The Dry Lining Masterclasses, a Home Builders Federation (HBF) initiative delivered by NHBC in partnership with the Finishes & Interiors Sector, are designed to deliver practical skills and knowledge on the most common dry lining issues found by NHBC inspection teams.

Funded by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the masterclasses have been developed to enhance the skills of the home building workforce across England, Wales and Scotland. Led by experienced NHBC building inspectors, they focus on improving quality and standards, promoting good practice on site and offering practical suggestions and advice. The Dry Lining Masterclasses give attendees the knowledge to get it right first time and reduce on-site remediation.

The course content has been tailored to cover the following key areas:

• defect statistics
• when dry lining and plasterboard can start
• plasterboard fixings
• dry lining
• fire safety
• sound insulation
• consistent approach to finishes.

The 90-minute sessions can be booked to take place on site, providing training directly to teams while minimising disruption to the working day. Alternatively, individual tradespeople can book onto open sessions at NHBC training hubs in Cambridge, Hull, Lichfield and Newcastle.

Geoff Mann, qualifications manager at NHBC, said: “These masterclasses are ideal for anyone working as a plasterer or dry liner looking to develop their knowledge. They are fully funded by CITB so are offered free of charge to attendees. At only 90 minutes long, the Dry Lining Masterclass series offers top quality training in a manageable format, helping developers upskill colleagues and subcontractors at no cost.”

Andy George, director of industry talent attraction and skills, said: “Since launching the masterclass initiative with NHBC and CITB in 2019, more than 15,000 bricklayers and roofers across the UK have benefited from the training. We’re proud to be building on this success with the new dry lining offer, supporting more of our onsite workforce to upskill. This initiative is a fantastic example of the positive impact of collaborative working across industry, ensuring we continue to invest in our workforce and deliver accessible training where it’s needed.”

The new Dry Lining Masterclass is part of a wider programme of professional training offered by NHBC as part of the Home Building Sector Skills Plan.