Lesson 1Metal stud erection: fixing tracks to floor/ ceiling, setting studs plumb, spacing, bracing, and cutting to fitExpertise in raising metal stud walls by securing tracks, aligning studs plumb and square, managing spacing/bracing, and integrating openings/services for a sturdy, precise 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 returnsCorrect plasterboard attachment, board direction, joint offsetting, screw layouts, cutting for openings, managing gaps, edge support, damage control for stable, even lining for finishing.
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, edge seals, then ready surfaces for paint by fixing small flaws, cleaning dust, applying primers for robust decorative results.
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 bases for dry lining by cleaning, mending, stabilising masonry, handling moisture/contaminants, creating solid, level, compatible substrate for enduring adhesion and performance.
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 inspectionLogical taping/jointing order, tape choice, setting/fill/finish coats, sanding, managing drying, lighting, inspections for smooth, paint-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)Final reviews and handover, plumb/flatness allowances, joint quality, sound checks, records, ensuring dry lining matches specs and readiness for next 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 plan services in dry lining, service zones, conduit, grommets to shield cables, preserve sound, fire, thermal performance 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 detailsFrame and line door/window reveals, stud framing, jamb linings, lintel details, transitions to nearby finishes, keeping clearances, fire, sound performance.
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 fixationDot-and-dab approach, adhesive types, mixing, dab setup, board placement, controlling plumb, evenness, curing, temp support for secure, uniform linings on masonry.
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 revealsPrecise layout skills, datum lines, level/plumb checks, plaster depth allowances, marking stud centres, openings, reveals for uniform, coordinated dry lining.
Establishing horizontal datum linesTransferring levels and checking plumbAllowances for plaster and skim depthMarking stud centers and grid linesSetting out door and window openings
