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Interior Systems Mechanic

Installs metal, plaster, steel stud framing, drywall, accoustic ceilings, access flooring and interior finishes in the construction of buildings.

Who Am I?

Are you good with your hands? Could you work with precision tools and equipment? Then, you might consider becoming a Interior Systems Mechanic.

What do I do?

Interior Systems Mechanics work indoors and outdoors assembling and installing the steel stud framework, apply gypsum materials, taping and sanding, install acoustic title in in commercial, industrial, institutional and residential buildings.

How do I start?

You can get a jump-start on your future career in the construction trades by checking out construction courses offered at colleges and high schools. These hands-on courses will help you build the basic skills you will use in the construction industry.

While you're still in high school, you can begin an apprenticeship program as a Senior Years Apprentice and earn both high school and apprenticeship credits at the same time. After high school graduation, many Senior Years apprentices continue in regular, full-time apprenticeship programs.

To enter the Interior Systems Mechanic apprenticeship program fulltime, you must be at least 16, be a Senior 4 graduate, or, as a mature student, have an equivalent academic standing.

Length of Program

4 levels including in-school sessions.

How does apprenticeship training work?

(Apprenticeship trade job title is Lather)

You must have a qualified employer who is willing to train you as an apprentice. To register in the apprenticeship program, you and your employer complete an application form together and submit it to the Apprenticeship Branch. Once the application is approved, apprenticeship training begins under the supervision of a certified journeyperson.

The apprenticeship is four levels. Each level consists of on-the-job practical experience and some in-school technical training. (Work hours and school time must total at least 1800 hours per level.) Applicants who have successfully completed related courses of study or work experience may be eligible for advanced standing in the apprenticeship program.

The Apprenticeship Branch arranges your classroom technical training. When you go to school, you pay a small portion of the tuition and are responsible for the cost of any required books and supplies. Most apprentices are eligible for employment insurance (EI) when they go to school.

When you successfully complete all levels of training, and score at least 70 % on your final examination, you receive a Certificate of Qualification confirming your status as a certified journeyperson. Your certificate also has "Red Seal" endorsement that means your trade qualifications are generally recognized throughout most of Canada.

For more detailed information on apprenticeship training in this trade, check the Apprenticeship web site at : http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/aet/apprent/index.htm

How much do I make?

Wage Rate: $22.25 (Construction minimum wage, not including benefits).

Employers provide holiday and vacation pay and may also offer other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care, retirement packages, and training benefits. The value can range from 20% to 30% over and above the basic hourly pay rate.

Interior Systems Mechanics generally work a 40-hour workweek except when overtime is required to meet construction deadlines.

Where do I go from here?

Interior Systems Mechanics usually work indoors in new construction, renovation and repair projects in the residential, commercial, institutional and industrial construction sectors. Workers in this field often take on small jobs themselves.

How do I advance?

Experienced Interior Systems Mechanics may specialize in a particular skill area (insulation of drywall, acoustic tile, steel stude, etc.) and later become estimators or move on to supervisory positions.