DRAFTING OCCUPATIONS California Occupational Guide Number 338 Interest Area 5 1997
THE JOB
DRYWALL INSTALLERS AND TAPERS are construction workers who install and tape drywall panels to the framework inside houses and other buildings. After the drywall panels are placed, the Tapers prepare the panels with tape by applying the tape to surfaces of walls and ceilings for painting.
Drywall Installers and Tapers work with drywall, a construction building material which is often used in place of plaster for indoor walls and ceilings. Drywall is a thin section of plaster, sandwiched between two pieces of heavy paper, and is available in panels of standard sizes.
Drywall Installers who belong to a union do either installation or finishing, but those workers who do not belong to a union usually work and have experience in all the phases of drywall work.
A Drywall Installer must be able to measure and cut pieces of the drywall to fit spaces of the walls and ceilings like above and under windows. Holes have to sawed in drywall panels for fitting vents, plumbing fixtures, and electrical outlets. After making these adjustments, Installers nail panels to studs or beams, or screw panels into metal studs. Installers usually work with a partner to lift and install large drywall panels for ceilings.
Installers usually hang drywall panels on metal framework in offices, schools, and other large buildings. Installers check plans for the location of rooms and hallways, then they cut and screw together metal channels to make floor and ceiling frames. The installers then screw the drywall panels to the framework.
After the drywall is installed, Tapers join the panels together using automatic tools to apply joint compound between the panels. Tapers apply the joint compound along each side of the joint, and apply paper tape the length of the joint. When the joint compound is dry, they may apply more coats to fill in any holes and make the surface smooth.
Tapers also sand or patch nicks or cracks caused by putting in plumbing or light fixtures. They may also apply a textured surface on walls and ceilings, sometimes by hand, but usually with a spray machine.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Drywall Installers and Tapers work in buildings that are under construction, so they are subject to dust, dirt, loud noises, and bad weather. They may work on ladders and platforms and may lift big, heavy sections of drywall.
Workers need to buy the small tools needed for the job, such as a measuring tape, taping knife, and a drywall hammer. The employer usually buys the more expensive tools needed to do the work.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The California Projections of Employment, published by the Labor Market Information Division of the Employment Development Department, estimates that the number of Drywall Installers and Tapers in California will reach 22,950 by 2005, an increase in new jobs of 10,880 over the number there was in 1993.
There will also be an estimated 5,380 job openings due to people retiring or leaving the occupation. Added to the 10,880 new jobs expected, this makes for an estimated total of 16,260 job opportunities through 2005.
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
Like most construction work, drywall work goes up during good weather and goes down during bad (cold and wet) weather. Installers may also be unemployed between construction projects and when construction activity goes down.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Pay for Drywall Installers and Tapers depends on the area where the work is done and the type of construction. Pay for workers just starting out is from minimum wage to $20.00 an hour, while more experienced workers get paid $11.00 to $28.00 an hour. Many workers who don't belong to a union get no additional benefits. Apprentices may start at 40% of pay for experienced workers. The usual time for apprentices to reach the experienced level pay is three to four years.
Drywall Installers and Tapers are sometimes paid on a piece work basis, depending on how high they need to climb to do the job and how difficult the job is.
If benefits are available, they generally include vacations and holiday pay, health insurance and a retirement pension.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Apprenticeship training is available for Drywall Installers and Tapers. The training takes between three and four years to complete. The training requires that classes be taken and actual on-the-job training be included as part of the program. Applicants for the apprenticeship training must be at least 17 years old and be physically strong and active. It is helpful if courses in math, wood shop, blueprint reading, and mechanical drawing were taken.
To apply for the training, applicants should contact their local Joint Apprenticeship Committee or the local carpenters union for Installers and the painters union for Tapers. In areas where there is no union apprenticeship program, many Drywall Installers and Tapers get the experience and skills by working as helpers to experienced workers.
ADVANCEMENT
Skilled Drywall Installers and Tapers may become supervisors, or they may start their own business. In order to be a business owner, a license is required. The license, from the State Contractor's Board, requires four years of journey-level experience and the knowledge to pass the written trade and business test. A large number of Drywall workers are self- employed, especially in small towns and rural areas.
FINDING THE JOB
Journey-level Drywall Installers and Tapers can apply directly to contractors or the appropriate union in their area. They can also search the newspaper classified ads. They may also contact the California Employment Development Department Job Service. Applicants for helper positions should contact the union or call drywall contractors in the local area to learn the trade.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
For apprenticeship information, contact the local carpenters or painters' union or:
California Department of Industrial Relations Division of Apprenticeship 425 Golden Gate Avenue Standards San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 703-4251
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Painters and Paperhangers No. 148 Carpenters No. 169 Plasterers and Stucco Masons No. 249
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Drywall Applicator (const.) 842.684-014
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Drywall Installers 871080 Tapers 871110
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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