Floorcovering Installer

Who am I?
Would you like to work indoors with others? Are you in good physical condition? Do you have an eye for colour? Are you good at measuring things? Then, Floorcovering Installer could be the job for you!

What do I do?
If you choose Floorcovering Installer, you will do precise work using blueprints or verbal instructions. You will be installing, repairing and replacing resilient floorcovering materials. These include underlay, carpet, sheet goods (e.g. vinyl) and resilient tile. You may also install carpet and vinyl wall coverings. You will do most of your work in commercial, residential and industrial buildings.

How much do I make?
As an apprentice Floorcovering Installer, you earn at least minimum wage. The journeyman rate of pay is $14 to $28 an hour plus benefits. In addition to the basic hourly rate, employers provide statutory holiday and vacation pay. Employers also may provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care, retirement packages, and training benefits. In total, benefits can be worth 20% to 30% over the basic hourly pay rate. Some employers pay according to the amount of work done instead of by the hour.

The standard workweek is 40 hours. As with most jobs in construction, some overtime is possible.

How do I advance?
With experience and additional training, you can advance into supervisory positions. You could also move into sales, customer relations or contract out your services. You could also set up your own retail business.

Like most careers in the construction industry, your skills in this occupation are portable. If you want to relocate, you can take your skills with you.

How do I learn?
Alberta’s Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act specifies that to work as a Floorcovering Installer in Alberta, you must be a registered apprentice of the trade, a certified journeyman of the trade, work for an employer who is satisfied that you have the skills and knowledge expected of a certified journeyman of the trade, or be self employed.

To enter the Floorcovering Installer apprenticeship program administered by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, you must have at least an Alberta Grade 9 education or equivalent or you must pass an entrance exam. You must also find an appropriate employer who is willing to hire and train you as an apprentice. Employers generally prefer to hire high school graduates, and may select apprentices from among their current employees.

To register in the apprenticeship program, you and your employer must complete the Apprenticeship Application and Contract form and submit it to the nearest Apprenticeship and Industry Training office.

How long will it take?
Your apprenticeship lasts three years (three 12-month periods) including at least 1390 hours of on-the-job training and seven weeks of technical training in the first year, and at least 1420 hours of on-the-job training and six weeks of technical training in the second. In your third year, you need at least 1600 hours of on-the-job training.

If you have successfully completed related courses of study, a pre-employment program or work experience, you may be eligible for advanced standing in the apprenticeship program.

Where do I learn?
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training arranges for the availability of technical training. This training is usually offered at technical institutes or colleges. Once you become an apprentice, you are responsible for registering yourself for this training. You must contact the training provider directly. For more information on where Floorcovering Installer technical training is available, visit www.tradesecrets.org.

When you attend technical training, you must pay the applicable tuition fee and buy supplies. Most apprentices are eligible for employment insurance (EI) while attending technical training. For more information, contact your local Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) office.

You may also be eligible for a grant, scholarship or other financial assistance. For more information, visit www.tradesecrets.org.

Certification
As soon as you successfully complete the on-the-job training, technical training and examinations required by the apprenticeship training program, you are awarded an Alberta Journeyman Certificate.

Once certified, you may attempt the Interprovincial Exam to qualify for the Interprovincial Standards’ Red Seal. With a Red Seal, you can practice your trade in any province or territory in Canada where the trade is designated without any further examination.

Jump-start your career in construction
While you’re still in high school, check out your school’s Career and Technology Studies (CTS) courses. These hands-on courses can help you build the basic skills you need for work in the construction industry.

You could also begin an apprenticeship program and earn high school credits at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). After high school graduation, many RAP apprentices complete apprenticeship programs while working full-time.

See your school counsellor for more information on CTS courses and RAP.

Where can I find out more?
For more information on career planning, apprenticeship and occupational training, or educational programs, contact the Career Information Hotline. Ask for the nearest Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training office or Alberta Human Resources and Employment service center. Phone: 1-800-661-3753 toll-free in Alberta or (780) 422-4266 in Edmonton. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing: 1-800-232-7215 for message relay service or (780) 422-5283 for TDD service.
For more information on careers in construction, visit our web site at www.careersconstruction.com.
You can also visit Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training’s web site at www.tradesecrets.org.