Ceiling fixer
Ceiling fixers fit suspended ceilings in buildings to cover up pipework, wiring, and heating and air conditioning systems.
Average annual salary (starting - experienced): £17,000 - £34,000
Typical hours (a week): 42 - 44
Related videos on a ceiling fixer
How to become a ceiling fixer
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
You could take a college course, which may help you to get a trainee job. Courses include:
- Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills
- Level 2 Certificate in Construction Operations
College (Entry requirements)
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You could complete an interior systems installer intermediate apprenticeship
Apprenticeship (Entry requirements)
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
Direct application
You could apply directly to work as a ceiling fixer. Employers may ask for GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English, maths and design and technology. Experience as a labourer or tradesperson is useful but not essential.
More info
Registration
- you'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site
Further information
You can find out more about careers and training in construction from Go Construct.
What it takes
Skills & Knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of building and construction
- the ability to work well with your hands
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- knowledge of maths
- the ability to organise your time and workload
- physical fitness and endurance
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restriction & Requirements
You'll need to:
- have a good level of fitness
What you'll do
Day to day
Your day-to-day duties could include:
- using hand and power tools and working from access platforms, ladders or scaffolding
- setting out, cutting and fixing aluminium frameworks
- checking frameworks are horizontal, using spirit, laser or water levels
- fitting ceiling panels to frameworks
- cutting and shaping panels to fit around lights and other fixtures
- fitting insulation materials into ceiling spaces before installing panels
- fitting partitioning, dry lining, or raised access flooring
Working environment
You could work at a client's home or on a construction site. Your working environment may be cramped and at height. You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression
Career path & progression
With experience, you could move into supervisory or site management. You could set up your own business.
