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.

Are you searching for professional plastering courses?

If you are working on site with plastering company and you want to get a degree or diploma to add to your resume; then professional plastering courses are the best option. I agree that trying to go back to studying after working for a living can be very difficult. But there are a lot of options available as part time plastering courses for almost all novice plasterers.

Study options for plastering courses-
1. Full time study- You can prepare for a full time course by joining plastering courses right after high school. You will need to take electives like math, construction drawing and woodworking to prepare your skills for professional plastering courses, as most of the work requires handiwork skills.
2. Online courses- There are several plastering courses online where you will be taught the theoretical aspects of plastering. But be advised that most employers prefer to see on-site experience rather than theoretical knowledge.
3. Part time study- for most working plasterers this works out the best. You can continue with an apprenticeship at the company you are working with at present and still get an educational diploma which adds value to your work experience. There are several part time courses which you can find in your own locality with the help of the internet.
Fees and scholarships for plastering courses-
As such there are no scholarships available for plastering courses but you can try your luck with search engines. But a much better option is to ask your employer to fund a part of plastering courses while you are working for them as a professional plasterer. That works out better for the both of you in the long run. You might be expected to sign on for a longer contract period to help your employer recover his investment but think of it as a long time permanent job rather than a disadvantage.

What are the hours and working conditions?
Most of the times plastering jobs run on tight deadlines! You will have to work at least 40 hours a week all through the week with Sundays off. But again it depends on how fast the work needs to be completed. You might need to work indoors on indoor residential renovations or even outdoors in cold draughty buildings. If you are a fiber plasterer you will have to work in large workshops building the moulds and castings that different design jobs need. You will also have to visit sites to make sure that the moldings and castings you make are accurate and fit according to the architects design. If the job demands it you will also have to work on high scaffoldings attaching ceilings and cornices to the walls and ceiling. Freelancers may have long periods of time when they are out of work or are on call. The job also involves traveling to far off locations to build buildings which take several months to complete.

Plastering courses can prepare you for all these requirements if you work hard.

Plastering courses: becoming a plasterer!

Are you thinking of becoming a plasterer by enrolling in plastering courses? Plasterers work with plaster to create durable smooth coatings on surfaces of new constructions. They also apply resilient coats of sand and lime or cement, as well as decorative effects of pebble-dash and stone-effect materials to protect external surfaces from the elements. Most plasterers learn their trade through on-site experience but having done certified plastering courses just adds to your resume and gives you a better chance of being hired.

The demand for new plasterers after finishing plastering courses- Newer and better constructions are always going to be around and that’s where a good plasterer can get a lot of jobs. It is expected that in the nest two years there will be a demand for more than 2, 500 plasterers state-wise to keep up with the construction boom.

Job opportunities after finishing plastering courses- For plasterers there are several job opportunities that they can apply for. For example,
1. Specialist firms which deal with heritage projects
2. Working as a part of a team of building contractors,
3. Sub-contracting to local establishments, local authorities and social organizations
4. Handing a team as Foreman of a plastering firm which specializes in plastering, tiling, grouting etc
5. Freelancing as a contractor who works with building material suppliers for small plastering jobs
6. Site management
7. Supervisors

What do professional Plastering courses teach?
Plastering courses teach the basics of how to handle plaster and work with it to create a resistant and durable exterior and interior finish. You will also be taught safety standards, equipment used in the process of plastering and different materials used to create external stone finishes. You will be expected to work in the following areas as a team or as an individual.
1. Solid plastering – The wall surface is prepared and then different types of wet finishes are applied to surfaces. On external surfaces, different types of protective and decorative coatings are put up like pebbling, stone finishes, bricking, pebble-dashing and layering
2. Fibrous plastering – This involves the process of creating specially designed plasterwork which is commonly used in false ceilings with cornices, ceiling roses and architraves. The plaster is reinforced with fiber to create a much stronger mix and it’s poured into moulds and casts to get a definite shape.
3. Dry lining- Plastering courses teach how to fix plaster board or prepared fiber board onto prepared metal mounts made on walls and ceilings.

How much will be my earnings after finishing an apprenticeship and training with good plastering courses?
According to a government survey carried out in 2008, average earnings of a plasterer are about £14,000 to £17,000 a year. And that is just for beginners.
Trained plasterers are paid about £17,500 and £22,000 depending on expertise and additional experience. Plasterers who have several years of experience can earn over £26,000 or more. Overtime is paid more and shift allowances are extra. Freelancers can negotiate their own rate for their work. But with a degree or a diploma from professional plastering courses, there are chances that you will get paid more.