HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
A common pathway is to finish secondary school, then look for entry-level construction work or a helper job with a drywall contractor. Some students gain experience through co-op, part-time work, or general labouring on building sites while learning to measure, cut, hang, tape, fill, and sand drywall. Others may take college or trade-related training in carpentry or construction to build practical skills, but this is not always required. Employers usually value hands-on experience, good physical stamina, careful detail work, and the ability to work safely and follow instructions. Requirements can vary by employer, province, and the type of work.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Measure, cut and fit drywall sheets for installation on walls and ceilings
- Position and secure sheets to metal or wooden studs or joists
- Cut and install metal corner beads to protect exterior corners
- Fill joints, nail indentations, holes and cracks with joint compound using trowel and broad knife
- Tape over joints using taping machine and embed tape in compound
- Smooth out excess compound and allow coat to dry
- Apply successive coats of compound and sand seams and joints
- Fabricate and install suspended metal ceiling grids and place in panels to form acoustical and coffered ceilings.
SKILLS TO BUILD
Skills used in this Career
ConstructionScheduling/Working to SchedulePhysical Work