Ceiling fixer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could take a college course which may help you to get a trainee job. Courses include:

• Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills
• Level 2 Certificate in Construction Operations
• Level 2 Diploma in Interior Systems
• Level 2 Diploma in Dry Lining

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could complete 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.

Entry requirements:

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

DirectApplication

You could apply directly to work as a ceiling fixer. Employers may ask for GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English, maths and design and technology. Experience as a construction labourer or tradesperson will be helpful.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of building and construction
• the ability to work well with your hands
• physical skills like lifting, bending and carrying
• knowledge of maths
• physical fitness and endurance
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• 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
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• knowledge of public safety and security
• business management skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• leadership skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to read English
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues

What you'll do:

Ceiling fixers fit suspended ceilings in buildings to cover pipework, wiring, heating and air conditioning systems.

In this job, you could:

• read technical drawings to plan the tasks on a job
• work from access platforms, ladders or scaffolding
• measure, set out and cut aluminium frameworks that hold ceiling panels
• fit insulation materials into ceiling spaces
• use hand and power tools to install panels
• trim panels to fit around fixtures like lights
• create gaps for tradespeople, like electricians, to get access
• fit partitioning, dry lining or raised access flooring
• check the quality of work

Location : You could work at a client's business, at a client's home or on a construction site.
Environment : Your working environment may be cramped and at height.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £17,000
Experienced : £34,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

42 - 44 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends

Career Path:

With experience, you could:

• move into site supervision
• get a manager position
• set up your own business