What does it take to be a tile setter?

[Fishboy]

Aloha nui loa Punatics,
I'm planning on moving to the BI in about two years and I'm looking through about five different jobs websites weekly for positions similar to what I do now. I don't see many opportunities, but I DO see opportunities for construction support such as finishers and tile setters.

I've done a bit of tile work on my current home, but I wouldn't say I'm all that proficient. Nevertheless, I really enjoy setting tile and I have all my own tools. Can someone please clue me in on what level of experience is necessary to get started on something like tile setting? Are there any professional certifications or other training that would open some doors either before or after I make the move?

Does anyone have a sense for the current demand for tradespeople like tile setters?

Appreciate the feedback,
Brian

[Kapohocat]

Besides experience, Do you have patience? From the bad and good tile jobs i have seen very recently, patience is the difference.

By that I mean the patience to get a straight line, work from that line, and be able to set only enough tile so that your thin set stays the right consistency. Not try to do the whole job in 2 hours... the best job i have seen took 4 days to lay about 900 sf... but it is perfect. grout lines all the same - no wandering from 1/8" to 1/2" - tiles all flat - no toe stubbers... it all took patience ... and a bit of skill...

Get hired on as a tile laborer and learn!

[Jared I]

8 fingers.

Haaa. I kill myself.