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Free Government Funded Skills Bootcamps in Drylining


We are excited to announce that Construction Helpline will be delivering a series of free government funded Skills Bootcamps in Drylining between 07 Nov 2022 and 31 Mar 2023

Skills Bootcamps are part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee, giving people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills and fast-track to an interview with an employer.

These courses are fully funded and are free for learners.

There are 2 pathways or routes:

  • Unemployed Pathway (for those who are not working and can commit to 6 weeks Mon – Fri Bootcamp + 2 week work trial prior to an interview with an employer)
  • Self-employed Pathway (for those who are self-employed within construction / building trade and can only commit to a part time boot camp in the evenings and weekends covering knowledge units required as remote login to live tutor from home and attendance at 4 weekend practical bootcamps

To apply call Ryan on 0333 344 7657 or 0207 199 9800

Skills Bootcamps in Drylining - Unemployed Pathway


Unemployed program involves 6 weeks at a training centre in either:

  • • Mitcham (SW London)
  • • Wolverhampton
  • • followed by a 2 week work trial with an employer
  • • Interview for a Drylining Contract with the same employer (min 12 weeks)

Unemployed program is aimed at upskilling those who are currently unemployed or without work*, at general labourer level 1 to a skilled worker in drylining with a recognised NVQ qualification.

Please note the NVQ can only be completed once working as it is a vocational assessment (needs to be assessed in a workplace environment therefore completion will be once placed on a drylining contract outside of the 6 week bootcamp).

The bootcamp will essentially introduce you to the practical skills and the underpinning knowledge required to fast track you to completing your NVQ faster than you would have done without it.

The program includes everything you need to get on site including registration onto an NVQ Level 2.  

List of what is included within this program are as follows: 

  • • Level 1 H&S in a construction environment course prep and assessment (including re-sit) 
  • • CITB Test 
  • • CSCS Card x 2 prior to completion of NVQ and on completion of NVQ Level 2  
  • • Registration onto one of the following NOCN NVQS:  
  • • Explanation of how to interpret pertinent knowledge sections within the NVQs 
  • • Practical demos on installing Drylining Systems under the guidance of a drylining tutor  
  • • Min 2 onsite visits and assessments within a workplace environment  
  • • Remote support for the completion of your NVQ within the workplace environment 
  • • Employment coach support during bootcamp, during work trial, prior to employer interview and dependant on outcome following employer interview for drylining contract.  

To apply call Ryan on 0333 344 7657 or 0207 199 9800

Skills Bootcamps in Drylining Unemployed Pathway

Dates and Timings
9.00 am arrival and registration - 9.30 start - 5.30 finish

Skills Bootcamp 1
(6 weeks at training centre)

Mon 07 Nov – Fri 16 Dec 2022

London

10

Wolverhampton

8

Work Trial 1
(2 weeks with employer - after end of year holiday season)

From Mon 9-20 Jan 2023

London

10

Wolverhampton

8

Skills Bootcamp 2
(6 weeks at training centre)

Mon 9 Jan - Fri 17 Feb 2023

London

10

Wolverhampton

8

Work Trial 2
(2 weeks with employer)

Mon 20 Feb - Fri 31 Mar 2023

London

10

Wolverhampton

8

Skills Bootcamp 3
(6 weeks at training centre)

Mon 20 Feb - Fri 31 Mar 2023

London

10

Wolverhampton

8

Work Trial 3
(2 weeks with employer)

Mon 3 Apr - Tue 18 Apr 2023
(Easter Break Fri 7 & Mon 10 Apr)

London

10

Wolverhampton

8

Total number of available places:

London Total

40

Wolverhampton Total

32

On completion of the 6 week bootcamp you will be placed with a regional participating employer for a 2 week work trial, this gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and attributes following the bootcamp, prior to your interview with the same employer for a minimum 12 week drylining contract.

Therefore a required commitment of 8 weeks is required to partake in this programme.

