A ceiling fixer puts up false (suspended) ceilings inside buildings to hide air conditioning, wiring and pipes. Ceiling fixers work on new buildings as well as on buildings undergoing improvement.
The Work
You could be:
studying plans and drawings
marking out the position for the framework of supports
using spirit or water levels and laser measurement tools to check that the framework is straight
fixing bolts into the roof for hangers and attaching scaffolding and platforms
cutting and fixing aluminium framework to new ceilings and fitting ceiling panels to the framework
using hand and power tools including hacksaws, metal cutters, knives, hammers and screwdrivers
shaping panels to fit around lights and edging
fitting insulation in the ceiling space
installing dry lining and floor partitions.
Pay
The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:
where you work
the size of the company or organisation you work for
the demand for the job.
As of June 2023 the Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) recommends the following rates for a 2-year apprenticeship based on a 39-hour week are:
Year 1 – £237.46 (£6.09 an hour)
Year 2 – £316.02 (£8.10 an hour).
Please note these rates may vary if the Apprentice is 21 years old or over and has completed the first year of their apprenticeship. National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) will apply.
Qualified ceiling fixers can earn between £28,000 and £35,000 a year. You can earn extra by overtime and shift allowances.
Conditions
You would work indoors, often in large buildings such as shopping malls, factories, schools, hospitals, offices, restaurants or nightclubs.
You would work at heights, on ladders and scaffolding, sometimes in confined spaces.
You would wear a safety helmet and boots, overalls, gloves and goggles.
You would sometimes work overtime, including weekends.
Jobs might be on a contract basis, lasting for a few weeks or months at a time.
If you are self-employed, you need your own tools and equipment.
The normal entry route is by a finding a Modern Apprenticeship with an employer.
You do not always need formal qualifications, but some employers ask for subjects at National 4 or 5 including English, Maths and a science or technological subject.
You could study the Foundation Apprenticeship in Construction (SCQF Level 4 or 5) in S3-S6, which can help to get into a relevant Modern Apprenticeship.
You will usually have to sit an aptitude test as part of the application process.
A driving licence is useful.
Experience in woodworking or building work is useful but not essential.
You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to work on a site. You must pass a health and safety test to qualify for this scheme.
There are jobs with building firms, specialist ceiling fitting firms, interior fittings companies and retail organisations. There is a shortage of ceiling fixers in some areas.
Training during an apprenticeship is mainly on the job with off the job training. You would work towards a SVQ in Interior Systems (Construction): Ceiling Fixing at SCQF Level 5.
You could go on to do an HNC in construction at college on a part time basis.
Getting On
With experience you could move on to supervisory work.
You might become self-employed.
More Information
For more information please see the organisations listed below:
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