Dry Liner – Cambridge

Job Description

Individuals wishing to become Dry Liners do not need to have any formal qualifications or training, although they are likely to be beneficial.

Prospective Dry Liners should have good practical skills, be able to read diagrams and technical drawings and a good level of fitness.

Dry Liners build internal walls in residential and commercial structures. They use plasterboard panels to reduce cost and weight and also to make the walls easier to move or remove.

As a dry liner, your work would involve a ‘fixing’ stage, followed by a ‘finishing’ stage.

At the ‘fixing’ stage, you would:

• Measure and cut plasterboard to the right sizes and angles.
• 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.

You would then ‘finish’ the walls by:

• Sealing joints using 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, and provide a cavity space for insulation or to smooth out uneven walls during renovation work. This role could be combined with traditional plastering or other types of work, for example sectioning off areas in open-plan offices.

Typical Working Week

You will work on site for four days per week and attend college for one day a week. Most site hours are Monday to Friday, 08.00-17.00.

Person Specification

• Punctual
• Positive attitude to work and colleagues
• Ability and awareness of working safely
• Self-motivation
• Desire to learn
• Has strong self-awareness
• Is both resilient and committed
• Is always looking to improve
• Enjoys being a team player

Career Progression

Dry Lining is a modern method of construction and once qualified, you’ll be in high demand. Many dry liners are self-employed and work as subcontractors. Some set up their own companies. There are opportunities for promotion to supervisory positions and to take higher level NVQ’s. Experienced dry liners can become occupational work supervisors in charge of a gang. Further training is also available for people wishing to become construction site supervisors and managers. It may also be possible to find contract work abroad.

Key Training/College Information

K10 will enrol and fund your qualifications through a SFA funded training provider.

Qualifications required/desirable

Apprentices need to have at least Entry Level 3 in Functional skills or GSCE grade 3 or above in English, Maths and ICT. It will be an advantage if you have previous related work experience, interior systems or multi-skills qualifications, CSCS and/or PASMA.