Plasterer
You'll prepare walls and ceilings to get them ready for decorating. This makes homes and offices look good and feel comfy, while also saving energy.
About the job
A day in the life – Plasterer
What it's like
As a plasterer, you'll focus on perfecting walls and ceilings in homes and other buildings. You may work on small jobs, repairs and restoration in people’s homes. Other jobs could be at big commercial developments such as schools or hospitals.
You'll prepare surfaces for decoration, making sure they're smooth and even. It's rewarding to see your work make a real difference to a building's appearance. You might even specialise in decorative plasterwork, adding intricate designs to grand interiors.
As part of a small team, you’ll work on one of these processes:
solid plastering – applying wet finishes to surfaces and putting protective coverings such as pebble-dashing on external walls
fibrous plastering – creating ornamental plasterwork, such as ceiling roses, cornices, and architraves, using a mixture of plaster and short fibres shaped with moulds and casts
dry lining – fixing internal plasterboard or wallboard partitions by fastening them together on a timber or metal frame ready for decorating
Your tasks might include:
preparing surfaces by cleaning and repairing
mixing plaster to the right consistency
applying coats of plaster to walls and ceilings
smoothing and finishing surfaces
fitting plasterboards
removing old plaster
Green job       Â
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You may:Â Â Â Â Â
use natural, eco-friendly, low-carbon plastersÂ
install insulation to improve energy efficiency
use materials that can be recycled or reused to reduce wasteÂ
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card – learn how to apply for your CSCS card
Go Construct - find out more about the role of a plasterer
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Plasterer'
Select qualification level(s)
Other careers that you might like
-
Carpet fitter or floor layer -
Painter and decorator -
Wall and floor tiler
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
-
Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- time management
- concentrating
- attention to detail
- observation
- working with numbers
- problem solving
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
-
Practical Craft Skills
-
Skills for Work: Construction Craft
-
Skills for Work: Practical Experiences: Construction and Engineering
Most plasterers start their career through a Modern Apprenticeship, but there are a few ways you can break in to the industry.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in Construction: Building.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you secure a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Built Environment
Construction Management
Use the My World of Work course search to find courses.
Trainee roles
Sometimes, you can start working as a plasterer's labourer or 'mate'. You probably won't need formal qualifications to get into these roles, but some employers will look for on-site construction experience.
Your employer may offer you the chance to do extra training on the job that'll help you qualify as a plasterer.
Use the My World of Work job search to find vacancies.
A driving licence can be useful.
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a plasterer. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
You'll usually have to take an aptitude test before you can start training.
You must have a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on site. As part of this, you'll need to pass a health and safety test.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Plasterer'