Once interviewed the employer will assess you as they would all potential new contractors and success will be based on an assessment of your contribution, attributes, attendance and skills during your work trial, as well as your performance and attendance during the bootcamp.

If the employer retains you for either a new project or the same project, you will be offered a payrate by the employer in line with their assessment of your performance during your work trial, and you will be on track to establish and progress within a rewarding career in the finishing and interiors sector of construction.

If the employer does not retain you past the 2 week work trial we will support you to find a drylining contract with another employer of not less than 12 weeks.

To apply call Ryan on 0333 344 7657 or 0207 199 9800

Unemployed Candidate profile (applicable criteria):


This program is specifically aimed at upskilling those who are currently unemployed or without work, are at general labourer level 1 (without a recognised construction qualification in a specific trade) or with a transferable trade that is not in high demand on commercial sites e.g. plastering due to the lengthy drying time. This programme is also applicable to residential builders who were running their own jobs, but are struggling to find regular work and are unemployed (perhaps since covid, a life event, financial constraints, a depressed local market, lack confidence to upskill due to poor grades, dyslexia, exclusion etc), and are looking to broaden their opportunities for work via gaining a recognised Level 2 qualification, within the commercial construction sector, which was one of the few industries that remained operational during covid. We will also consider those from property maintenance background with solid competency who would like to upskill into a specific trade and a small percentage of places will be made available for those without previous experience in construction who are keen to enter into a career within the construction industry.

Curriculum for Skills Bootcamps in Drylining Unemployed Pathway


Week 1
  • • Intro to Programme, Objectives, Finishing & Interiors Sector - IAG Classroom
  • • Conforming to General Health & Safety Onsite - Knowledge Unit Classroom
  • • Conforming to Productive Working Practices - Knowledge Unit Classroom
  • • Moving, Handling & Storing Resources - Knowledge Unit Classroom
  • • Health & Safety in Construction + Assessment* - Classroom

*CSCS Card Application Requirement – CITB Test will also be organised if required


Week 2

Drylining Systems (Plasterboard Lining – Solid Background e.g. Masonry):

  • • Understanding Knowledge Requirements, Legislation Compliance, Maintaining H&S, Quantity Selection, Minimising Risk, Managing Work Programmes & Deadlines, Typical Reporting Procedures and Risk Management - Knowledge Unit – Classroom
  • • Drylining (Masonry Structure Using Metal Framing) – Practical Workshop
  • • Drylining (Masonry Structure Using Dot & Dab) – Practical Workshop

Week 3
  • • Drylining (Masonry Structure Using Dot & Dab) – Practical Workshop
  • • Drylining Systems (Metal Framing Partition) – Knowledge Unit Classroom
  • • Drylining Systems (Metal Framing Partition with Openings - Practical Workshop

Week 4
  • • Drylining Metal Stud Service Partitions & Deflection Heads – Practical Workshop
  • • Drylining Encasement Fixing Systems & Repair Techniques - Practical Workshop
  • • Installing Metal Furring Suspended Ceilings – Practical Workshop

Week 5
  • • Introduction to Drylining Finishing – Knowledge Unit - Classroom
  • • Jointing & Taping – Practical Workshop
  • • Sanding, sealing & finishing – Practical Workshop

Week 6
  • • Jointing & Taping – Practical Workshop
  • • Sanding, sealing & finishing – Practical Workshop
  • • Workshop Review
  • • Employability Skills Training - Classroom

To apply call Ryan on 0333 344 7657 or 0207 199 9800

Skills Bootcamps in Drylining, Carpentry & Bricklaying for Self-employed Pathway


The self-employed pathway has been created for Level 1 labourers in the construction industry or building trade who are currently working on a self-employed and cannot commit to 6 weeks Mon – Fri. This is to support those that are self-employed at a level 1 labourer level to upskill them to a level 2 skilled worker blue CSCS card.

The self-employed pathway allows you more flexibility to train during evenings and weekends and the knowledge / theory part of the bootcamps will be delivered remotely allowing you to login via video conferencing software like zoom or Microsoft teams to a live tutor from home. Although part time this is an intensive programme so please do review the time table below to ensure that you can commit time to attending.

