Plasterer

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

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You can apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

• Onsite Trades Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
• Plasterer Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Craft Plasterer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

Foundation apprenticeship

You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.

If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:

• have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
• are in care or have been in care
• are in prison or have been in prison

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship

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

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

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.

Registrations

you'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site

Further Information

You can find out more about becoming a plasterer from Go Construct and House Building Careers .

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

You could work at a client's home, on a construction site or at a client's business.

Your working environment may be at height.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.