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Dry liner

Dry liners use plasterboard panels to build internal walls, suspended ceilings and raised flooring in houses, offices and shops.

Average salary (a year)

£10,000 Starter

to

£30,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 44 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays

How to become a Dry liner

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

College

You could take a college course to get some of the skills needed in this job. Courses include:

  • Level 1 Award in Dry Lining Operations
  • Level 2 Diploma in Dry Lining

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G) for a level 1 course
  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D) for a level 2 course

More information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to get into this career by completing a construction specialist interior systems intermediate apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More information

Work

You could start by joining a company as a dry liner's labourer or 'mate'. Once working, your employer may be willing to put you through training towards industry qualifications.

Direct application

You could apply directly if you've got experience in woodworking or working as a building operative. 

More information

Registration

Further information

You can find more details about careers and training in dry lining through Go Construct.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of building and construction
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • ambition and a desire to succeed
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • knowledge of maths
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • being able to use a computer terminal or hand-held device may be beneficial for this job.

Restrictions and requirements

You may need a driving licence to transport yourself and your equipment from job to job.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your work will involve a ‘fixing' stage, followed by a ’finishing' stage. At the 'fixing' stage, you’ll:

  • measure and cut plasterboard to the right sizes and angles
  • fix panels to timber, metal frames or ceiling joists using special studs
  • cut panels to fit around doorways and create openings for windows

You’ll 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

Working environment

You could work at a client's business, at a client's home or on a construction site.

Your working environment may be physically demanding and at height.

You may need to wear safety clothing.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a site supervisor, estimator or dry lining quantity surveyor. 

You could also set up your own dry lining business. 

Training opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Scaffolding Apprentice

  • Wage : Competitive salary
  • Location: Barrow-in-Furness LA14 1AF

Floorlaying Apprentice

  • Wage : £156.00 Weekly
  • Location: Exeter EX2 8QA
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Diploma in Dry Lining (dry lining, plasterboard, partitioning, Internal walling, suspended ceiling)

  • Provider: Barking & Dagenham College
  • Start date: 04 September 2019
  • Location: Romford

Intermediate Diploma in Dry Lining (Level 2)

  • Provider: Ealing, Hammersmith & West London College
  • Start date: 05 November 2019
  • Location: Middlesex
Find courses near you

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