Description
Fabricate and install light-gauge metal stud and track systems for interior partitions, soffits, and ceilings. Lay out, cut, and assemble cold-formed metal framing to plans and codes, ensuring assemblies are plumb, level, anchored, and ready for drywall or sheathing. Includes framing openings, backing, deflection and seismic components, and coordination with other trades.
- • Coordinate framing with MEP penetrations and rough-ins.
- • Read blueprints and specifications to determine layout, stud gauge, spacing, and connectors.
- • Measure and snap layout lines on floors, walls, and ceilings for track and stud locations.
- • Cut studs, tracks, and channels to length with snips, chop saws, or shears.
- • Anchor track to concrete, steel, or wood with screws, anchors, or powder-actuated fasteners.
- • Set studs plumb and level at specified spacing and fasten to track with screws or crimpers.
- • Install bracing, bridging, and strapping to stiffen wall assemblies.
- • Frame door and window openings with jamb studs, headers, and sills.
- • Build soffits, bulkheads, and framed enclosures for ducts and pipes.
- • Install suspended drywall ceiling framing using hangers, cold-rolled channel, and furring.
- • Frame shaftwalls and chase walls with specified systems, clips, and hardware.
- • Provide deflection track, slip clips, and seismic or wind bracing as detailed.
- • Install blocking and backing for casework, handrails, fixtures, and accessories.
- • Verify alignment and spacing with lasers, levels, and squares; adjust and brace as needed.
- • Assemble exterior cold-formed framing for non-load-bearing walls and parapets when required.
- • Install resilient channel, hat channel, or other furring to receive finishes.
- • Place thermal or acoustic insulation in stud cavities when specified.
- • Operate lifts, scaffolds, and power/hand tools safely and maintain a clean work area.
- • Prepare framed openings and edges for drywall installers and coordinate sequencing.
- • Remove existing partitions or framing where demolition is in scope.
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
