What Does a Drywall, Acoustic and Lathing Applicator Do?

Drywall, Acoustic and Lathing Applicators erect exterior structural steel studs and sheeting, shaft wall systems, and install and finish lath and drywall, partition walls and furring, ceiling systems and access flooring types as well as applying thermal and sound insulation.

Job Related Skills, Interests and Values

• learning about and applying safety legislation on the job, such as the Occupational Health & Safety Act, Environmental Protection Act, and the Construction Safety Act.
• using power equipment and tools safely; erecting swing stages and suspended scaffolding; attaching a lifeline to prevent falls
• reading, interpreting and applying blueprints and specifications for job layout; checking other trades' blueprints for building services, and scheduling the job
• establishing a work schedule with the other trades by consulting the appropriate people, including foremen, in order to enable all to do their jobs effectively
• organizing and verifying materials; identifying, establishing and working from grid lines, using a transit, laser, tape, water level, dry line, ladder or scaffold
• erecting exterior structural steel studs and sheeting by laying out and installing exterior walls, doors and windows, fabricating and framing exterior curtain walls, affixing anchors and bracing
• installing pre-fabricated panels according to the grid line, welding angle brackets or other fastening devices on the lines; having a panel hoisted in place by crane, bolting it to the angle bracket with a torque wrench, caulking and sealing the joints and ensuring panels are aligned with each other, plumb and level
• installing partition walls and furring by laying out partitions, fastening the tracks, selecting metal frames, installing studs, frames, stiffeners and braces
• installing drywall by selecting wallboard, determining starting point, installing staggered sheets, X-ray shielding, applying wallboard and metal trims, caulking studs, seams and joints
• applying thermal and sound insulation or sound attenuation blankets, installing vapour barriers, sealing vapour barriers, installing baffles and arranging for inspection
• encasing asbestos by identifying and reporting it, protecting self and others with breathing apparatus, suits and masks, removing loose or flaky asbestos, encasing beams and areas
• keeping pace with work scheduling requirements
• completing work documentation such as time sheets, work orders, in a clear accurate way to company standards
• communicating with customers, co-workers, supervisors and sub-trades personnel

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

In order to obtain your Certificate of Apprenticeship, you should preferably complete Grade 12 or equivalent, with secondary school senior credits in Math, English and Science; enrollment in cooperative education or OYAP in the construction sector or Drafting would be an asset. Completion of the certificate of apprenticeship will take 4,000- 6,000 hours and will include theory classes and experience on-the-job. 

To view the Essential Skills for this skilled trade, click the following link:

http://www10.hrsdc.gc.ca/ES/English/ShowProfileOccupation.aspx?v=209&ID=44943&v1=Drywall&v2=&v3=

Apprenticeship Subject Pathways provides additional information for students/parents/educators:

http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/training/apprenticeship/skills/pathwaye.pdf

What’s Your Future as a Drywall, Acoustic and Lathing Applicator?

People who work in this field work indoors or outdoors (lath), in buildings being constructed or renovated, usually on a full-time basis, including weekends or overtime to complete the job. They may work in teams alongside many of the other construction sector trades, including plumbers, electricians or carpenters. There is always the risk of falling and injury. Growth in this area is mainly related to residential housing starts, homeowner purchasing trends and commercial building projects in cities. Some Drywall, Acoustic and Lathing Applicators will opt to enter related trades, sales, service or project management positions. Employment opportunities may be found with:

• Construction contractors
• Residential Builders
• Self-Employment

Have a look at the website for the Greater Ontario Regional Council of Carpenters, Drywall and Allied workers at: http://www.gorc.ca/ for additional information, and check out the construction sector website at: www.CareersInConstruction.ca..

Wage Rate

The wage rate in this field varies: from a low of  $11.00 per hour to a high of $27.00/hr for fully qualified Drywall, Acoustic and Lathing Applicators

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is Working as a Drywall, Acoustic and Lathing Applicator for You?

Do you have good hand-eye coordination, and enjoy working with different types of hand tools?	Yes     No
Do you have good reading, writing, mathematical, measuring and problem-solving skills?	Yes     No
Can you plan and organize tasks and manage your time effectively?	Yes     No
Are you able to bend, stretch, kneel, stand for long periods, carry and lift up to 30 lbs in weight if required?	Yes     No
Are you interested in gaining knowledge of various safety and health regulations, and coordinating work with other trades people involved in the project?	Yes     No
Do you enjoy working in a hectic team environment, sometimes working overtime or weekends to get the job done just right?	Yes     No

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, working as a Drywall, Acoustic and Lathing Applicator may be for You!

You may also want to explore other careers that require similar interests and skills, such as:

• Construction Craftworker
• Bricklayer
• Carpenter
• Electrician
• Flooring Installer
• Painter
• Plasterer
• Roofer
• Project Management - Construction