Tired of loosing jobs to the $1.50 to $2.50 sf guys - guys with no business licence, no insurance, no WCB, etc, etc. Perhaps it is high time for a national training requirement for qualified installers. Wondering what others think and how we can make it a reality.

I've been saying that for years.

That would be ideal, however the reality of it is, its not going to happen. I know, never say never but the truth of the matter is it has to be initiated on a government level.
There's no incentive to make a tile setter licensed. Anything to do with tile setting is not part of any building departments code requirements to meet the health and safety of new home or renovation construction. Yes, there is a very small code application with regards to tile in the Ontario Building Code, but its not enough to create a whole new apprenticeship and licensing program at a government level.

I'm a licensed carpenter by trade and never once has anyone ever asked for my credentials to construct an entire home or do renovations.

Most tile setting is done where there is no permit required for a job so why would someone need to be licensed for that type of work.

Too bad the system is not like that of German standards where you don't even set tile for anyone on your own till your apprenticeship is done and you have passed the final exams.

Yes, our industry is flawed and unfortunately even if there were licensing requirements the same old problem of low ball pricing and substandard work will always be there. Actually even more so.

That's right Randall ... also, the onus is on the consumer to find qualified tradespeople ... licence or no licence.
The TTMAC (in Canada) is an organization which regulates some of the industry standards, but no one is forced to comply.
Each product requires a certain material and installation process for the warranty to be honoured. You would think consumers or retailers would use better tradespeople for their installations, even for that reason alone.
Anyone with a the tools and a business card can claim they are a qualified tilesetter.

Maybe we can get Mike Holmes on this band wagon. He might have some political connections to make changes. I here ya, Randall. But wouldn't it at least level the playing field? I know having a licence doesn't mean corners wouldn't get cut or substandard work won't occur. At least there should be some minimum requirement for training. Perhaps then it would weed out the fly by night guys and allow the legitimate business people to earn a living.
I see industry training as a plus for everyone. It could only help this industry.

Holmes is on the band wagon. His approach is more along the line of educating the consumer to pick a reputable contractor. Unfortunately his constant berating against contractors to consumers makes us all look bad in the eyes of the client.

Level the playing field, maybe. You would then have to make carpet, hardwood and vinyl installers legit also. And we all know thats not going to happen. Where do you draw the line?
Personally, I think any trade involved with constructing or renovating a home should be qualified. I wish I had the answer on how to make that happen.

Funding and interest is not there to create programs at a college level for this type of work. As a professional in this business you need to stay a notch above the hacks by self education. Stay on top of the latest trends or products by attending trade shows, seminars, product demos etc.

....or just come here every day.

Indeed, this site is fantastic. There is a wealth of knowledge on both Harry's site and John's site. I would even pay to use the information on here.
Hardwood installers should probably be licenced too ... came across a hardwood install done by painters a few months back ... hardwood was installed in the same direction as the floor joists with a 5/8 subfloor ... looking across the floor it looked like water waves ... felt like it too when walked across ... the poor home owner paid $3 SF for the install, not to mention the cost of the hardwood. It just urks me when I see things like that.

You can start sending your cheques

My cheques have such a high rubber content in them right now RC, I could use them as a pan liner.