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.

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.

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.