Floor Covering
Apprenticeship

How long does it take to complete an apprenticeship in Floor Covering?

A formal apprenticeship in Floor Covering is 6,000 hours in length—hours that are accumulated through a combination of work experience (about 90% of total hours) and in school training (about 10% of total hours). The apprenticeship period is broken down into six 1,000 hour terms.

In what areas is a Floor Covering Installer apprentice trained?

A Floor Covering Installer apprentice is trained in four main areas:

• Resilient Tile;
• Resilient Sheet Goods;
• Carpets and Pads; and
• Hardwood Floors.

What are the prerequisites for becoming an apprentice?

To start an apprenticeship, individuals must be 16 years of age or older and have a minimum grade 10 education in Canada or a proven Canadian equivalency.
Strong math and communication skills are essential.

How much does an apprentice earn?

Apprentice wages increase according to apprenticeship term. The current hourly ICI collective agreement rates for Floor Covering apprentices are:

A fully trained journey level Floor Covering Installer currently earns $42.16 per hour.

The above rates do not include 10% vacation pay, health and welfare, or pension benefits.

What schooling is required during the apprenticeship period?

Apprentices are required to successfully complete two mandatory blocks of in-school training throughout their apprenticeships: Basic (10 weeks); and Advanced (11 weeks).

What costs are involved in becoming an apprentice?

Apprentices are required to pay for the following:

• A basic level tool set and personal protective equipment (i.e., hard hat, safety glasses, and safety boots).
  This will cost approximately $300.00.
• $500.00 for the Basic in-school course and $550.00 for Advanced.
• Text books for all levels of schooling.
• A Union initiation fee ($168.00 – $412.00).

Who tracks the apprentice’s work experience hours?

Apprentices are responsible for keeping track of their own work hours; obtaining an employer’s verification signature; and submitting them to CCAT on a monthly basis.

How do you obtain a Certificate of Qualification in Floor Covering?

Once apprentices have completed the required schooling and work experience, they may write the Floor Covering Certificate of Qualification examination through the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development. A provincial C of Q and inter-provincial or “Red Seal” certificate will be granted to those scoring over 70%.

Are there any additional training or upgrading opportunities for Local 27 members?

The INSTALL (International Standards and Training Alliance) program – which was adopted by our College of Carpenters and Allied Trades in 2004 – is a comprehensive training program for residential, commercial and institutional floor covering installers throughout the United States and Canada. It is a collaborative effort involving mills, manufacturers, contractors and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters. INSTALL certified installers are recognized as having the necessary skills to meet the highest demands of floor covering installation in today’s market.

Increasingly, in the United States, manufacturers are requiring that installers be INSTALL certified in order for their product warranty to be validated. This trend is expected to continue and is becoming a factor in Canada as well.

Being an INSTALL certified installer will not only bring greater credibility to our industry, but it will ultimately enhance the competitiveness of Union employers. We strongly encourage all journey floor covering installers to participate in the Certification Testing.

INSTALL certification testing is offered through the College of Carpenters and Allied Trades. Testing takes place over two weekends (Thursday evening for approximately 3 hours and all day Saturday).

Testing should be booked with Erika Pahl at 905-652-5507 ext. 233

In addition to the mandatory apprenticeship schooling, a variety of trade related evening and weekend continuing education courses are available at no additional cost to Local 27 members in good standing. Examples of such courses are: blueprint reading, layout, welding, construction math etc.

Union members are strongly encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities as a means of further developing their skills and enhancing their employability.

Click here for a list and descriptions of available continuing education courses.