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 $19.50 per hour, plus benefits and overtime.

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 detailed oriented and good with colors? 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 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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