Hands on Plastering and Artexing

There is a steady demand for plasterers to work in all areas of the building trades; Philip Sykes of Step to Training explains the ways of entering this promising career and the options available once the basics are under your belt

You need to be aware of the dust: it gets everywhere! So do plasterers, whose skills are required in all aspects of the building and construction trades. From full-scale construction to assisting plumbers in bathroom refits, their skills are widely sought after.

Plasterers finish interior walls, ceilings and sometimes floors of buildings, as well as applying stuccos to external surfaces. Before the finish a plasterer will usually fit the plasterboard to internal walls, make partitions and lay screeds (bases for floor coverings). Unlike other construction trades most of the work is carried on inside, away from the cold. However, pebble dashing or other outside work will expose you to the elements.

The three main types of work are:

1. solid plastering, used for walls, floors and other flat surfaces

2. fibrous plastering, which is delicate work involving shapes and patterns

3. drylining, which is very much in demand for new builds.

Plasterers should be good with their hands and also in good physical shape as a lot of time is spent standing, kneeling and bending. Working at height is sometimes required.

Speed and accuracy is critical. Mastering tools like hawk and trowel is much like playing golf Ð it looks easy, but playing like Tiger Woods takes time, effort and real skill. Therefore, learning and perfecting your trade under supervision improves work quality and job prospects. A short course of one or two weeks is recommended for someone who wants to find out whether they wish to pursue a career as a plasterer or just undertake DIY at home. These courses tend not to offer skills like fibrous plastering, but these can be learned later.

Most courses lead either to National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) or the Intermediate Construction Award (ICA) Ð both at Level 3 Ð in six or seven weeks. These can be taken during resettlement. Be aware that the NVQ route requires you to enter the workplace and get assessed before receiving the award. So the course can provide only the underpinning knowledge for the NVQ as well as the start of the portfolio that is required for the qualification.

The ICA is for people not currently in the construction industry, but covers the same units as the NVQ as well as the underpinning knowledge required on-site in order to be assessed for the NVQ. It includes portfolio development and a certificate to show potential employers. For both, health and safety is a crucial element and you should ensure that part of the course provides the necessary knowledge for the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card, taken at a driving centre and the passport on to a construction site.

Employers range from large construction firms, which contract large teams for big projects, to small businesses employing fewer than five people. You will have a choice, depending on where you live. Employment prospects are generally good due to current shortages, particularly for people with personal skills developed in the Services. People planning to set up on their own should scout the local papers, see what the competition is like and cost the start-up carefully. You may find that working with a fully qualified plasterer will your improve skills and provide experience in the crucial art of quoting.

Salary depends on the area in which you operate, the type of work you undertake and the speed at which you work. Good plasterers can make up to £250/£300 a day and will always be in demand.

For further information call Step to Training on 0800 043 6960 or email info@steptotraining.co.uk