Same criteria as above for unemployed except you are required to be working in a self employed capacity within construction or residential building trade for the 2 on site assessments during as part of your bootcamp.

Similar to unemployed pathway included in self employed pathway will be:

Skills Bootcamps in Drylining Self Employed Pathway Dates and Timings

Dates and Timings
Weekend / Weekday Course 9.00 am - 5.30 pm finish (7.5 Tutor Lead Hours / unless otherwise stated)
Evening Course: 17.00 – 20.30 (3.5 Guided Learning Hours/ unless otherwise stated)

Skills Bootcamp 1 (SB1)
WEEK 1 via remote Video Conference

Mandatory Knowledge Units: :

  • • Conforming to Health & Safety
  • • Productive Working Practices 
  • • Moving, Handling & Storing Resources
Live Interpretation, explanation and support on successfully completing knowledge questions from Drylining tutor.
Remote via video conferencing with drylining tutor (zoom / teams etc)

19 Nov 2023 (Sat)
9.00 am - 5.30 pm (remote)

Remote via video conferencing with drylining tutor (zoom / teams etc)
Live interpretation, topic explanation and support on successfully completing NVQ knowledge questions from drylining tutor.

Hours: 8

London

18

Wolverhampton

18

SB1 – Week 1 Remote Video
Evening Knowledge Units
Drylining: Interpreting drawings, setting out Plasterboard Lining a solid structure
Interpretation, explanation and support on successfully completing NVQ knowledge questions from Drylining tutor. Remote via video conferencing with drylining tutor (zoom / teams etc)

22 – 24 Nov 2022 (Tue – Thu)
Evenings 17.00 – 20.30 (remote)

Hours: 10.5

London

18

Wolverhampton

18

SB1 Wk 2 – Weekend Practical Bootcamp 1
Plasterboard Lining
(lining solid structure / masonry)
Practical Workshop at Training Centre

26 – 27 Nov 2022 (Sat – Sun)
At training Centre
9.00 am - 5.30 pm

Hours: 15

London

18

Wolverhampton

18

SB1 – Week 2 Remote Video
Evening Knowledge Units
Interpretation, explanation and support on successfully completing NVQ knowledge questions from Drylining tutor.
Remote via video conferencing with Drylining tutor (zoom / teams etc)

29 Nov – 1 Dec 2022 (Tue – Thu)
Evenings 17.00 – 20.30 (remote)

Hours: 10.5

Guided Learning Hours

44

SB1 WK 3 – Sat Knowledge Units
Live Interpretation, explanation and support on successfully completing knowledge questions from Drylining tutor.
Remote via video conferencing with drylining tutor (zoom / teams etc)

3 – Dec 2022 (Sat)
9.00 am - 5.30 pm (remote)

Hours: 8

London

18

Wolverhampton

18

SB1 Week 3 Remote Video 
Evening Knowledge Units 1
Interpretation, explanation and support on successfully completing NVQ knowledge questions from Drylining tutor.
Remote via video conferencing with drylining tutor (zoom / teams etc)

6 Nov – 8 Dec 2022 (Tue – Thu)
Evenings 17.00 – 20.30 (remote)

Hours: 10.5

Guided Learning Hours

62.5

SB1 – Wk 4 Weekend Practical Bootcamp 2
Metal Frame Partitions Masterclass
Practical Workshop at Training Centre

10 - 11 Dec 2022 (Sat-Sun)
9.00 am - 5.30 pm
At training Centre

Hours: 15

London

12

Wolverhampton

12

SB1 – Week 4
Evening Knowledge Units
Interpretation, explanation and support on successfully completing NVQ knowledge questions from Drylining tutor.
Remote via video conferencing with drylining tutor (zoom / teams etc)

13 – 15 Dec (Tue – Thu)
Evenings 17.00 – 20.30 (remote)

