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.

There is a minimum wage for apprentices in Scotland. As of June 2019 the Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) rates for a 2-year apprenticeship based on a 39-hour week are:

Year 1 – £200.46
Year 2 – £266.37.

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 £14.00 and £19.00 an hour. 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.

Getting In

• 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 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.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2019

5411

0.1 %

RISE

2024

5416

  United Kingdom

2019

80189

2 %

RISE

2024

81794

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You should be:

• willing and able to work at heights
• able to work in confined spaces
• aware of health and safety regulations
• fit enough to lift and carry heavy materials.

You need to be able to:

• measure and calculate accurately
• pay attention to detail
• follow technical plans and drawings
• work as part of a team to meet deadlines.

Training

• Training during an apprenticeship is mainly on the job with off the job training. You would work towards a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) Interior Systems (Construction): Ceiling Fixing at SCQF Level 5.
• You could go on to do a Higher National Certificate (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.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.