Interior Systems
Interior systems specialists put the finishing touches on the interior surfaces of residential or commercial buildings.
Job Prospects
Very good
Total Fees
The first year start-up fee for Interior Linings Installation and Fibrous Plaster Manufacture is $1,236 and $1,287 for Proprietary Systems Installation. Each year after that there is an additional annual fee of $875. Added strand(s) are $257 extra each.
Time to qualify
1–3 years
Career opportunities
Plasterboard fixer, interior plasterer, fibrous plasterer, suspended ceiling installer, leading hand, supervisor, sales representative, technical advisor, business owner
Qualifications
What interior systems specialists do
Interior systems specialists work mostly inside, alongside other tradespeople. It's important that their work is of a high standard – it can make the difference between a good finish and a great finish.
There are great opportunities for interior systems professionals across a range of specialisations. Each has its own unique challenges and career opportunities.
Plasterboard fixing and interior plastering
Work on new builds, alterations or repairs to existing buildings by applying plaster and fixing plasterboard to walls and ceilings.
Fibrous plastering
Work in a factory environment manufacturing products. Oversee the manufacture of fixed fibrous plaster sheets and tiles. Create and install cornices, arches, fire surrounds and dados.
Suspended ceiling and interior partition installation
Fit panels or sheets of plasterboard to a suspended grid to create a suspended ceiling. Specialise in the installation of pre-made removable partitions – usually in commercial buildings or offices.
Watch this and see what it's like working in Interior Systems.
Interior systems qualifications
BCITO Te Pūkenga manages apprenticeships for interior systems specialists. In your apprenticeship you will be working towards one of the following Level 4 qualifications:
- New Zealand Certificate in Interior Linings Installation
- New Zealand Certificate in Fibrous Plaster Manufacture
- New Zealand Certificate in Proprietary Systems Installation
You will work under an experienced employer who'll provide on-job coaching and tautoko throughout your apprenticeship. You'll also receive the guidance of a BCITO Te Pūkenga training advisor.
There are no strict entry requirements, although it will help if you have good maths and English skills – you need to be able to understand instructions and work out measurements, quantities and angles.
Your apprenticeship is the start of a professional career
Working with interior systems isn't just a job – it's a professional career. By doing an apprenticeship and getting qualified, you're setting yourself up for ongoing employment as a well-paid tradesperson. You’ll also open up opportunities to do further study in supervision or site management, go to university, or start a business and train your own apprentices.
