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Plasterer

Alternative titles for this job include

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

Average salary (a year)

£21,000 Starter

to

£38,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 45 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

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

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

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

Apprenticeship

You can apply to do a Plasterer Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, or Craft Plasterer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, which may lead into a trainee position with a company.

These can take around 2 years to complete and are a mix of on-the-job training and time spent with a college or training provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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

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.

More Information

Registration

Further information

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

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • 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
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • have a good level of fitness
  • be able to cope with working at height

You may need a driving licence for some jobs.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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

Working environment

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.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Plastering Apprentice

  • Wage: £25,488 a year Annually
  • Location: Warrington Road, Widnes, Cheshire

Plastering Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £15,704 to £25,396.80 a year Annually
  • Location: BELL CLOSE, PLYMPTON, PLYMOUTH
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Level 3 Diploma - Plastering 19+

  • Provider: REASEHEATH COLLEGE
  • Start date: 02 September 2025
  • Location: NANTWICH

Level 3 - Diploma in Plastering (Construction) - FL3/NSF - NOCN

  • Provider: RNN GROUP
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Rotherham
Find courses near you

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