What is the work like?
Dry liners build the internal walls in houses, offices and shops, using plasterboard panels instead of bricks. They might also install removable wall partitions, suspended ceilings and raised flooring.
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, 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?
There are no set entry requirements for becoming a dry liner. You could start by joining a company as a dry liner’s ‘mate’. Once working, your employer may then be willing to give you further training. You may not need any qualifications, but employers will expect you to show evidence of your maths skills and practical ability.
As the job involves travel from site to site, you may need a driving licence.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working, you would usually receive training from an experienced member of staff. Your employer may encourage you to complete the NVQ Level 2 in Interior Systems. The NVQ has options in:
- fixing plasterboard
- dry lining ceilings and floors
- relocatable partitions
- finishing surfaces.
You could also increase your skills by working towards 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.
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries 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. You may have to work evenings, nights or weekends on commercial contracts, to limit disruption to the client’s business.
The work can be physically demanding, as you would have to lift and move panels into place. You would 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 maths 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?
You could work for house builders, office and shopfitting companies. Jobs are advertised in the local press, Jobcentre Plus, or by contacting companies directly.
With experience, you could become a site supervisor, estimator or dry lining quantity surveyor. You could also set up your own business.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
Federation of Plastering and Drywall Contractors (search for dry lining contractors)
Association of Interior Specialists
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