Trainee Dry Liner
DJW Interior Ltd
Portsmouth and surrounding area
£7.55-9.00 an hour depending on individual, Monday-Friday 7am-3pm (including paid lunch), 40 hours a week
You must be able to travel reliably to the office in Drayton
Interviews are scheduled for Saturday 28th June from 10am - in applying for this vacancy you are confirming you are available for this date if selected to interview.
Start date for the role is July-August, it will depend on how long it takes for the CSCS test to be booked and passed by you. Start date for the apprenticeship education is September.
Are you ready to build a career in interior construction with a company that's growing strong and going places?
DJW Interiors Ltd, based in Drayton, Portsmouth, is excited to offer an outstanding apprenticeship opportunity for a motivated individual looking to start their journey in the interior fit-out industry. Established for 4 years, DJW Interiors has rapidly built a reputation for quality and professionalism, delivering a wide range of commercial projects across the South Coast of England — and beyond.
With over 12 years of industry experience, Director Darren Ward is passionate about craftsmanship, attention to detail, and developing new talent. This role is ideal for someone who’s eager to learn directly from an experienced tradesman and gain valuable hands-on experience in the field.
- Assist in the delivery of commercial interior fit-out projects
- Work on various tasks including partitioning, suspended ceilings, dry lining, and finishing works
- Understand and interpret technical drawings and specifications
- Develop skills in using industry tools and materials safely and effectively
- Work as part of a friendly and professional team on-site and occasionally travel to projects further afield
Key responsibilities
- Support tradespeople in all aspects of interior fit-out work
- Learn and assist in installing partitions, stud walls, plasterboards, and ceilings
- Help with site preparation including unloading materials, setting up tools and equipment
- Measure, cut, and fit materials as directed
- Maintain a clean and organised work area
- Assist in ensuring work is carried out safely and to specification
- Travel to different commercial job sites as required
- Follow instructions, ask questions, and actively engage in the learning process
Day-to-day tasks may include
- Loading and unloading tools and materials from vehicles
- Preparing work areas (masking, marking, measuring)
- Assisting in the construction of metal or timber stud partitions
- Installing plasterboards and helping tape and joint for finishing
- Helping to install grid and MF suspended ceilings
- Using hand and power tools safely under supervision
- Following safety procedures including wearing PPE
- Reporting progress and issues to the site supervisor or mentor
- Cleaning up and maintaining workspaces at the end of each day
Why Join DJW Interiors Ltd?
- Direct training from an experienced industry professional
- Exposure to a variety of commercial projects
- Career progression opportunities within a growing company
- Be part of a team that values quality, integrity, and development
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone ready to kickstart a rewarding career with real progression in a specialist trade.
Personal qualities & skills
- A genuine interest in construction and interior fit-out work
- Willingness to learn and take direction
- A strong work ethic and attention to detail
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Punctuality and a proactive attitude
Qualifications
16-18 year olds - GCSE 9-2/A*-E/Functional Skills Level 1 in English and maths. Proof of certificates is required.
The above are entry requirements of the apprenticeship. You will study to gain a Functional Skills Level 2 in maths and English, if you do not already hold a GCSE 9-4/A*-C or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and maths.
19 year olds plus - GCSE 9-2/A*-E/Functional Skills Level 1 in English and maths. Proof of certificates is required.
The above are entry requirements of the apprenticeship. The employer has confirmed you do not need to upskill in maths or English, unless you wish to. If you wish to this provided as part of the apprenticeship so it comes at no cost to you, however needs to be with the agreement of the employer, as it will be on your College day and you will be paid for it.
What does the programme include?
This occupation is found in the Construction and Built Environment industry including new-build, renovation and refurbishment. It is a specialist contracting occupation largely involved in the construction of partitions, walls and ceilings.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to install, repair and maintain various elements of the internal structure of a building to a high standard (e.g. ceilings above and walls around the structure).
The Level 2 apprenticeship standard for Interior Systems Installer drylining pathway is designed for apprentices in a drylining role. Drylining apprentices could work in environments ranging from internal and external construction sites to occupied buildings e.g. large commercial properties or residential tower blocks with apartments and specialist buildings such as car showrooms. The work would usually be during normal weekday hours but unsocial hours may also be necessary. The work will be physically active, including lifting and fixing systems into place. Work could be at height from a platform or mobile scaffold and operatives will need to follow strict safe working practices at all times in whichever occupational area they choose. They will report to a supervisor or site manager and be capable of managing their own time, quality and resources to meet deadlines and specifications.
What attendance is required?
A 24 month apprenticeship programme delivered on a day-release basis (one day per week) at City of Portsmouth College's North Harbour Campus in North Harbour, Portsmouth. Time spent training will come under the working hours per week.
Your Apprenticeship Liaison Officer will liaise with you to set up mutually convenient times for consultation and assessment visits at your place of work.
Learning and assessment
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that the apprentice has met all requirements before starting the EPA. The apprentice will only enter the gateway when the training provider and employer says they are ready. The gateway requirements for EPA are to have achieved GCSE 4/C/Functional Skills Level 2 in English and mathematics qualifications and submit a portfolio of evidence.
The assessment methods need to be delivered in the following order:
1. Knowledge Tests
• Component 1: Core knowledge will consist of 45 questions.
• Component 2: Option knowledge will consist of 35 questions.
The test is closed book which means that the apprentice cannot refer to reference books or materials.
Followed by the:
2. Practical Observation and Questions
The reason for this order is:
The Core Knowledge Test (Component 1) includes critical health and safety questions which must be passed before an apprentice is allowed to handle the materials, tools and equipment in the practical observation of the end point assessment.
The rationale for this assessment method is this occupation involves the need for memory recall of fundamental knowledge areas to ensure the role is carried out safely, accurately and cost-effectively. Using a knowledge test assesses the ability for memory recall. The core test is for core knowledge only and contains critical questions including those for health and safety which must be passed.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
• Fail
• Pass
• Merit
Things to keep in mind
- Performance based bonus scheme
- 20 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays
- Lift to work from Drayton
- Having a CSCS card now means if you are successful you will start in July.
Future prospects
Upon successful completion of the Apprenticeship, and subject to progress as an employee, DJW Interior Ltd would like to offer you a full time job. You will have career progression, when you get a company van this will come with a higher salary and more responsibility.