Description of the Lather (Interior Systems Mechanic) trade

“Lather (Interior Systems Mechanic)” is this trade’s official Red Seal occupational title approved by the CCDA. This standard covers tasks performed by lathers (interior systems mechanics).

Lathers (Interior Systems Mechanics) handle, erect and install materials that are components in the construction of all or part of a structure. They lay out and install framework for ceiling systems, interior and exterior walls, floors and roofs. They install various types of ceilings (e.g., suspended, spanned, direct contact), shielded walls (e.g., fire, sound, thermal separation) and various sheathing products. They also perform acoustical installations.

Materials that lathers (interior systems mechanics) install include: cold rolled steel components (e.g., steel studs, tracks, channels), metal door and window frames, stucco wire, vapour barriers and insulation, sheathing products (e.g., gypsum and cement products), specialty architectural products and metal lath.

Lathers (Interior Systems Mechanics) are employed by construction companies and drywall contractors. They may also be self-employed. In the residential construction industry, they construct, maintain and renovate structures from single-family homes to multi-story apartments. In the commercial, institutional and industrial construction sectors, they build, maintain and renovate structures such as commercial buildings, schools, hospitals and manufacturing complexes.

Lathers (Interior Systems Mechanics) work both indoors and outdoors year-round. They may specialize in individual aspects of the trade such as layout, wall framing and drywall installation. They use a variety of hand and power tools. They also use layout tools such as surveyor’s levels and laser levels. They may use machinery such as boom lifts and scissor lifts to access their work. The installation of metal stud framing and suspended ceilings often requires the use of lasers and powder-actuated tools.

Key attributes for people in this trade are good hand-eye coordination, the ability to work at heights and the ability to pay attention to detail. Lathers (Interior Systems Mechanics) must be able to read and interpret information from drawings, blueprints and specifications. The work may require lifting and positioning heavy building materials in a fast-paced environment. The work is physically demanding and requires the use of personal protective equipment. Workers in this trade work in teams and independently.

There are similarities and overlaps with the work of carpenters, insulators, and drywall finishers and plasterers.

Experienced lathers (interior systems mechanics) may act as mentors and trainers to apprentices in the trade. They may also advance to positions such as estimators, supervisors, training coordinators and project managers.