Hours: 10.5

Guided Learning Hours

88

SB1 WK 4 – Saturday Knowledge 
Knowledge Units – Remote Video

17 Dec 2022 (Sat)
9.00 am - 5.00 pm (remote)

London

18

Wolverhampton

18

SB1 – Week 5
Evening Knowledge Units
Interpretation, explanation and support on successfully completing NVQ knowledge questions from Drylining tutor.
Remote via video conferencing with drylining tutor (zoom / teams etc)

10 – 12 Jan 2023 (Mon – Thu)
Evenings 17.00 – 20.30 (remote)

Hours: 10.5

Guided Learning Hours

106

SB1 – Wk 6
Weekend Practical Bootcamp 3
Metal Furring Ceiling Installation Masterclass
Carpentry: 1st Fix Part 1 Practical Workshop at Training Centre

14 – 15 Jan 2023 (Sat – Sun)
9.00 am - 5.30 pm
At training Centre

Hours: 15

London

18

Wolverhampton

18

SB1 – Week 6 Evening Knowledge Units
Interpretation, explanation and support on successfully completing NVQ knowledge questions from Drylining tutor.
Remote via video conferencing with drylining tutor (zoom / teams etc)

17 – 19 Jan 2023 (Tue – Thu)
Evenings 17.00 – 20.30 (remote)

Hours: 10.5

Guided Learning Hours

132

SB1 – Wk 7 Saturday Knowledge
Interpretation, explanation and support on successfully completing NVQ knowledge questions from Drylining tutor.
Remote via video conferencing with drylining tutor (zoom / teams etc)

21 Jan 2023 (Sat)
9.00 am - 5.00 pm (remote)

Hours: 8

London

18

Wolverhampton

18

SB1 – Week 7 Evening Knowledge Units
Interpretation, explanation and support on successfully completing NVQ knowledge questions from Drylining tutor.
Remote via video conferencing with drylining tutor (zoom / teams etc)

24 – 26 Jan 2023 (Tue – Thu)
Evenings 17.00 – 20.30 (remote)

Hours: 10.5

Guided Learning Hours

150.5

SB1 – Wk 8 Weekend Bootcamp 4
Joint & Taping Masterclass
Practical Workshop at Training Centre

28 – 29 Jan 2023 (Sat – Sun)
9.00 am - 5.30 pm
At training Centre

Hours: 15

London

18

Wolverhampton

18

SB Wk 8 Evening Knowledge
Interpretation, explanation and support on successfully completing NVQ knowledge questions from Drylining tutor.
Remote via video conferencing with drylining tutor (zoom / teams etc)

31 Jan – 2 Feb (Tue – Thu)
Evenings 17.00 – 20.30 (remote)

Hours: 10.5

Guided Learning Hours

176

Site Visits x 2 Days

Total Guided Learning Hours

190

Skills Bootcamp 2
WEEK 1 via remote Video Conference

NVQ Mandatory Knowledge Units: :

  • • Conforming to Health & Safety
  • • Productive Working Practices 
  • • Moving, Handling & Storing Resources

4 Feb 2023 (Sat)
Evenings 17.00 – 20.30 (remote)
Remote via video conferencing with drylining tutor (zoom / teams etc)
Live interpretation, topic explanation and support on successfully completing NVQ knowledge questions from drylining tutor.

Hours: 8

Guided Learning Hours

8

SB2 – Week 1 Remote Video
Evening Knowledge Units
Interpretation, explanation and support on successfully completing NVQ knowledge questions from Drylining tutor.
Remote via video conferencing with drylining tutor (zoom / teams etc)

7 – 9 Feb 2023 (Tue – Thu)
Evenings 17.00 – 20.30 (remote)

Hours: 10.5

Guided Learning Hours

18.5

SB2 Wk 3 – Weekend Practical Bootcamp 1
Plasterboard Lining
(lining solid structure / masonry)
Practical Workshop at Training Centre

