British Gypsum has taken on fifteen apprentices from plaster contractors across the country to complete a nationally recognised qualification in drylining. The Drylining Apprenticeship, which has been developed by British Gypsum in partnership with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and industry, is designed to meet employer’s needs and develop young people into the installers of the future. Increased demand for drylining courses has created the need for additional intakes in April 2014 which are also now full.
The apprentices will complete a two-year course, including a 17 week element at Saint-Gobain’s Technical Academy branches in Erith, Kent and East Leake, Leicestershire and Kirkby Thore in Cumbria.
The course involves rigorous training in all aspects of drylining systems including training and assessment of functional skills as required by apprentice needs and the completion of a final examination and synoptical practical assessment needs. Training will be delivered in three week blocks and apprentices will be awarded an Interior Systems Level 2 Diploma in Drylining on completion.
During the remainder of the course, British Gypsum assessors gather onsite evidence from the work place to complete a portfolio which will provide evidence towards a Drylining – Fixing and/or Finishing NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Interior Systems. This approach leads to a timely achievement of apprentices within a 2 year period.
David Hall, technical academy manager at British Gypsum said: “We’ve had an overwhelming response to our apprenticeship schemes from plastering and drylining companies throughout the UK and we are extremely pleased with the standards of development and commitment to training from all our apprentices. Apprenticeships designed to meet the needs of industry can really help young trades people make a big impact in productivity in their early years of employment in the construction industry. British Gypsum offers the highest level of training and support for apprentices to gain these vital skills required to succeed and further develop their careers within the Interior Systems sector.”
The Saint-Gobain Technical Academy network offers market leading and comprehensive training throughout the UK with state of the art facilities to meet the requirements of the sustainable building agenda and help the industry combat the rising skills shortage.
