Those working in drywall construction and installation are part of a specialty field in the construction industry. Their work environment is primarily inside, where they put up and secure wall covering inside either business, residential and commercial buildings.
Drywall Construction Installation Job Responsibilities
Drywall, as a material, is made of a gypsum layer that is sandwiched between thick paper on the top and bottom. Those who install it fasten the sections of drywall to the building’s frame, while the tapers get the wall covering prepared for painting. The workers measure the area, cut the sections to fit and hang them. They also must cut openings to allow access for electrical panels, light switches and related appliances.
To finish off the drywall before it is painted, workers must also use a material called mud to fill in holes and dents from nails and screws. They may also have to cut openings in the drywall to allow for installation of air conditioning units or heating and cooling equipment. Each time an area has mud applied to it, the worker waits for it to dry and then sands the areas down. This process is completed at least two more times to ensure that the surface is smooth enough for painting.
In their job, these workers use tools such as hammers, screws, nails and related power equipment. The large sections require two workers to move it into place for hanging. The job requires a lot of standing, stretching, lifting of heaving loads and kneeling. If the walls are especially high, workers may have to stand on stilts to reach. Safety gear such as gloves, safety glasses and dust masks are worn. Having artistic talent is also a key asset in working in this field. It takes a trained eye and careful precision to measure, cut and install the board correctly. The worker must have technical skills, physical strength and endurance to be successful. Workers have to pay attention to proper safety procedures in order to avoid injury when using hand and/or power tools. physical strength is required to handle the heavy sections of drywall board and to work the required hours.
Drywall Construction Installation Training and Education Requirements
To prepare to enter this field, a student in high schools to take classes such as math, technical drawing and ones that teach how to read blueprints. When first tired, many starting workers get direct on-the-job training by helping more experienced workers. They may also attend a program is offered at a technical school or a local community college. If the company is unionized, the worker can take part in an apprenticeship program. These go for a time at least 3 to 4 years and offer 144 hours, at a minimum, of hands-on training and is supported by classroom instruction. Apprentices work assisting more experienced workers by helping to lift the drywall, cleanup and caring tools and materials. To start learning how to install, measure and cut the drywall. To enter an apprenticeship program, the worker needs to be a minimum of 18 years of age and have completed a high school diploma or GED.
Drywall Construction Installation Salary and Wages
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth in this field by 2018 is approximately 12%. This is heavily dependent on future growth of new home in commercial construction. The average starting pay for a drywall installation worker is approximately $18.12. The highest paid workers earn at or above $31.72, while the lowest paid earned at or below $11.64. Workers in this field may have periods of unemployment due to the time of year and downturns in the construction industry. Other jobs can open up for restoration and renovation of older homes.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Drywall Construction Installation Certifications
Workers can receive certification and drywall construction and installation as a member of certain organizations. The International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers International Masonry Institute can give certification in plastering, and the individuals who finish the 12 week program are certified as a journey level plasterer. To receive this certification, they must pass an exam testing their knowledge and skill level in this field. Those who have become more experienced and want to train other workers can earn the certification of Certified Instructor or Journeyworkers and Apprentices in the Trowel Trades.
Other people in this field can receive training and degrees to become building inspectors or go into work as an independent contractor.
Drywall Construction Installation Professional Associations
The Association of Builders and Contractors, located in Arlington, Virginia, supports its members to rebels contract negotiations and government legislation. They also provide numerous resources to their members and educational opportunities. The Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries offers insurance, education and in various resources to those who join it. It is located in Falls Church, Virginia.
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