist floor layer.

Being able to read, write and speak Welsh may be an advantage when you’re looking for work in Wales.

Personal qualities and skills

As a floor layer, you’ll need:

• To be an accurate and careful worker.
• Good practical skills.
• To be able to use cutting tools.
• Number skills.
• To be physically fit, as the work involves carrying, kneeling and bending.
• An awareness of the importance of health and safety in this industry.

As you may have to travel around locally, a driving licence would be useful for this type of work.

This job might not be suitable for people who have skin conditions, such as eczema, or breathing complaints, such as asthma.

Pay and opportunities

The pay rates given are approximate. Floor layers start on around £17,000, rising to £30,000 with experience.

Floor layers work a 45-47-hour week. Overtime, including Saturday working, may be available.

Employers are specialist flooring contractors. Opportunities for floor layers occur with flooring contractors in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Some floor layers are self-employed and work independently.

What’s happening in this work area?

Construction is an industry dominated by small firms. Employment levels are projected to grow steadily, as there is an urgent need for more housing over the coming decades. The construction industry is one of the most male dominated industries. Women account for only one in 10 of all jobs. The industry is actively trying to change this. Full-time working remains the main method of working.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training entry

A level 2 (intermediate) apprenticeship as a floor layer is a great place to start. There are also various relevant qualifications available from organisations like City and Guilds and Edexcel. These courses may be in a more general subject area, such as construction. You can work towards these independently; they may also be included on your apprenticeship scheme.

Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS): For most building companies, you’ll need a CSCS card to work on site. These cards show that you are qualified to do the work you’ve been employed for. Go to the CSCS website for more details.

Apprenticeships will usually involve work- and college-based training. You will also receive training in subjects like health and safety.

In the construction industry, it is possible to work up from craft-level positions to managerial roles, such as construction site manager.

Qualifications

If you wish to enter this career through an intermediate apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme. To enter a City & Guilds or Edexcel level 2 course in construction, you’ll usually need at least four GCSEs at grade 4 or below.

However, individual centres may have different entry requirements. You may be able to get on to one of the courses without any qualifications.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Related skills, for example, in woodworking or tiling, are useful.

Related careers

• Bricklayer
• Carpet fitter
• Ceiling fixer
• Glazier
• Plasterer
• Roofer
• Shopfitter
• Wall and floor tiler