In an effort to provide online training to support tile contracting companies, development of the first year of the National Tile Contractors Association’s (NTCA) apprenticeship program will soon be complete. The first year, introduced at Coverings 2016, is divided into two six-month increments. The first section focuses on introducing the worker to the tile industry, promoting safety in the workplace, the types of tools that will be used on a regular basis, and basic knowledge of mixing materials and how products are used together. The second phase will go into further detail of installation processes like surface preparation and profiling.

The program was developed to attract people into the trade with a clear path of training while they are employed and being compensated. The online program is intended to support contractors own training efforts on the jobsite. It serves as related learning for a Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship program that a contractor provides, or any additional training for introductory employees including sales people, counter help at a distributor, or helpers. The program can also serve as a refresher course. Contractors can sign up for the program through NTCA University for an all-access subscription and can register any current or future employee.