When most of us picture what life must be like as a plasterer, we are immediately put in mind of the actual process of mixing and skimming plaster onto the interior surfaces of buildings. We don’t necessarily think of certain other aspects of how the UK’s approximately 40,000 plasterers work, but which are vital to appreciate if you are considering entering this career yourself.
Some elements of the job are more predictable than others
First of all, let’s confront the obvious: if plastering looks like the kind of job that requires considerable dexterity and speed, that’s because it is. However, the role doesn’t just involve the coating of internal walls and ceilings with different types of plaster in readiness for decoration, as plasterers may also be called upon to coat external surfaces with materials such as sand or cement.
The handiwork aspect of plastering should certainly not be underestimated. Indeed, the physical nature of the job is one reason why there are still many more male plasterers than female plasterers, although efforts have been made to encourage more women into the industry.
However, mathematical skill is also required to work out how much plaster needs to be mixed up for a given assignment, as well as the quantity that must be ordered to maintain the correct levels of work in a specific project. After all, it’s crucial for no aspect of a project to be held up.
You might be a little more surprised to hear that plasterers often need to be creative, too, when it comes to all manner of fibrous plastering and decorative work.
As for the working hours, about 39 hours a week from Monday to Friday is typical, although weekend and evening work may be necessary when projects are to be completed to tight deadlines.
A more interesting and rewarding role than you might have ever imagined
With those starting out in plastering able to command salaries of between £14,000 and £18,000, rising to between £18,000 and £25,000 once they have acquired more experience – up to as much as £30,000 at the highest experience levels – a plastering career can be satisfying in more ways than just the work itself.
So, why not enquire today about our intensive plastering courses in the UK here at YTA, running for five or 10 days and covering all of the hands-on essentials for both beginner and more experienced tradespersons – including health and safety, skimming to plasterboard, the setting of finishing beads, the repair of plastering and so much more?
Call 01274 682 199 or 07400 922 788 to book any of our intensive plastering courses in the UK, or to receive more information.