How to become a Solid Plasterer

Solid plasterers apply decorative and protective coverings of plaster, cement or similar materials to the interiors and exteriors of buildings.

Personal requirements for a Solid Plasterer

Enjoy practical work
Good hand-eye coordination
Able to work at heights
Able to work neatly and accurately
Good communication skills
Some mathematical ability
Able to read, interpret and work from plans
Good health and stamina, and free from allergies to materials used

Education & Training for a Solid Plasterer

To become a solid plasterer, you usually have to complete an apprenticeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Duties & Tasks of a Solid Plasterer

Solid plasterers:

Level and straighten corners, angles, and wall and ceiling surfaces
Clean and prepare surfaces by stapling wire-mesh frames to them, or by roughening them with mechanical hammers
Mix and apply coats of plaster, cement, render or similar materials to walls and ceilings, levelling and smoothing them using trowels
Apply finishing coats of plaster to give a smooth finish or decorative texture
Fix precast cornices and panel mouldings, ceiling centres and other plaster fittings
Render exterior walls and moulds
Finish the underside of concrete floors with a mixture of cement and granite chips or blue metal
Erect scaffolding (subject to licence requirements in some states or territories) and trestles.

Tasks

Fixes pre-cast cornices, panel mouldings, ceiling centres and other plaster fittings.
Covers joins and nail holes with wet plaster and sealing compounds, and smoothes them using wet brushes and sand paper.
Plumbs and straightens corners, angles and wall and ceiling surfaces.
Mixes and applies coats of plaster, cement and render to structures using trowels, and levels and smoothes coats to uniform thickness.
Creates decorative textures in finishing coats.

Working conditions for a Solid Plasterer

Solid plasterers usually work in dusty conditions. They may work alone or in teams of two or three, both indoors and outdoors. They may have contact with the public.

Employment Opportunities for a Solid Plasterer

Solid plasterers may work for small businesses or government departments concerned with public works. Many solid plasterers are self-employed and after years of experience, start their own business.

Specializations

Wet Plasterer

A wet plasterer conducts rendering work by applying wet solutions to internal or external walls and ceilings.

Wet Plasterer

A wet plasterer conducts rendering work by applying wet solutions to internal or external walls and ceilings.

Average age
37 years
Future Growth
Strong
Gender Share
1% female
Average full-time
43 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,600
Skill level rating
Medium skill
Unemployment
Average unemployment
Full-Time Share
72% Full-Time
Employment Size
5,100 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 1.6%
NSW: 29.1%
NT: 0.9%
QLD: 21.0%
SA: 6.7%
TAS: 1.3%
VIC: 29.4%
WA: 9.9%
Age brackets
15-19: 2.5%
20-24: 9.6%
25-34: 29.9%
35-44: 28.7%
45-54: 19.2%
55-59: 5.6%
60-64: 2.9%
65 and Over: 1.5%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 3%
Bachelor degree: 1.7%
Certificate III/IV: 48.6%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 0.1%
Year 10 and below: 25.3%
Year 11: 5%
Year 12: 16.3%