Dry Liner
What is the work like?
As a dry liner, you would build internal walls in housing, offices and shops, using plasterboard panels instead of bricks. Your might also install removable wall partitions, suspended ceilings and raised flooring.
Most of your jobs would involve a first stage or ‘fixing' stage, putting up the panels, followed by a ’finishing' stage, where you would prepare the plasterboard for the decorators.
At the 'fixing’ stage, you would:
- measure and cut plasterboard to the right sizes and angles in line with design plans
- fix the panels to timber or metal frames (or ceiling joists) using special studs
- cut panels to fit around doorways and create openings for windows.
Once the walls are up, you would ‘finish’ them by:
- sealing joints using a filler or adhesive
- taping over the seal either by hand or with a taping machine
- applying a thin layer of plaster over the tape (skimming)
- sanding down the area ready for painting and decorating.
Dry lining methods are used to hide wiring or pipes, improve a room’s acoustics, provide a cavity space for insulation or to smooth out uneven walls during renovation work. This type of job could be combined with traditional plastering or relocatable partitioning work, for example sectioning off areas in open-plan offices.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
Although you do not need specific qualifications, most employers will want to see some GCSEs (or equivalent), such as maths, English or design and technology. Some knowledge of carpentry or plastering may also give you an advantage.
You could start by looking for work as a dry liner’s mate or labourer to gain on-site experience. Once working, the employer may be willing to put you through training.
You may be able to get into this job through a dry lining or plastering Apprenticeship scheme with a building firm, plasterboard manufacturer or dry lining company. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
As an alternative, you could take a college course to build up your skills before looking for work. Colleges may ask you to take a basic literacy and maths assessment as part of their selection process. Relevant courses include:
- City & Guilds (6217) Certificate in Basic Construction Skills: Plastering
- Intermediate Construction Award in Interior Systems (Dry Lining), or an Intermediate/Advanced Award in Plastering
- Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment (aimed at 14-19 age group from Sept 08).
You may find it helpful to have a driving licence, as the job would involve travel from site to site.
See ConstructionSkills for more information on careers and qualifications. The construction industry is also being promoted as a career choice for women through the Know Your Place campaign.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are with a company, you could train on the job and work towards the NVQ Level 2 in Interior Systems. The NVQ has options for:
- fixing plasterboard
- dry lining ceilings and floors
- relocatable partitions
- finishing surfaces.
You could also broaden your qualifications by taking the NVQ levels 2 and 3 in Plastering (Solid), which includes dry lining methods. If you have responsibility for overseeing projects, you could take the NVQ in Construction Site Supervision at Level 3, or the CIOB Certificate in Site Supervisory Studies at Level 3.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)
Many building contractors now insist that you have a CSCS card to work on their sites. The card is proof of your skills and competence. To get your card you must:
- pass a health and safety assessment
- have an NVQ or equivalent qualification.
If you are working without qualifications, you may be able to use On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) or Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) to get your NVQ and card. Contact CSCS or SkillsDirect for further details.
Where can I go for more information?
Tel: 0870 850 5262King's Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 6RH
Tel: 01485 577577
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries for newly-qualified dry liners are around £15,000 a year.
- Experienced staff can earn between £20,000 and £30,000.
- Supervisory managers and estimators could earn more, depending on the contract.
Figures are intended as a guideline only
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would normally work up to 40 hours a week but this could rise to between 45 and 60 on a short-term contract.
Most of your time would be spent fitting out interiors in offices, industrial units, shops and new housing. You may occasionally have to work evenings, nights or weekends on commercial jobs, to minimise disruption to the client’s business.
Dry lining can be physically demanding, as you would have to lift and move panels into place. You would also work from ladders or a small scaffold when fitting a ceiling.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good practical skills
- reasonable fitness levels
- good number skills for working out surface areas and angles
- the ability to work to a high degree of accuracy
- the ability to read technical diagrams
- an understanding of Building Regulations
- the ability to work in a small team and alone
- a safety conscious approach to work.
What opportunities are there?
Dry lining and fitting interiors is one of the fastest growing areas in construction, with industry bodies predicting a demand for around 4,000 qualified dry liners over the next four years.
You could work for house builders, office and shopfitting companies or manufacturers. You can find jobs advertised in the local press and jobcentres, or you could contact companies directly.
With experience and further training, you could become a site supervisor, estimator, dry lining quantity surveyor or become self-employed.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading:
Federation of Plastering and Drywall Contractors (search for dry lining contractors)
Association of Interior Specialists
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