Carpet fitters and floor layers lay floor coverings in homes and commercial premises such as shops, bars, restaurants and offices. They work with a variety of materials including:

• carpeting
• carpet tiles
• wood
• laminates
• lino
• rubber
• cork sheeting.

The job is extemely varied, working at different locations and with a lot of different customers. Fitters and layers visit customers on site to measure up floor space and estimate how much material they need. Before a job gets underway, the fitter will draw up a plan that makes the most efficient use of materials and to ensure any patterned cuts/blocks match. 

Each job depends on the size and shape of each room and the type of floor covering required, but most jobs involve:

• clearing the work area of furniture and sometimes removing doors
• removing old carpet or flooring
• preparing the surface by cleaning, levelling and sealing with compound if required
• cutting and fitting underlay where required
• fixing flooring materials by one of several methods such as stretching over spiked grippers, stitching, taping, heat-sealing or gluing
• once fitted, the floor covering may be sprayed with a protective coating, then furniture is put back into place and doors re-hung.

Fitters may complete several jobs a day and usually work in a team of two or three people.

Hours and Environment

Most carpet fitters/floor layers work a basic 39-hour week, Monday to Friday. On commercial premises, evenings, nights and weekend work is often required to minimise disruption to clients' businesses.

The work can be physically demanding, with a lot of kneeling and bending, as well as carrying heavy flooring materials and moving furniture. Fitters come into contact with dust and chemical sprays, which may affect people with breathing difficulties or dust allergies.

Many jobs involve travel to sites within a large area, so a driving licence is often required.

Skills and Interests

To be a carpet fitter/floor layer you need:

• good practical skills
• good numeracy skills to work out measurements and costs
• to be physically fit
• a polite and pleasant manner for dealing with customers
• the ability to work quickly and accurately
• to be aware of health and safety issues.

Entry

There are no set entry requirements, but some employers may look for some GCSEs/S grades, or equivalent, in subjects such as maths, English, and design and technology.

There are various carpet fitting and floor laying courses available through colleges and private training providers. Courses range from beginners' level through to those aimed at experienced fitters.

More general construction courses, which are widely available at local colleges, can offer a useful background for the role, although they are not essential. Similarly, related experience such as floor tiling, joinery or upholstery may be an advantage.

A common route for young people is to train as a construction apprentice. Most apprentices start at 16 to 19, but entry may be possible up to 24 (see Training section for contacts). You will need four GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3), including maths and English or an appropriate equivalent.

For details about carpet fitting/floor laying as a career, see ConstructionSkills in Further Information.

Training

You train on the job with day or block release at local colleges or training providers leading to NVQ/SVQ qualifications. You work towards NVQ/SVQ in Floorcovering levels 1 to 3.

Together with mandatory units, you take options from:

• Textiles – tufted and woven carpeting, carpet tiles and sheeting
• Impervious coverings – tile and sheet forms
• Wood – block flooring and timber strip flooring.

Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland

Opportunities

Carpet fitters and floor layers work for:

• retail carpet shops
• department stores
• specialist flooring firms
• interior designers
• carpet showrooms
• carpet manufacturers.

It is possible to specialise in fitting carpets in domestic properties, commercial properties or in fitting other types of floor coverings such as vinyl, slate tiles, and hardwoods. There are opportunities for promotion to supervisor, products sales and contract management. Many carpet fitters and floor layers are self-employed, completing jobs on a sub-contract basis.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

New entrants earn between £11,500 and £13,500 a year.
Experienced fitters can earn between £15,000 and £18,500.
Carpet fitters with managerial duties can earn around £21,000 a year.

Some companies offer a vehicle as part of the salary package.

Further information

Tel: 0870 417 8777 Bircham Newton
King's Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 6RH
Tel: 01485 577577 Tel: 0870 8505262