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Dry liner

Alternative titles for this job include

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

£30,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 44 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays

How to become

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 Certificate in Construction Skills
  • Level 2 Diploma in Dry Lining
  • T level for Interior Systems

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
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

More Information

Apprenticeship

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

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'. Once working, 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

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
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • knowledge of maths
  • the ability to organise your time and workload
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • 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

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 - 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

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a site supervisor, estimator or dry lining quantity surveyor. You could also take training to move into other construction trades like carpentry and joinery.

You could set up your own dry lining business.

Current opportunities

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Dry Liner

  • Wage: £224.00 Weekly
  • Location: London

Level 2 Dry Lining Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £152.25 - £287.35 Weekly
  • Location:
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Dry Lining - Level 2 Diploma

  • Provider: EALING, HAMMERSMITH & WEST LONDON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 06 September 2021
  • Location: Southall
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