Lesson 1Metal stud erection: fixing tracks to floor/ ceiling, setting studs plumb, spacing, bracing, and cutting to fitExcel in erecting metal stud walls by securing tracks, aligning studs plumb and square, managing spacing and bracing, and integrating openings and services for a sturdy, precise framework supporting plasterboard linings.
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 returnsAcquire proper plasterboard fixation, including orientation, joint staggering, screw arrangements, and cutting for openings, whilst managing gaps, edge support, and damage prevention for stable, even linings ready for completion.
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 paintingInstall trims, beads, movement joints, and perimeter seals, then ready surfaces for painting by rectifying minor flaws, removing dust, and using appropriate primers for lasting decorative outcomes.
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 contaminationPrepare backgrounds for dry lining through cleaning, repairing, and stabilising masonry, addressing moisture and contamination, establishing a solid, level, compatible substrate for sustained adhesion and efficacy.
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 inspectionAdhere to a systematic taping and jointing order, from tape choice and setting coats to fill, finish, and sanding, regulating drying, illumination, and flaw detection for smooth, decoration-ready surfaces.
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)Comprehend concluding inspections and handover verifications, covering plumb and flatness tolerances, joint standards, acoustic evaluations, and records, confirming dry lining compliance and readiness for subsequent trades.
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 strategiesInstall insulation and accommodate services in dry lining via service zones, conduit, and grommets to shield cables and preserve acoustic, fire, and thermal standards without impairing linings.
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 detailsFrame and line door and window reveals with stud framing, jamb linings, lintel specifics, and transitions to neighbouring finishes, upholding clearances, fire, and acoustic 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 fixationGrasp the dot-and-dab technique, including adhesive specifications, mixing, dab arrangements, and board placement, controlling plumb, flatness, curing, and interim support for secure, uniform linings on masonry walls.
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 revealsCultivate precise setting out proficiency by defining datum lines, verifying levels and plumb, accounting for plaster thickness, and denoting stud centres, openings, and reveals for uniform, harmonised dry lining arrangements.
Establishing horizontal datum linesTransferring levels and checking plumbAllowances for plaster and skim depthMarking stud centres and grid linesSetting out door and window openings
