Plasterer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

Entry requirements:

College

You can do a college course that will teach you some of the skills needed for the job. Courses include:

• plastering
• construction skills - plastering
• T Level in On Site Construction

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You can apply to do a Plasterer Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, which may lead into a trainee position with a company.

This apprenticeship takes 2 years to complete and is a mix of on-the-job training and time spent with a college or training provider.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Work

You can begin working as a plasterer's labourer or 'mate'. You may not need formal qualifications but some employers look for on-site construction experience.

Your employer may then offer you the chance to take training on the job to qualify as a plasterer.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• knowledge of building and construction
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to work well with others
• customer service skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• business management skills
• physical fitness and endurance
• design skills and knowledge
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• knowledge of maths
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• leadership skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• observation and recording skills

What you'll do:

Plasterers apply plaster to walls and ceilings ready for decorating and finishing.

As a plasterer, you'll:

• estimate the amount of materials needed for a job
• prepare surfaces and level off uneven areas
• mix plaster to the right consistency by hand or with an electric mixer
• apply 'wet' finishes to walls and ceilings
• create ornamental features like ceiling roses, cornices and architraves
• fit internal plasterboard or wallboard partitions in rooms
• coat outside walls with protective coverings like pebble dash or render

Location : You could work at a client's home, on a construction site or at a client's business.
Environment : Your working environment may be at height.
Uniform : You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Salary:

Starter : £21,000
Experienced : £38,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

40 - 45 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm

Career Path:

With experience, you could move to a supervisory job, or into related areas like:

• dry lining
• tiling or ceiling fixing
• estimating
• heritage conservation
• site management

You could also train apprentices in further education or set up your own business.