Plastering courses: learning the basics!

Plasterers are responsible for coating the external and internal surface of all constructions surfaces with a thin coating of plaster. The plaster is responsible for smoothing rough surfaces and providing a smooth water and weather resistant coat on building surfaces. Learning to be a plasterer is a great way to be a part of the construction trade and there are a whole lot of career alternative as you can choose. But first you have to start off by taking plastering courses to learn the basics of the trade.

Selecting plastering courses and the work you will have to learn-
Plastering is a highly skilled job that only expert plastering courses can teach you. No matter which plastering courses you shortlist, remember that you should be taught the following tricks of the trade.
 You should learn how to replace the existing plaster by chipping it off and then preparing the surface to receive a new layer of plaster. Attaching metal rivets to surfaces to fix plaster chipboards and preparing the chipboards for attachment.
 Learning the exact quantity of dry plaster which will be required to cover specific areas by calculating surface areas and amounts in basic math.
 And then the proper proportioning of water and dry plaster which has to be mixed to be the proper consistency. The quantity of water in the mix determines the porosity of the plaster mix and its strength. Plastering courses can teach this skill only through extensive practical training. Plastering courses have instructors who will teach you how to mix and apply the semi-liquid mix to prepared wall surfaces with the tools of the trade.
 Recognizing and basic proficiency with the tools of the trade like trowels and hawks. Preparing first and second coats of plaster and then scoring the first layer to provide mechanical retention for the second layer of plaster. Each plaster layer is applied in sections as the mix dries fast. Learning how to apply skim layers on top of the first two layers of plaster. Most plastering courses will teach you also how to apply fibrous backings to plaster moulds to make stronger castings.
 The average salary for a plasterer can range anywhere from $39,190 to about $ 40,000 and that was in the year 2007. The surveys were carried out by the U.S. Department of Labor but future statistics are optimistic about job prospects stating that there are more than 2000 vacancies available for trained plasterers who have completed professional plastering courses..
Most plastering courses are designed to teach you the basics of plaster work with a basic proficiency in wet work. But along with the skills and knowledge you will also have to work with a good construction company to get more hands-on experience. A few construction companies take on employees who have finished studying plastering courses and keep them on apprentices for three years. When you are an apprentice you get paid half the salary. Once your apprenticeship is over, you can work as a professional plasterer with full salary.

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.