NTCA BENEFITS BOX Introduction to the tile trade video Over the summer, the NTCA pro- duced a 5:57 minute video for use in introducing new tile installers to the trade and spreading the word about the many opportunities available in tile setting and finishing. It’s designed for those in the tile industry or in educa- tion to take into high schools and trade schools to raise awareness and interest in what the tile trade has to offer. Narrated by NTCA executive director Bart Bettiga, it focuses on the time- less aspect of tile, and the craft of tile installation as an opportunity for a rewarding construction career. Art, math, science, and language skills all come into play in this multifaceted line of work. It explains that tile setters and finishers will learn and weave together creativity, exacting standards, business acumen and a variety of attributes into a hands-on career that cannot be outsourced. And because tile setting is a highly skilled career, qualified and certified tile installers command better compensation than those who trade in low-use products and services. The video points out that tile set- ting and finishing are also professions where, in many cases, you can earn as you learn with on-the-job mentorships and apprenticeships that build trusted partnerships between you and your employer. In addition to directing viewers to resources to get more information on potential employers, it spells out per- sonal attributes possessed by success- ful tile setters: they are dependable, hardworking, mechanically inclined, have a sense of urgency, and are self motivated critical thinkers. Tile install- ers also benefit from being skilled in communications, time management, planning, with leadership abilities and the ability to retain knowledge. And installers and finishers have the satis- faction of having been part of visual landmarks in the community and cre- ating functioning works of art. YoucanfindthevideoontheNational Tile Contractors Association YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/c/ NationalTileContractorsAssociation. 118 TileLetter | October 2018