Ceiling fixer

How to become a ceiling fixer

There are several routes to becoming a ceiling fixer. You could do a college course, an apprenticeship, or on-the-job training.  

You should explore these routes to become a ceiling fixer to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

College/training provider

Your local college or training provider may offer courses.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Find a course near you
• Funding advice

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a ceiling fixer firm is a good way into the industry. 

You could complete an interior systems installer intermediate apprenticeship to become a ceiling fixer.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Find an apprenticeship near you
• Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have some basic experience, you could apply directly to a construction company to gain on-site experience as a ceiling fixer. You might start out as an assistant to a more experienced ceiling fixer and progress as your abilities improve.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a ceiling fixer. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

• Find out more about work experience

Skills 

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a ceiling fixer include: 

• Physical fitness and endurance
• Excellent verbal communication skill
• Ability to organise your time and workload
• A keen eye for detail.

Qualifications

What does a ceiling fixer do?

As a ceiling fixer you will be responsible for ensuring the safety and waterproofness of ceilings. The job role of a ceiling fixer you could be: 

• Setting out, cutting and fixing the aluminium framework to support a new ceiling
• Using hand and power tools and working from access platforms, ladders or scaffolding
• Checking that the framework is horizontal, using spirit, laser or water levels
• Fitting ceiling panels to the framework
• Cutting and shaping panels to fit around lights and other fixtures
• Working in a client’s home or business.

How much could you earn as a ceiling fixer?

The expected salary for a ceiling fixer varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained ceiling fixers can earn £17,000 - £20,000
• Trained ceiling fixers with some experience can earn £20,000 - £35,000*
• Self-employed ceiling fixers set their own pay rates.

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Check out the latest ceiling fixer vacancies: 

• Indeed
• Total Jobs

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.

Career path and progression

As a ceiling fixer, you could progress to become a team manager or supervisor and earn a higher salary. 

You could move into a related area of construction such as interior design, historical conservation or set design. 

Alternatively, you could train in estimating or contract management.

Some ceiling fixers set up their own business. You could work as a self-employed subcontractor on larger projects and set your own day rates.