Plasterer
What is the work like?
As a plasterer, you would mix and apply different kinds of plaster to internal walls, floors and ceilings so that they are ready for decorating. Your work could also involve covering outside walls with coatings, like sand and cement, pebble-dash and stone-effect materials.
You would normally work as part of a small team and deal with three common types of plastering work:
- solid plastering – applying wet finishes to surfaces and putting protective coverings like pebble-dashing on external walls (you may have a labourer to mix the materials)
- fibrous plastering – creating ornamental plasterwork, such as ceiling roses, cornices, columns and architraves, using a mixture of plaster and short fibres shaped with moulds and casts
- dry lining – fixing internal plasterboard or wallboard partitions by fastening them together on a timber or metal frame ready for decorating.
You would apply plasterwork using various tools, for example different size trowels to match the surface area. With fibrous plastering, you would follow designs created by an architect, artist or interior designer.
As a plasterer, you might be employed on big commercial developments, or you could work on small-scale domestic jobs, repairs and restoration.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not need any specific qualifications to become a plasterer, but employers tend to want people with some on-site experience. If you have not worked in construction before, you could work as a plasterer's 'mate' or labourer to gain site experience. Once working, the employer may be willing to give you training in plastering (see the training and development section for details).
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme with a plastering or building firm. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
To be eligible for an Apprenticeship, you would need some GCSEs in subjects such as maths, English and design and technology, or equivalent qualifications like the Edexcel Introductory Certificate or Diploma in Construction.
Alternatively, you could take a college course in plastering, which would teach you some of the skills needed for the job, but employers may still want to see some site experience.
Relevant college courses include:
- City & Guilds (6217) Basic Construction Skills: Plastering
- CSkills Diploma in Plastering
- ABC Certificate in Preparation for Employment in Plastering
- Open College North West Preparation for Employment in Construction (Plastering).
Check with ConstructionSkills and your local colleges for more details about the courses.
ConstructionSkills has information on construction careers and qualifications. The construction industry is also being promoted as a career choice for women through the Know Your Place campaign.
What further training and development can I do?
You would be given on-the-job training by your employer, normally leading to NVQ in Plastering at levels 2 and 3.
The NVQ includes units on:
- producing internal and external finishes
- applying and fixing dry lining boards
- producing castings
- fixing and repairing fibrous parts.
Once you have completed the Level 3 NVQ, you could take further specialist training for an NVQ Level 3 in Heritage Skills (Construction). This is designed to meet the demand for traditional craft skills used in the repair and conservation of historical buildings.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)
Many building contractors now insist that you have a CSCS card to work on their sites. The card is proof of your skills and competence. To get your card you must:
- pass a health and safety assessment
- have an NVQ or equivalent qualification.
If you are working without qualifications, you may be able to use On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) or Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) to get your NVQ and card. Contact CSCS or SkillsDirect for further details.
Where can I go for more information?
Tel: 0844 576 8777King's Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 6RH
Tel: 01485 577577
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries are between £14,000 and £17,000 a year.
- Qualified plasterers earn between £17,500 and £22,000.
- Experienced plasterers can earn up to £26,000 a year.
Overtime and shift allowances will increase earnings, while self-employed plasterers negotiate their own rates.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would work 39 hours a week, Monday to Friday, although overtime at weekends or evenings may be necessary to meet deadlines.
As a solid plasterer or dry liner, you would work indoors, which may include partially completed buildings. If you work as a fibrous plasterer, you would usually be based in a workshop, but have some site visits. You may have to work at heights from ladders, platforms or scaffolding, depending on the job.
You would travel from site to site and some jobs may involve working away from home for periods at a time.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good practical skills to work with tools
- the ability to work quickly, accurately and as part of a team
- good numeracy skills for calculating surface areas and volumes of materials
- creative ability for fibrous plastering and other decorative work
- a reasonable level of fitness
- an awareness of health and safety issues.
What opportunities are there?
Your opportunities are good, with construction industry bodies forecasting the need for around 2,500 newly qualified plasterers in the next two years.
You could work for specialist plastering firms, building contractors, local authorities and other public organisations. With experience, you could also set up as self-employed and work as a sub-contractor, supplying your labour and skills, with the building firm providing the materials.
You could progress to supervisory jobs or related areas, like tiling, estimating and site management.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading:
bConstructive
Construction Jobs Network
Jobcentre Plus
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