Trade Programs: Lather (Interior Systems Mechanic)

For more information about this trade, contact the training co-ordinator.

What does a Lather (Interior Systems Mechanic) do?

A lather (interior systems mechanic) assembles and installs support framework for ceiling systems, interior and exterior walls and building partitions. They are crucial to the construction trade and work closely with carpenters. Frequently, the skills and duties of these trades overlap. As part of their work, lathers prepare wall and ceiling layouts and apply, tape and finish drywall. As a professional in this business, you can expect to install all or some of the following materials:

• metal or gypsum lath to studs or furring using nails, screws, clips or wire ties
• exterior/interior metal or wood frameworks for walls, partitions, ceiling systems and ornamental shapes using hand and power tools
• gypsum lath, metal lath and stucco wire for the installation of items such as metal door and window frames, access doors and wall insulation
• openings in lath for heating and ventilation piping, ducts and electrical outlets as well as enclosing elevator shafts and stairwells
• vapour barrier and thermal and sound insulation
• drywall, metal lath, mechanical and specialty ceilings
• access flooring systems
• exterior prefabricated wall panels
• de-mountable partition systems used in commercial office spaces
• fabric walls, exterior prefabricated wall panels
• sound baffling and lead shielding
• decorative finishes and accessories
• corner beads and wire mesh around beams to which plaster is to be applied

New building products and techniques are continually being developed for the construction trades. Those who do framing and install walls and ceilings have benefited from research and development that have produced simplified ceiling, wall and floor installations. Drywall sheets have become larger but lighter and are easier to handle. The use of exterior studs has also made work less labour intensive. The introduction of lasers to the trade, including laser alignment systems has increased the efficiency and accuracy of layout lines.

These new materials and techniques have given businesses more quality control of workmanship. Building codes have also been updated to reflect these improvements in products and techniques. To ensure employees have up-to-date knowledge and are skilled in the procedures needed to use these new materials, government in partnership with industry enacted a regulation making Lather (Interior Systems Mechanic) an apprenticeship trade under The Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act.

What skills/abilities are required?

If you have an interest in using both hand and power tools, you may want to consider becoming a lather (interior systems mechanic). The ability to read and interpret information from drawings, blueprints and specifications is necessary.

The job is most rewarding for those who enjoy perfecting skills that require a high degree of accuracy and who like working at a variety of tasks. A lather has lots of opportunities to think creatively and to be innovative in finding new ways or ideas of doing things.

How long is the apprenticeship program?

The apprenticeship four years consisting of four levels. Practical and technical training is a minimum of 1800 hours per level. About 80 per cent of the time is spent learning practical on-the-job skills under the supervision of a certified journeyperson and 20 per cent consists of learning the theoretical and technical aspects of the trade through in-school training.

What is taught during in-school/technical training?

During apprenticeship you will attend periods of technical training. Subject areas of instruction include:

• safety practices
• ceiling installation
• access flooring systems
• decorative finishes and accessories
• specialized wall and partition systems
• shielding and sound proofing
• tools and their uses
• communications

What is the supervision ratio?

As experience comprises the bulk of apprenticeship training, it is essential that each apprentice has on-site access to a skilled journeyperson and receives the attention and guidance necessary to perform the tasks of the trade safely and efficiently.

For every apprentice working in this trade, the employer is required to maintain a 1:1 ratio of apprentices to journeypersons on-site and must ensure that the apprentice is directly supervised by a certified journeyperson in the trade.

What are the entrance requirements?

Senior Years Apprenticeship Option: Begin your apprenticeship training in high school. A minimum age of 16 years in required.

General Admission: A Grade 12 or equivalent high school academic standing is required. If you are 19 years or older and do not hold a high school diploma, you can also qualify as a Mature Student. Prior Learning Recognition and Assessment may be required.

Trades Qualification: If you are experienced in the trade, but do not hold a Certificate of Qualification, you may become a certified journeyperson based on years of proven industry experience and successful completion of the Red Seal Examination. A Trades Qualification Application and trade specific work experience form must be submitted. Trades professionals whose entrance readiness is less than that required, must take appropriate upgrading.

For additional details on entrance requirements and how to begin your apprenticeship or obtain certification, see section on "How to Start".

Do I get a certificate?

When you successfully complete all your required levels of practical experience and technical training, you write an interprovincial examination. You must score at least 70 per cent or better to qualify for a “Red Seal” endorsed interprovincial certificate confirming your status as a certified journeyperson.

Your “Red Seal” endorsed Certificate of Qualification as a journeyperson in this trade is recognized throughout Canada.

What salary can I expect as an apprentice?

Manitoba's Lather (Interior Systems Mechanic) Trade Regulation states that wages for apprentices shall not be less than minimum wage plus:

• 80 per cent during level one
• 115 per cent during level two
• 150 per cent during level three
• 180 per cent during level four

Apprentices who work for unionized employers are entitled to the wage rate in the collective agreement if this rate exceeds the pay rates specified in the trade regulation.

Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care and training benefits. In total, the value of the benefits can range from 20 per cent to 30 per cent over and above the basic hourly pay rate.

Current wage details are available by downloading the training wage schedule

What are the career prospects?

Lathers (interior systems mechanics) usually work indoors in the residential, commercial, institutional and industrial construction sectors. They may also work on renovation projects. Some are self-employed and contract their services for smaller jobs. Others work for contractors. Many tradespeople in this occupation are often unionized and are hired by employers through a union hiring hall.

Lathers can specialize in installing particular types of materials, become estimators or advance to supervisory positions. With additional training, they may transfer their skills to the trades of carpentry or sheet metal worker. Fully qualified journeypersons can expect above-average incomes.