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Dry liner

Alternative titles for this job include Dry lining fixer

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

Average salary (a year)

£17,000 Starter

to

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 44 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

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 you need, such as:

  • Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills
  • Level 1 or 2 Diploma in Dry Lining

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through an interior systems installer intermediate apprenticeship.

This typically takes 24 months to complete as a mix of learning in the workplace and off-the-job study.

Another route might be to do a plasterer intermediate apprenticeship and specialise in dry lining later on.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Work

You could join a company as a dry liner's labourer or 'mate'. Your employer may be willing to put you through training towards industry qualifications.

Direct Application

You can apply directly if you've got on-site construction experience in joinery, plastering or ceiling fixing.

More Information

Registration

Further information

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

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of building and construction
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • physical skills like lifting, bending and carrying
  • the ability to work well with others
  • knowledge of maths
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • the ability to organise your time and workload
  • physical fitness and endurance
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

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

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You will:

  • measure and cut plasterboard to the right size
  • fix panels to timber, metal frames or ceiling joists using special studs
  • cut panels to fit around doorways and create openings for windows
  • seal joints using filler or adhesive
  • tape over seals either by hand or with a taping machine
  • apply a thin layer of plaster over the tape which is called skimming
  • sand 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 and use safety equipment.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

  • become a site supervisor, estimator or dry lining quantity surveyor
  • train to move into other construction trades like carpentry and joinery
  • set up your own dry lining business

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Drylining Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £10,004.80 Annually
  • Location: Plymouth

Waltham Forest: Level 2 Interior System Dry Lining - Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £8,754.20 to £17,290.00 Annually
  • Location: Not known
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Diploma in Dry Lining (Level 2) Programme

  • Provider: NCG
  • Start date: 04 September 2023
  • Location: London
Find courses near you

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