So, you want to be a plasterer? Can you:
- Work as a team or be a team leader?
- Work with hand and power tools
- Work at heights
- Learn to use leveling equipment such as laser levels
What do drywall plasterers do?
- Construct and install non-loadbearing partition wall frames and ceiling frames including fix plasterboard, plasterglass and fibre cement sheets and cornices and finishing joints.
- Construct and install non-loadbearing fire-rated walls and ceilings, autoclaved aerated masonry wall and ceiling systems.
- Install suspended ceiling systems.
- Install cast plaster blockwork.
- Apply or install waterproofing and damp-proofing for plastering drywall
Plasterers work in a variety of construction sites. Many plasterers specialize but a fully qualified plasterer has the skills to work in domestic construction like houses or might work on high rise buildings working with metal framing and ceiling materials to build the walls and ceilings.
How do I become a drywall plasterer?
Firstly, you will need to do some work experience so that you know what the job is about. If you think it’s for you, find an employer that is looking for an apprentice plasterer. You will then become an apprentice plasterer and will you will complete a certificate III in wall and ceiling lining at a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
Once you have completed the four year apprenticeship, you will be a qualified tradie!
What Next?
Once you are a tradie in the construction industry, you can continue working for small or large companies and move into leading hand, supervising or management positions. You might even want to start your own business and employ apprentices yourself. Some tradies even go on to further education to complete courses from Certificate IV to bachelor level. There are plenty of options for qualified plasterers.
