Dry Liner – Kingston

Here’s a video taster to give you a flavour of Dry-Lining

Job Description

Individuals wishing to become dry liners do not need to have any formal qualifications or training, although if you do they are likely to be advantageous.

Prospective dry liners should have good practical skills, be able to read diagrams and technical drawings and have 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 will involve a ‘fixing’ stage, followed by a ‘finishing’ stage.

At the ‘fixing’ stage, you will:

• 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 will 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. It is likely to take 12-24 months to complete this apprenticeship, depending on current qualifications and experience.

Person Specification

• Punctual
• Positive attitude to work and colleagues
• Practical ability and awareness of working safely
• Reasonable fitness levels
• Self-motivation and desire to learn
• Is both resilient and committed
• Good co-ordination skills and a methodical approach
• 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. It is likely to take 12-24 months to complete this apprenticeship, depending on current qualifications and experience.

Qualifications required

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

Desirable

The passion and commitment to become a fully qualified dry liner. It would be advantageous if you have already completed technical certificates in interior systems or multi-skills, have previous related work experience, CSCS and/or PASMA, but this is certainly not essential.