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 and liaising with architects and site managers
• 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
• installing 'relocatable' or moveable partitions, that can be taken down for use elsewhere in the building
• working out the position of doors, light switches and power points and cutting holes for these
• checking to make sure the partitions are fitted to the correct standard
• tidying the work area afterwards.

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.

There is a minimum wage for apprentices in Scotland. As of June 2016 the rates for a four-year apprenticeship based on a 39-hour week are:

• Year 1 – £159.90
• Year 2 – £216.45
• Year 3 – £285.87
• Year 4 – £354.90.

With experience you could earn up to around £600 a week, sometimes more. Overtime and shift allowances can increase earnings.

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, possibly including night shift.
• You will wear safety gear: hard hat, footwear, goggles and ear protectors.
• When working in commercial buildings there may still be companies operating, so you might have to work as quickly and quietly as possible.

Getting In

• You do not always need formal qualifications, but some subjects at National 4 or 5, including English, Maths and a technological subject are useful.
• A driving licence is useful.
• You should be physically fit and not allergic to dust.
• You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to work on building sites. You must pass a health and safety test to qualify for this scheme.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland

  Scotland

2022

6253

0 %

RISE

2027

6256

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You need to have:

• practical skills
• a methodical approach and an eye for detail
• an awareness of safety regulations
• physical strength to lift and carry materials
• a head for heights.

You need to be able to:

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

Training

• You would usually do on the job and off the job training, and study for a part time construction course at college which includes 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.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.