Ceiling Fixer
The Work
Ceiling fixers fit suspended ceilings in buildings to conceal pipework, wiring, and heating or air conditioning systems. The majority of the work is on new or refurbished commercial developments such as offices, shops and factories. They can also be found working on public sector projects such as hospitals and schools.
Working from technical drawings, written instructions and site measurements, ceiling fixers set out, cut and fix a framework of aluminium supports to the underside of the floor or to the existing ceiling. They use spirit, laser or water levels to check that this framework is horizontal. Ceiling panels are then fitted to the framework and cut and shaped to fit around lights and fittings using a variety of hand and power tools. They normally work from platforms, ladders or scaffolding.
Ceiling fixers may also fit insulation materials in the ceiling space before installing the panels. Some ceiling fixers also install relocatable wall and floor partitions and deal with raised flooring systems.
Hours and Conditions
Ceiling fixers work a 39-hour week and may work overtime, including
weekends. Their work is mainly indoors and includes working at heights,
sometimes in cramped and confined spaces. The work involves lifting,
carrying, bending and climbing ladders. Protective helmets, overalls
and boots are worn.
Travel between sites is common, so a driving licence may be helpful.
Skills and Interests
To be a ceiling fixer you need:
Training
Training is normally provided on the job with day or block release
at local colleges or training providers.
There are NVQ / SVQs at levels 2 and 3 in Interior Systems validated by CITB - Construction Skills and City & Guilds.
You complete mandatory units covering estimating, planning and setting out projects, calculating areas and amounts of materials, and implementing and maintaining health and safety guidelines. You then take optional units depending on which area you are working in. These are:
Foundation and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships (MAPPs) may be available for people aged 16-24. For details see:
MAPPs
(England)
Skillseekers
(Scotland)
National
Traineeships MAPPs (Wales) and
MAPPs
(Northern Ireland)
Opportunities
The majority of ceiling fixers are employed by companies which specialise in fitting suspended ceilings in commercial premises. Some ceiling fixers are self-employed. There may be prospects for promotion to supervisory level then construction management.
Salary
The figures below are intended as a guideline only.
The Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) agrees minimum wage rates annually.
Trainees earn between £7,100 and £13,000 a year, depending on the stage of training.
With qualifications, ceiling fixers can earn between £16,600 and £20,000 per year.
Experienced ceiling fixers may earn up to £25,000 a year.
Overtime, shift allowances and bonuses will supplement income, while self-employed ceiling fixers negotiate their own rates.
Further Information
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CITB - Construction Skills
Tel: 01485 577577
www.citb.org.uk
