Plasterer

Plasterers mix and apply plaster onto internal walls and ceilings to create a surface that is ready for decorating. There are two main types of plastering:

• Solid plastering involves applying wet plaster to walls and ceilings to form a flat, smooth surface.
• Fibrous plastering involves making or repairing decorative plaster mouldings, such as cornices or ceiling roses, using plaster reinforced with fibre. These specialist plasterers may follow drawings and use moulds or casts.

Increasingly, plasterers carry out aspects of dry lining on site. See the Dry Liner profile for details.

Plasterers normally work normal office hours, Monday to Friday, with occasional late nights or weekend work. Solid plasterers mainly work indoors in occupied buildings and on new building site developments. Fibrous plasterers are usually based in workshops but may make site visits. Plastering is physically demanding, involving stretching to reach ceilings, bending and kneeling. They may have to work at heights, from ladders, scaffolding and mobile access towers.

Salaries range from between £8,639 and £15,270 a year for apprentices and trainee plasterers to £28,000, or more, with experience.

Plasterers should be:

• practical and methodical
• physically fit and strong
• able to work quickly and accurately
• team players
• responsible and customer focused
• good at problem solving.

There are around 40,660 plasterers and dry liners in the UK. The main employers are specialist plastering and dry lining contractors and interior fit-out companies. Some may also work in the heritage sector. Many plasterers are self-employed.

There are no set entry requirements. However, GCSEs (A*-E) in maths, English and technology can be useful. Many enter and train through a ConstructionSkills Apprenticeship in plastering.

The Diploma in construction and the built environment may be relevant for this area of work. Some undertake a relevant college course prior to entry.

Training usually combines on-the-job training with working towards the CSkills Awards Level 1 and Level 2 NVQ Diploma in plastering (construction). The Level 2 NVQ Diploma offers pathways in both solid and fibrous plastering. Plasterers may then progress to a Level 3 qualification. Those working on construction sites need to have a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card.

Progression to supervisory positions and construction management positions is possible. Some may move into related trades or training positions. Many plasterers become self-employed and work as subcontractors. Contract work abroad may be available.

Further details