What does a Drywall, Acoustic and Lathing Applicator (451A) do?

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

Job Related Skills, Interests and Values

  • Learning about safety legislation and applying it on the job
  • Safely using power equipment and tools; erecting swing stages and suspended scaffolding; attaching a lifeline to prevent falls
  • Reading, interpreting, and applying blueprints and specifications for job layout
  • Organizing and verifying materials; identifying, establishing, and working from grid lines
  • Erecting exterior structural steel studs and sheeting; installing pre-fabricated panels; welding angle brackets; installing partition walls and furring; installing drywall; applying thermal and sound insulation; installing and sealing vapour barriers; identifying, reporting, and encasing asbestos and protecting self and others with breathing appropriate safety equipment
  • Communicating effectively with customers, co-workers, and supervisors; establishing a work schedule with the other tradespeople to ensure smooth project completion

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

  • Grade 10 is the legal minimum, but high school diploma is usually required
  • Completion of 5,400-hour apprenticeship, including on-the-job and in-school training
  • Completion of exam to obtain Certificate of Qualification

What's Your Future as a Drywall, Acoustic and Lathing Applicator (451A)?

  • Full-time, including overtime and weekends
  • Conditions may be indoors or outdoors in buildings being constructed or renovated
  • May work in teams alongside other trades
  • Employers include construction contractors, residential builders, or self-employment

Wage Rate

Apprentice wage increases with skill and experience. Fully qualified workers earn an average of $30.55-$41.61 per hour.

Self-Rating

Drywall, Acoustic and Lathing Applicator (451A)

Ask Yourself: Yes No
Do you have good hand-eye coordination, and enjoy working with different types of hand tools?
Do you have good reading, writing, mathematical, measuring and problem-solving skills?
Are you able to read blueprints and measurements accurately?
Are you able to follow Health & Safety guidelines?
Are you able to lift more than 50lbs? Are you able to stand or sit for long periods of time?
Are you detail-oriented and good with colours? Do you have the ability to work closely with others?
Are you reliable, a self-starter and able to work with minimal supervision? Can you start and finish work on time?


If you checked YES to the majority of these questions, a career as a Drywall, Acoustic and Lathing Applicator (451A) may be for you!

You might want to look at these similar trades as well;

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

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