Interiors & finishing
As you'd expect, the interior occupations are most often carried out indoors. They demand people who are able to plan effectively, and can use basic maths - volumes and measurements play an important part. Good attention to detail is also essential, and, above all, you'll need to be a good team player.
Choose A Profession
Ceiling Fixer
Entry Requirements
There are no set entry requirements to train as a ceiling fixer, although GCSEs/Standard Grades in Maths, English and Technology may be helpful for the calculations, measurements and theory.
Apprenticeships are the usual route in and enable you to earn while you learn. Entry to an apprenticeship scheme will usually involve a selection test.
There is an NVQ/SVQ available in Interior Systems, which you may take. This includes setting out and interpreting projects and plans and learning the tools of the trade. You will also have health and safety training.
The Benefits
The Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) agrees wage rates annually. Pay rates for apprentices in Scotland are set by SBATC. A good basic wage is available and can be boosted with the incentive schemes that many companies offer. Payments to sub-contractors tend to be on an agreed price per square metre of ceiling installed.
Ceiling fixing provides a great deal of job satisfaction, and workers can progress on to supervisory and managerial roles, or even to setting up their own business.
The Job
The role of a ceiling fixer usually involves fitting suspended ceilings, often in big modern buildings like shops, offices and hospitals. These ceilings often hide air-conditioning and other unsightly features.
The People
All the work undertaken will be indoors but you could be working high up, so a head for heights is important. You'll also need a good technical brain as you'll be reading plans and drawings, and you should also be good at managing your time efficiently.
To find out what it's like to train as a ceiling fixer, see what Tyron Vella has to say.