Carpet fitter and floor layer

As a carpet fitter or floor layer, you'll:

• measure floor space to be covered and estimate the materials needed
• remove old flooring and prepare the work area
• fit underlay, carpets, tiles, vinyl or wooden flooring
• spray floor coverings with protective coatings
• put furniture back and trim and re-hang doors if removed
• follow safety guidelines when working with glues, solvents and other chemicals

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to work well with your hands
• customer service skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to work on your own
• knowledge of maths
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You may need a driving licence for some jobs.

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• applying directly
• training with a professional body

With experience, you could become a flooring team supervisor, estimator or contracts manager.

You could move into related areas like training, buying or product sales.

You could also set up your own business, laying carpets and installing floors in domestic and commercial properties.