11 – 12 Feb 2022 (Sat – Sun)
9.00 am - 5.30 pm
At training Centre

Hours: 15

London

18

Wolverhampton

18

SB2 - Week 3 Knowledge Units
Interpretation, explanation and support on successfully completing NVQ knowledge questions from Drylining tutor.
Remote via video conferencing with drylining tutor (zoom / teams etc)

14 – 16 Feb 2023 (Tue – Thu)
Evenings 17.00 – 20.30 (remote)

Hours: 10.5

Guided Learning hours

44

Wk 4 Sat Knowledge Bootcamp via remote video conference
Remote via video conferencing with drylining tutor (zoom / teams etc)

18 Feb 2023 (Sat - Sun)
9.00 am - 5.30 pm (remote)

Hours: 8

London

18

Wolverhampton

18

SB2 – Week 4 Knowledge Units
Interpretation, explanation and support on successfully completing NVQ knowledge questions from Drylining tutor.
Remote via video conferencing with drylining tutor (zoom / teams etc)

21 – 23 Feb 2023 (Tue – Thu)
Evenings 17.00 – 20.30 (remote)

Hours: 10.5

Guided learning hours

62.5

SB2 – Wk 5 Weekend Practical Bootcamp 2
Metal Frame Partitions Masterclass
Practical Workshop at Training Centre

25 – 26 Feb 2023 (Sat – Sun)
9.00 am - 5.30 pm
At training Centre

Hours: 15

London

18

Wolverhampton

18
6 x 3 trade

SB2 - Week 5 Knowledge Units
Interpretation, explanation and support on successfully completing NVQ knowledge questions from Drylining tutor.
Remote via video conferencing with drylining tutor (zoom / teams etc)

28 Feb – 2 Mar – 2023 (Tue–Thu)
Evenings 17.00 – 20.30 (remote)

Hours: 10.5

Guided Learning hours

88

Wk 6 Sat Knowledge Bootcamp via remote video conference
Remote via video conferencing with drylining tutor (zoom / teams etc)

4 Mar 2023 (Sat)
9.00 am - 5.30 pm (Remote)

Hours: 8

London

18

Wolverhampton

18
6 x 3 trades

SB2 – Week 6 Evening Knowledge Units
Interpretation, explanation and support on successfully completing NVQ knowledge questions from Drylining tutor.
Remote via video conferencing with drylining tutor (zoom / teams etc)

7 – 9 Mar 2023 (Tue – Thu)
Evenings 17.00 – 20.30 (remote)

Hours: 10.5

Guided learning hours

106.5

SB2 – Wk 7 Weekend Bootcamp 3
Practical Workshop at Training Centre Metal Furring Ceiling Installation Masterclass

11 – 12 Mar 2023 (Sat – Sun)
9.00 am - 5.30 pm
At training Centre

Hours: 15

London

18
6 x 3 trades

Wolverhampton

18
6 x 3 trades

SB2 – Week 7 via remote video conference evening Knowledge Units
Interpretation, explanation and support on successfully completing NVQ knowledge questions from Drylining tutor.
Remote via video conferencing with drylining tutor (zoom / teams etc)

14 – 16 Mar 2023 (Tue – Thu)
Evenings 17.00 – 20.30 (remote)

Hours: 10.5

Guided learning hours

132

Wk 8 Sat Knowledge Bootcamp via remote video conference
Remote via video conferencing with drylining tutor (zoom / teams etc)

18 Mar (Sat)
9.00 am - 5.30 pm (remote)

Hours: 8

London

18
6 x 3 trades

Wolverhampton

18
6 x 3 trades

SB2 – Week 8 via remote video conference evening Knowledge Units
Interpretation, explanation and support on successfully completing NVQ knowledge questions from Drylining tutor.
Remote via video conferencing with drylining tutor (zoom / teams etc)

21 – 23 Mar 2023 (Tue –Thu)
Evenings 17.00 – 20.30 (remote)

Hours: 10.5

Guided learning hours

150.5

SB2 – Wk 8 Weekend Bootcamp 4
Practical Workshop at Training Centre
Joint & Taping Masterclass

