Plastering courses: What the course will teach you!

Plastering courses are designed to get you a complete know-how on how to use plaster to mix and cover internal and external walls. There are a whole host of applications for which plaster is commonly used and that means plastering courses can run any where from a year to six months in duration. Most plastering courses follow a similar curriculum. For example, plasterers will be taught the following in their plastering courses-

1. Safety and the correct use of plaster and plaster-related products.
2. How to handle plastering equipment and different type of equipment used in common plastering practices.
3. Screeding- In these sections of the plastering courses you will be taught how to prepare a floor to receive the first coat of plaster and then preparing tools and laying down the screeding on the prepared flooring.
4. How to use plaster hawks and trowels- Almost all plasterers have to learn a basic proficiency with the plaster trowels and hawks. Its takes a little time but in your plastering courses you will be taught how to apply sand and lime coats to the prepared wall areas and then level it off with trowels. A finishing coat is also required with devil floats.
5. Fixing floating beads- Students are taught how to fix beads and where. Instructors of plastering courses will also teach you how to use Lamotex on bare walls to get a better finish. The dot and dab method of applying plaster is another method that most instructors teach to novice plasterers to learn the process of plastering.

Where do you enroll for the best plastering courses?
The internet is the best way to find good plastering courses. Just put in the words ‘plastering courses’ and follow it up with your address a whole list of plastering courses will pop up. But there are a few things you should be careful of while choosing a course. Remember that plastering is a hands-on course. You do need practical experience on how to handle the material and work with it. Plaster goes on fast and dries even faster. You have to have to be able to work quickly with the material, as it sets almost instantly. Online courses are fine but unless you really get a few practical demonstrations; you cannot be called a plasterer. Other than that most employers will ask for how much on-site experience you have. After finishing the plastering courses, you have to enroll in Apprenticeship programs with employees so that you can learn the tricks of the plastering trade. Most employees prefer hands-on experience over the theoretical plastering courses but having both is an additional advantage.

Is there any specific organization I have to register in after finishing studying in plastering courses?
Not really but the most employers would prefer it if you carry CSCS certification. This card is to reassure employers that you are trained in your job and are well versed in safety procedures. To get the card you should be having NVQ/SVQ pass certificates. Before you sign up with any plastering courses do check whether they help you in getting your On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) or Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) exams.