To Better the Industry

The Alberta Wall and Ceiling Association is the provincial voice of the wall and ceiling industry, providing and promoting technical information and training to our membership, to the construction industry and consumers at large

A lather (interior systems mechanic) assembles and installs the framework for gypsum materials in buildings. Through a combination of formal classroom instruction and technical training an apprenticeship program prepares men and women for a professionally and personally rewarding career in the trade industry.

A lather can look forward to working independently and with others. A lather must be dedicated to honing his/her accuracy skills in order to complete a variety of tasks that require good eye-hand coordination.

Applicants to the Lather-Interior Systems Mechanic apprenticeship program must possess at minimum a Grade 9 or equivalent, and locate an employer that is willing to register, hire and train apprentices. The classroom component of the apprenticeship program is taught at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton and at the Calgary campus. After successful completion of the required training, employment and examination, apprentices are awarded a Journeyman Certificate.

Lathers can gain national trade recognition after passing the examination for the Interprovincial Red Seal, which then qualifies them to work throughout most of Canada. As with most trade positions, employment and advancement opportunities for lathers are dependent on the current state of the construction industry. However, the skills and training experience acquired through an apprenticeship program remains valuable and transferable.

Lathers can choose to work as self-employed contractors or estimators. With experience and further training, lathers can also transfer their skills into other construction related occupations.