Partitioner

Partitioners put up interior walls - 'partitions' - to divide large modern buildings into rooms. The walls provide privacy, soundproofing and resistance to fire.

The Work

You could be:

• reading plans and drawings
• measuring the space which you are to divide into rooms


• checking the angles of the corners


• assembling pre-cut parts


• making partitions out of wood, metal or glass using hand or power tools


• working out the position of doors, light switches and power points and cutting holes for these


• hanging doors in the walls


• inserting glass and applying wall coverings, paint or varnish.

Conditions

• The workshop and onsite locations might be dusty and noisy.


• You will have to travel to the sites, transporting materials.


• You might have to spend periods away from home.


• You will probably work shifts and overtime, possible including night shift.


• You will wear safety gear: helmets, footwear, goggles and ear protectors.


• There may be people working in the building, so you might have to work as quickly and quietly as possible.

Getting In

• The normal entry route is by an apprenticeship - by Skillseekers or a Modern Apprenticeship registered with the Scottish Building Apprenticeship Training Council (SBATC).


• You do not always need formal qualifications, but Standard grades in English, Maths and a technological subject are helpful.


• You usually pass a selection test to enter a Modern Apprenticeship.


• You usually need a driving licence.


• You should be physically fit and not allergic to dust.


• From 2010 workers in the construction sector must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent. You must pass a health and safety test to qualify for this scheme.

What Does It Take?

You need to have:

• practical skills
• a methodical approach and an eye for detail


• an awareness of safety issues
• physical strength to lift and carry materials


• a head for heights.

• follow technical plans and drawings
• measure, cut and fit materials accurately
• meet deadlines
• work alone and as part of a team.

Training

With on-the-job and off-the-job training, you would work towards a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) Level 2 Interior Systems (Construction): Partitioning.

Getting On

• As a partitioner you have a wide range of skills.
• With experience, in a large firm you could progress to a supervisory job.


• You might move into management.


• You might become self-employed.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of company or organisation you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

Most construction employees find it very satisfying to know that they have helped build something that will be in use for many years.

• Around 10% of women make up the UK construction workforce and the industry is encouraging more women to join.


• The construction industry predicts that about 37,000 new entrants a year will be recruited in each of the next 4 years, excluding new entrant trainees.


• There is the prospect of more jobs in construction around the Glasgow area because of the preparations for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.