Lesson 1Metal stud erection: fixing tracks to floor/ ceiling, setting studs plumb, spacing, bracing, and cutting to fitExpertise in raising metal stud walls by attaching rails, aligning studs straight and even, managing gaps and supports, and matching openings and utilities for a firm, exact frame for boards.
Fixing head and floor tracks securelySetting studs plumb and alignedStud spacing at 400mm or 600mmNogging, bracing, and stiffeningForming openings within stud wallsLesson 2Fixing plasterboard: screw patterns, board orientation (stagger joints), cutting for openings and returnsGrasp right plasterboard attachment, including board direction, joint offsets, screw setups, and cutting for gaps, while handling spaces, edge backs, and harm to get stable, even lining for finish.
Board orientation on walls and ceilingsStaggering vertical and horizontal jointsScrew types, spacing, and edge distancesCutting boards for sockets and servicesForming returns, corners, and soffitsLesson 3Trim and finishing: beads, movement joints, perimeter seals, and prepping for paintingLearn fitting trims, beads, shift joints, and edge seals, then ready surfaces for paint by fixing small flaws, clearing dust, and using right primers for strong decor finishes.
Fixing angle and stop beadsDefining and sealing movement jointsPerimeter acoustic and fire sealsFilling pinholes and minor blemishesDust removal and primer selectionLesson 4Preparing substrate: cleaning, repairing loose masonry, raking out joints, treating damp or contaminationLearn readying bases for dry lining by cleaning, fixing, and steadying stonework, handling damp and dirt, and making a solid, even, matching base for lasting stick and work.
Cleaning and degreasing wall surfacesRaking out and repairing loose jointsRebonding hollow or friable masonryTreating damp, salts, and stainingPrimers and bonding agents selectionLesson 5Taping and jointing sequence: joint tape selection, setting coat, fill coat, finish coat, sanding and defect inspectionTrack a clear taping and joining order, from tape picks and base coats to fill, top, and smoothing, while managing dry times, lights, and flaw checks for smooth, paint-ready faces.
Choosing paper or mesh joint tapeApplying setting and fill coatsFinish coats and feathering edgesDrying times and environmental controlSanding, backlighting, and snag checksLesson 6Final inspection and handover checks: plumb, flatness tolerances, acoustic checks (basic in-situ tests)Know last checks and passovers, covering straightness and evenness limits, joint quality, sound tests, and papers, ensuring lining matches specs and is set for next workers.
Checking plumb, level, and flatnessInspecting joints, beads, and cornersBasic in-situ acoustic performance checksRecording defects and remedial actionsHandover documentation and sign-offLesson 7Installing insulation and allowances for services: routing electrical and data, using service zones and conduit strategiesStudy fitting insulation and planning utilities in dry lining, using zones, pipes, and seals to guard wires and keep sound, fire, and heat work without lining harm.
Types and placement of cavity insulationService zones in walls and ceilingsRouting electrical and low-voltage dataConduit, capping, and cable protectionMaintaining fire and acoustic integrityLesson 8Door and window reveals: framing reveals, jamb linings, lintel/ disable transition detailsGrasp framing and lining door and window edges, including stud frames, side linings, beam details, and shifts to nearby finishes, keeping spaces, fire, and sound standards.
Framing studs around openingsSetting jamb studs and trimmersBoarding window and door revealsLintel and head detail treatmentsManaging movement and sealant gapsLesson 9Dot-and-dab adhesive method: adhesive specification, dab patterns, board positioning and temporary fixationKnow the direct bond way, covering glue types, mixing, dab setups, and board placement, while handling straightness, evenness, setting, and temp backs for secure, level linings on stone.
Adhesive types and manufacturer specsMixing, pot life, and workability checksSetting out dab lines and patternsPositioning boards and tapping to lineTemporary props and curing timesLesson 10Setting out and marking: datum lines, plaster thickness allowances, stud centers (600mm or 400mm), and door/window revealsBuild exact planning skills by setting base lines, checking levels and straight, allowing for plaster depth, and marking stud spots, gaps, and edges for steady, teamed lining plans.
Establishing horizontal datum linesTransferring levels and checking plumbAllowances for plaster and skim depthMarking stud centers and grid linesSetting out door and window openings
