Plasterer - Intermediate Apprenticeship - Level 2

Overview

Important information

The following information is simply detailing the apprenticeship training course and is not a live vacancy to apply for. Please click the link below to view our current apprenticeship vacancies.

View current vacancies

The broad purpose of this occupation is to apply layers of plaster onto walls, floors and ceilings. Plastering serves a protective function, in that it makes buildings more robust and also adds an aesthetic function. Plasterers will often complete dry lining projects during their career. Although a person may specialise solely in dry lining, a plasterer must have the knowledge of dry lining in addition to their knowledge and skills to plaster.

The occupation covered by this apprenticeship standard is for a Plasterer that will specialise in either Solid or Fibrous plaster work after undertaking the core learning (which includes introductory elements of both solid and fibrous plastering). They work on small-scale domestic jobs, large repair and restoration projects and on big commercial developments such as schools or hospitals, therefore coming into contact with a wide range of people.

Whilst some plasterers are directly employed by companies specialising in plastering, there are a lot who are sub contracted by companies to work on new or existing buildings.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for:

Solid plastering
Solid plastering involves applying a range of plastering systems on to different background surfaces using traditional and modern materials. Background surfaces include solid plain walls, walls with openings and returns, ceiling joists and partitions and beams and piers that are attached or independent of walls.

Solid plastering work includes preparing solid backgrounds by hand and mechanical means and installing sheet materials such as expanded metal lath/rib lath, standard angle beads, skim beads, stop beads, expansion beads and reinforcements for the application of one, two or three coat plastering or rendering systems. As a solid plasterer you would mainly be installing products on site.

Fibrous plastering
Fibrous plastering involves creating plaster components with either a modern contemporary design or with an ornamental enrichment to a classical design. These components could include: lighting troughs, beam and column casings, ceiling roses, complete ceilings, cornices, panel mouldings and many others. They are produced using plaster that is reinforced with hessian canvas and timber laths (fibrous) or artificial fibres (Glass fibre Reinforced Gypsum).

As a fibrous plasterer you would produce work in a workshop in addition to installing products on site. You will find fibrous work in traditional and modern buildings and sometimes in the film industry.

Start dates and fees

This apprenticeship can begin at any time of the year. This might be in line with your start date of employment or perhaps a review with your employer where your development is discussed.

During your apprenticeship, your employer is obliged to pay you a wage. Accurate information about minimum rates of pay can be found by visiting https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates

It is worth noting that many employers pay above minimum rates. Apprentices might be paid the minimum wage for apprentices if they are either:

Aged under 19
Aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship.

For more information about apprenticeships including our current vacancies, please visit our apprenticeship page.

What will I study?

How to identify and confirm plastering requirements and components against a survey/job sheet/specification/drawings/CAD/BIM and in accordance with Building Regulations
To locate, handle, store, load, transport and position plastering materials and components safely, minimising damage so they are ready for application and where applicable, in accordance with Working at Height regulations
How to prepare the site/work area (including access equipment when necessary), power and hand tools appropriate to the project
To prepare background substrates for internal solid plastering, dry lining and external rendering
How to apply sealers and bonding agents to ensure plaster and render adhesion in line with the manufactures instructions
To identify and select appropriate plastering materials, modern pre-blended and loose plasters, renders and additives including compounds, fixings, performance plasterboards, reinforcements and beads to carry out the plastering work in line with specifications and manufacturer’s instructions
For internal plastering cut and fix a range of standard and thin coat beads/trims to form true surfaces such as corners/returns for openings
For external rendering fix and form stops/expansion joints and bell casts to form drips for weathering
How to mix plasters and rendering materials including additives to a workable consistency.
Selecting the correct additives and reinforcements
To cut, fix and install metal framed partitions, wall linings and openings.
Cut and fix plasterboard mechanically and by direct bond in accordance with drawings and specifications
How to finish plasterboard surfaces by tape and joint or finishing plasters
To apply one and two coat plastering systems to plain and window walls and ceilings, protecting the work area and making good when necessary
To apply and finish a range of rendering systems to external elevations
To clear away leftover materials on completion of project and disposal of waste appropriately according to the appropriate code of practice
How to communicate professionally with colleagues, customers and stakeholders, providing a high level of customer service at all times
How to repair existing plasterwork, making good, restoring it to its original state
To construct positive or negative running moulds according to specifications and drawings
How to install cast mouldings according to specifications and customer requirements

In addition to the above there are additional areas of learning specific to Solid Plastering or Fibrous Plastering.

Entry requirements

Each apprenticeship programme will have its own set of entry requirements. You should understand these before making an application. Individual prior attainment will always be carefully considered when planning an apprenticeship programme.

You will need to be aged 16 years and over to be eligible for an apprenticeship programme. As this is a work-based qualification you must be employed in a relevent role and have a contract of employment to cover the duration of the apprenticeship programme. Here at West Nottinghamshire College we have a recruitment team that can help you to find the right opportunity. Call the main college number and ask for the apprenticeship team to find out how we could help you.

As an applicant, you will undertake assessment in both maths and English prior to enrolment to ascertain current working levels which will aid the creation of an individual learning plan towards achieving maths and English at level 2 if not already achieved.

If you have passed maths and English GCSE or equivalent you will be required to evidence this with certificates which may result in exemption from undertaking the maths and English functional skill qualification within the apprenticeship framework. Please note that as an apprentice you are required to demonstrate ongoing improvement in both maths and English even if you are exempt from the tested element.

Study programmes - essential skills for employment

If you're a student between the ages of 16 and 18 (or 19 to 25 with an EHC Plan) we want to make sure you have the best possible chances of landing an awesome job once you finish college.

Students who haven't achieved a grade 4/C in GCSE maths or English to continue studying these subjects while you're here with us. By doing so, you'll be building a strong foundation of skills that will significantly boost your employability in the future.

Think of it as a chance to supercharge your knowledge and abilities. You'll be equipped with the tools necessary to tackle the world beyond college with confidence. Plus, we'll be right here to support you every step of the way.

In addition, to help you gain essential skills for employment, all students aged 19 and under and studying a full-time course with us will take part in our study programmes.

How long is the course?

36 months plus EPA

Location

The Old Brewery (NG18 1AH)

How will I be assessed?

Blended delivery method including day release at college, work based assessment and online learning including: reflective accounts, witness statements, activity based work books, presentations, professional interview/discussion and work based projects.

What does the course lead to?

Following the successful completion of the intermediate apprenticeship there is the opportunity for further development using other apprenticeship standards, depending on how your role has evolved and the potential to work towards career progression opportunities.