Construction and the built environment

Interior systems installer - Suspended Ceiling & Partitioning Systems

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Installing, repairing and maintaining various elements of the internal structure of a building.

Summary

This occupation is found in the Construction and Built Environment industry including new-build, renovation and refurbishment.  It is a specialist contracting occupation largely involved in the construction of partitions, walls and ceilings.  The Interior Systems sector alone has over 35,000 operatives working on extremely diverse projects in hotels, schools, airports, football stadiums, hospitals, shopping centres.  However other projects may mean working on security controlled installations such as Military Bases which may never be seen or used by the public.  Interior Systems operatives have also played a major part in the construction on iconic structures which are known throughout the world and include Canary Wharf, the Olympic Stadium, Battersea Power Station and the Shard. This is a fast growing sector with many opportunities for career progression into site supervision and management position which can lead to running their own businesses.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to install, repair and maintain various elements of the internal structure of a building to a high standard.  (e.g. ceilings above and walls around the structure.)

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with other colleagues, other trades, site supervisor, site manager, end users, main contractors and suppliers.  Environments could range from internal and external construction sites to occupied buildings eg large commercial properties or residential tower blocks with apartments and specialist buildings such as car showrooms.  The work would usually be during normal weekday hours but unsocial hours may also be necessary.  The work will be physically active, including lifting and fixing systems into place.  Work could be at height from a platform or mobile scaffold and operatives will need to follow strict safe working practices at all times in whichever occupational area they choose. They will report to a supervisor or site manager and be capable of managing their own time, quality and resources to meet deadlines and specifications. 

This is a core and options standard with two pathway routes with: 

1. Drylining - methods to install different drylining systems that form the walls and rooms within a building, often used to hide wires and pipes whilst improving acoustics and create space for insulation.
2. Ceiling and Partitions.- incorporates different ceiling and partition systems within a building. Used to provide different types of working environments, taking account of lighting and other fixtures.

Typical job titles include

Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)

• Knowledge
• Skills
• Behaviours