25 – 26 Mar 2023 (Sat – Sun)
At training Centre

Hours: 15

London

18
6 x 3 trades

Wolverhampton

18
6 x 3 trades

SB2 – Week 8 via remote video conference evening Knowledge Units
Interpretation, explanation and support on successfully completing NVQ knowledge questions from Drylining tutor.
Remote via video conferencing with drylining tutor (zoom / teams etc)

28 – 30 Mar 2023 (Tue –Thu)
Evenings 17.00 – 20.30 (remote)

Hours: 10.5

Guided learning hours

176

Guided learning hours

176

Site Visits x 2 Days

Total Guided Learning Hours

190

How to apply to Skills Bootcamps in Drylining:


For the unemployed pathway you need to meet the following criteria:
  • • You need to be within commuting distance of Mitcham in London or if demand hi we may be able to offer east London venue – or based in Wolverhampton or Leicester for W Midlands bootcamp
  • • Be able to attend a fulltime bootcamp Monday to Friday for 6 weeks as well as an Employer Work Trial for 2 weeks within either London or Wolverhampton (8 WEEKS COMMITMENT PRIOR TO INTERVIEW)
  • • In the first instance we are looking for those with some level of general labouring experience this does not have to be on a construction site it can have been working in the residential / maintenance / refurbishment sector (e.g. supporting homeowners with home improvements, competent handyman etc). However we will accept a small percentage of those without previous labouring experience due to the intense and thorough nature of the bootcamp.
  • • You need to be currently unemployed or without work and happy to commit to a 8 week program fulltime program, if you are on universal credit or job seekers allowance and are short listed as a candidate, we will discuss your case with our DWP Partnership Contact with regards to continued support across 8 weeks. You do not need to be on UC or JSA to apply for this programme as we understand some may have yet to complete their UC or JSA applications.
  • • Please also note that the completion of your NVQ requires additional time following the bootcamp in and around your work commitments to complete all knowledge questions and practical tasks within a work environment. The bootcamp gives you extra training and support to assist you to pass your NVQ faster than you would have on your own.
For the self-employed pathway you need to meet the following criteria:
  • • Same as above but you need to be currently working in a self employed capacity within construction at Level 1 general labourer / residential building trade (running your own jobs in peoples homes) or in property refurbishment and are looking to upskill into Drylining, Carpentry or Bricklaying. Please note this is also open to those that are already working as self employed dryliners, Carpenters or Bricklayers but no official qualification, with the caveat that you must commit to attending all bootcamp dates, regardless of experience, to successfully receive certification in level 2 NVQ Drylining. Please note that an NVQ is required to be completed while you are working and hence you will need to be working within a construction or building environment and under go 2 site visits to reach certification but this NVQ aims to offer you intensive tutor support to assist you to complete your NVQ as quickly as possible and faster than you would do on your own.

If you meet the above criteria you can contact us in one of two ways:


Call 0333 344 7657 or 0207 199 9800 and ask to speak to Ryan, letting him know if you are interested in:
  • • Skills Bootcamps Drylining Unemployed Pathway
  • • Skills Bootcamps Drylining, Carpentry or Bricklaying Self-employed Pathway

Ryan will then walk you through your application over the phone.



Or you can request a form by email to: [email protected]

Construction Helpline is an Equal Opportunities Employer and we encourage applications from underrepresented groups within construction for e.g. those from the BAME community and women of which there is still a very low percentage when compared with other industries.

Employer Engagement:


If you are a construction employer:

  • • based in Wolverhampton or London
  • • has vacancies for Drylining, Carpentry or Bricklaying Contractors with intake between Jan and Sep 2023
  • • Are happy to offer a 2 week work trial on completion of the bootcamp
  • • And an interview at the end of the work trial as a Drylining Contractor for a term of no less than 12 weeks
  • • Are interested in inputting into the final sign off and design of the curriculum
  • • And would like to get involved in this Skills Bootcamps in Drylining program
Please email [email protected] to express your interest.
Or call Melissa on 0207 199 9808