Plastering courses: The details

Most plastering courses teach the basics on how to handle the material and then apply it to modern constructions to create water and weather resistant coatings. But do you really know what the future holds for you after finishing the plastering courses you have enrolled in? Most employers prefer plasterer who have atleast a year or so of practical experience. As a result before you actually join plastering courses to take up plastering as a full-time profession, there are several details you should be familiar with.

Timings of your profession- As with every other profession, plasterers have to work the time set for them according to the construction company. Plastering is a five day a week job and most of the time you will have to work on internal surfaces and walls of homes and residences. But the work depends on the project. If you are contracted to work on large buildings and towers, then you might have to work on high-altitude projects in cold, drafty locations. There might be construction deadlines to adhere to and that means that you will have to work overtime. But most of the time the overtime is paid.

Plastering projects you will be assigned to- The projects you choose depends on what plastering courses you have taken in your basic training. For example, heritage plasterers learn how to work with a specific mix of plaster. This mix is the same one used since ancient times. These plastering courses teach a higher degree of skill and technical knowledge before plasterers are allowed to work on heritage constructions. Sometimes plasterers are contracted to prepare special moldings and designs that are prepared in workshops and then asked to assemble them in buildings. There are specialized plastering courses that teach how to prepare fibrous moldings used to make false ceilings and wall moldings.

Locations of projects- Most projects are located far away in up-coming residential areas. They will require you to travel a lot and to far-flung areas. That means it’s better if you have a vehicle of your own and you will be away from your home for long periods of time.

Skills required before enrolling in plastering courses- There are a large range of skills which you will have to learn before you become a skilled plasterer. Plastering courses require patience as for a majority of the time you will have to work with a wet clammy material. The material sets fast and it requires skill to handle. The material has to be applied in thin layers to surfaces and plastering courses will teach you to handle trowels and hawks to apply the plaster. You will also learn to make moldings, sheets and false ceilings with plaster. Basic skills in woodworking and math are very essential, as designing moldings and measuring the amount of plaster required to make them are very essential.

Career path- You can work as a freelancer for a few years or choose to do an apprenticeship with a construction company to get practical experience. Both options are fine.