Dryliner
Dryliners use plasterboard and panels to build internal walls, suspended ceilings and raised flooring in houses, offices and shops.
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
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.
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.
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
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
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
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.
You can apply directly for jobs if you've got on-site construction experience in joinery, plastering or ceiling fixing.
Registration
- you'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site
Further information
You can get more details about drylining as a career from Go Construct and House Building Careers.
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This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.