Partitioning Systems Operative

What does a partitioning systems operatives do?

As a partitioning systems operative, you’ll be responsible for the installation of various types of partitioning systems in a variety of different settings – such as houses, offices and hospitals.

The job role of a partitioning systems operative may involve the following duties: 

• Measuring the space due to be divided
• Reading plans and drawings
• Liaising with architects and site managers
• Estimating and ordering materials needed for a job
• Making partitions out of wood, metal or glass using hand or power tools
• Working out the position of doors, light switches and power points and cutting holes for them
• Installing 'relocatable' or moveable partitions that can be taken down for use elsewhere in the building
• Assessing the building’s environmental conditions to ensure partitions are suitable
• Adhering to soundproofing or fire protection requirements
• Leaving the place clean and tidy when the job is done.

How to become a partitioning systems operative

There are several routes to becoming a partitioning systems operative. You could complete a college course, an apprenticeship, or on the job training by applying to an employer directly. 

You should explore these routes to becoming a partitioning systems operative to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions. 

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

College/training provider

You could complete a Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Interior Systems at your local college to help you become a partitioning systems operative. 

You’ll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a course near you
• Funding advice

Apprenticeship

You could complete an apprenticeship in Interior Systems to become a partitioning systems operative.

You’ll need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent to become an apprentice.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you’ll be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

• Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have some basic experience, you could apply directly to a construction company to gain onsite experience as a partitioning systems operative. You might start out as an assistant to a more experienced partitioning systems operative and progress as your abilities improve.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a partitioning systems operative. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

• Find out more about work experience

Skills 

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a partitioning systems operative include: 

• Good physical fitness
• Comfortable working at height
• Ability to follow plans as well as written and verbal instructions
• Excellent attention to detail
• Good numeracy skills.

How much could you earn as a partitioning systems operative?

The expected salary for a partitioning systems operative varies as you become more experienced.

 • Newly trained partitioning systems operatives can start at £19,000

 • Trained with experience partitioning systems operatives can earn up to £43,000*

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route. 

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources