If you are thinking about training as a tiler, one of the first things you will look at is doing a tiling course. Our tiling courses are the best and quickest way to reliably learn and remember all the skills you need to get into the tiling industry. If you’re interested in a tiling career, a course may just be the best investment you ever make. With that said, it can still be a significant cost for many, especially if you are unemployed or on low income. That is why many people start by asking whether any funding for tiling courses is available and how the different schemes work. The short answer is yes, there are several options, although each one has its own rules, so it is worth understanding them properly before you make any decisions.

There is no single national scheme that covers every area of the UK. Instead, funding tends to come from specific programmes that support specific groups such as unemployed people, people who have been made redundant, or adults who need to retrain. There are also occasional local grants that can help with course costs. Knowing what you might qualify for can make the whole process much easier.

Funding Through The Department For Work And Pensions

One of the main places people look first is the Department for Work and Pensions. Over the years, the DWP has offered different training schemes aimed at helping people move back into work. These schemes change every so often, but the general idea stays the same. If someone is unemployed and wants to train in a practical skill that helps them into a job or self employment, the DWP may be able to support them with what is known as low value provision.

This allows work coaches to refer suitable candidates onto approved courses. Funding is not automatic, though. It usually depends on your personal circumstances, your work coach’s agreement and whether the training is considered useful in helping you into work. If you are interested in this route, it is worth booking an appointment with your work coach and explaining why tiling fits your goals and the importance of our tiling courses in achieving those goals. The more prepared you are, the better your chances of getting the referral.

One important thing to remember is that DWP funded places are limited. Some centres may only receive a certain number each year or each quarter. It is also common for waiting lists to form. If you want to take this route, speak to the course provider early so they can tell you whether any funded places are currently available.

Funding For People Who Have Been Made Redundant

If you have recently lost your job, you may qualify for specific support that helps people retrain. Redundancy often pushes people to think about a fresh start and a trade like tiling can be appealing because it is hands on, steady and in demand. In England, Scotland and Wales, there have been different schemes over the years that help people who have been made redundant get back into work through retraining.

In Wales, for example, the ReAct programme has helped thousands of people retrain. The current version, known as ReAct Plus, can cover tiler training costs and sometimes offers extra support for travel, equipment or childcare. To qualify, you usually need proof of redundancy or unemployment and you must apply within 12 months of being made redundant. The application process involves completing a form and speaking with an adviser who checks that the course you want to take is suitable. If you live in Wales and have been made redundant, this scheme is worth looking into because it often covers the full cost of the course.

Similar support may be available in England and Scotland, although the details vary between areas. Some combined authorities offer adult retraining grants for people who are switching careers. These schemes usually focus on trades and practical skills, especially those linked to construction and home improvement. It is worth speaking to your local careers service or job centre to see what might be available in your region.

Support For Adults Looking To Retrain

Not everyone seeking funding is unemployed or redundant. Some people want to change careers because they want a more practical job or because they need something with better long term stability. If you are in this position, your options depend on where you live and the type of course you want to take.

Many tiling courses fall outside the qualifications that are funded through the standard adult education budget, but there are still some ways to find support. Local councils occasionally offer grants for adults who want to upskill. These grants are usually targeted at residents who would benefit from switching careers, especially into roles linked to construction. They are not widely advertised, so it is worth checking with your local authority.

Employer Support

Another option, although less common, is employer support. Some people already work in construction or a related trade and their employer may be willing to contribute towards the cost of a tiling course. This usually happens when the employer benefits from having an extra skill within their team. For example, a bathroom fitting company might prefer to have someone who can tile rather than relying on subcontractors.

If you already work in a job that is connected to property maintenance, renovations or construction, it is worth asking your employer if they would consider helping with the course fee. Even if they do not cover the full cost, they may be willing to pay part of it.

Funding For Young Adults

If you are younger and thinking about learning a trade, there are a few specific routes worth looking into. Some young adults qualify for support through local training schemes or youth employment programmes. These programmes vary a lot between regions, so you will need to speak to your local careers service to see what is currently available.

It is also possible to gain tiling skills through apprenticeships, although these are usually quite a lot longer and more suited to people who want a structured workplace based route into the trade. A private tiling course is the quicker and more direct way to learn the required skills, which is why most people prefer that route instead.

Travel Support And Extra Costs

Some funding schemes do not just cover the cost of the course. They may also offer support for travel or childcare. This is especially useful if you live far from the training centre. For example, the ReAct Plus programme in Wales has previously offered travel support for eligible learners. Other schemes sometimes offer similar help, depending on your circumstances.

If you think you will struggle with travel costs, ask the training provider whether any assistance is available. They may know about local schemes that are not widely advertised.

How To Improve Your Chances Of Getting Funding

Whatever route you take, the more prepared you are, the better your chances. If you need to speak to a work coach or adviser, take a clear list of reasons why tiling is the right path for you. It helps to explain what appeals to you, whether you want to be self employed and what the job opportunities are like in your area.

Training providers can often give you a course outline that you can show to your adviser. This helps you demonstrate that the course is practical, realistic and aligned with your goals. Proof of job demand in your region can also strengthen your case. Trades are generally in steady demand, and tilers are needed across most of the UK, especially in areas with older housing stock or active renovation markets.

Checking The Most Up To Date Information

Funding changes from time to time, so it is important to check the latest details. Training providers usually keep track of funding options, especially the ones they work with regularly, so it is always worth speaking to them directly. They know which schemes are currently available, how the referral process works and what documentation you need.

Government websites are also useful, although they can sometimes be difficult to navigate. Local job centres, careers services and council websites are often better sources for information that applies to your region.

Finding funding for a tiling course can feel confusing when you first start looking, but once you understand the different routes it becomes much clearer. Whether you are unemployed, recently made redundant, changing careers or looking to add a new skill to your work, there are options available. The key is to check what you might qualify for, ask questions early and keep an open mind. Even if you do not qualify for a full grant, spreading the cost or using a payment plan can still make it achievable.

To learn more, take a look at our page on ReAct+ or contact us at info@uktilingcourses.co.uk or on 0333 772 1933 and we will be happy to provide all of the information you require for your funding application.