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Dryliner

Alternative titles for this job include Drylining fixer

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

Average salary (a year)

£22,000 Starter

to

£43,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 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

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 in this job. Courses include:

  • drylining
  • construction skills - drylining

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an Interior Systems Installer Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

This typically takes 2 years to complete and is a mix of training in the workplace and off-site study.

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 dryliner's labourer or 'mate'. Your employer may be willing to put you through training while you work to become a qualified dryliner.

Direct Application

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

More Information

Registration

Further information

You can get more details about drylining as a career from Go Construct and House Building Careers.

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
  • the ability to work well with others
  • knowledge of maths
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • physical fitness and endurance
  • the ability to organise your time and workload
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You may need a driving licence for some jobs.

What you’ll do

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a dryliner, you'll:

  • measure and cut plasterboard to the right size, following plans
  • fix panels to timber and metal frames, or to ceiling joists, using studs
  • cut panels to fit around doorways and create openings for windows
  • seal joints using tape, filler or adhesive
  • apply a thin layer of plaster over panels and joints, known as skimming
  • sand down work areas ready for painting and decorating
  • dispose of any building waste safely

Working environment

You could work at a client's home, at a client's business 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 and further training, you could move into:

  • site management
  • estimating
  • plastering
  • drylining quantity surveying

You could also train apprentices in further education or set up your own business.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Interior Systems Installer (Drylining) Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £15,704 to £25,396.80 a year Annually
  • Location: Morris Walk North,, Pett Street,, Woolwich,

Interior Systems Installer (Drylining) Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £15,704 to £25,396.80 a year Annually
  • Location: Fellowship Square, Forest Road, London
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

CGLI L2 Extended Technical Occupational Entry in Plastering (Solid Plastering and Dry Lining) (Diploma) (FL2)

  • Provider: NCG
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Find courses near you

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