What would my working day look like?Some of the tasks you may complete are:

Fitting suspended ceilings, decorative plasterboard and plaster glass partitions, fire rating systems, acoustic tiles and composite wall linings to domestic and commercial buildings

Installing special metal and fibre ceilings

Bridging and bracing various suspension systems

Estimate the quantity of materials required by measuring surfaces or reviewing a work order

Measure room dimensions and estimate the number and sizes of plasterboard (gyprock) sheets required

Plumb and straighten corners, angles and wall and ceiling surfaces

Measure and mark cutting lines on plasterboard

Cut plasterboard, lift and position panels, and nail or secure them with glue to walls and ceilings

Prepare corner beads and secure them in position

Set and fix precast ornamental plaster ceilings, cornices and panel mouldings, ceiling centres and other plaster fittings

Operate pump-driven spray machines to apply various plasters, fire-proofing and sound-proofing materials

Mix and apply coats of plaster, cement or similar materials to walls and ceilings, levelling and smoothing using trowels to obtain an even thickness

I might enjoy this job if: I enjoy practical and manual activities

I have good hand eye coordination

I am not scared of heights

I am good at subjects such as Math, English, Design and Technology and manual subjects like woodwork and metal work

Working conditions and hoursYou will generally work indoors on the interior finishes of new and renovated homes, and commercial buildings such as offices, shopping centres, hotels, hospitals and leisure venues. You will use equipment such as panel board lifters, hand tools, screw guns and vacuum sanders. You will need to wear protective gear such as dust masks, hard hats and overalls as your work can get dusty and dirty. You will generally work full time (up to 43 hours per week) and/or on a contract basis.

How do I become a Wall & Ceiling Fixer?If you’re still at school or you are post-secondary schooling and don’t have any experience in the industry, enrol in the Certificate II in Building and Construction – Trades pathway. This qualification will give you the basic skills and knowledge related to the industry and may improve your chances in gaining an apprenticeship.

Otherwise, to become a tradesperson and get a trade certificate you’ll need to complete a Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining as an apprenticeship, which takes up to 48 months to complete.

Future pathways and opportunitiesFuture career development may involve working as a sub-contractor or starting your own business.

With further training and experience your career could lead you to become a Site Supervisor or Registered Builder.

Wall and Ceiling Fixers install suspended and decorative ceilings, often in big modern buildings such as shopping centres, office buildings, hospitals and cinemas as well as new and renovated homes. Without them we would be looking up at rafters, wires and plumbing pipes, and have problems effectively insulating our homes against extremes of temperature.

Also known as: Wall & Ceiling Liner.

Wall and Ceiling Fixer

Career Profile:

cfc@ctf.wa.gov.au

Australian Apprenticeship Support Network Providers – www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au

Job Outlook – www.joboutlook.gov.au

Next StepsFurther information can be found at:

Jobs and Skills WA – www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au

Australian Apprenticeship Pathways – www.aapathways.com.au

Information was sourced from Department of Education, Skills and Employment Job Outlook website. The information provided is only to be used as a guide

What skills and personal qualities do I need?

Be interested in doing neat, accurate and decorative work with good attention to detail

Enjoy doing practical work and have good manual skills

Be safety conscious, especially for working at heights and in confined spaces

Be a team player and able to work independently

Be physically fit for the physical demands of the job

Good work ethic, hardworking and reliable

Average Pay

$1,600 per week

depending on your qualifications and experience(Source: Job Outlook)

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