Plasterer

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

• Level 1 Award in Construction Skills Plastering
• Level 2 Diploma in Plastering
• Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Plastering

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You could get into this career by taking an intermediate apprenticeship in plastering.

You'll do on-the-job training and spend time 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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

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

Registration

• 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.

You'll need:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of building and construction
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• business management skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

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

You'll normally work in a team carrying out:

• solid plastering (applying wet finishes to surfaces and putting protective coverings like pebble-dash on outside walls)
• fibrous plastering (creating ornamental plasterwork like ceiling roses, cornices and architraves)
• dry lining (fixing internal plasterboard or wallboard partitions)

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

Your working environment may be at height.

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