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Solid Plasterer

Also known as Cement Renderer.

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

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.

TASKS

Solid plasterers may perform the following tasks:

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

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

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

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Wet Plasterer - conducts rendering work by applying wet solutions to internal or external walls and ceilings.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a solid plasterer you usually have to complete an apprenticeship in Solid Plastering.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

In NSW, plasterers carrying out work valued at more than $1000 must either hold, or work under someone who holds, a valid building contractor's licence issued by NSW Fair Trading. To gain a builder's license you must have completed training and have at least two years of relevant industry experience. Contact NSW Fair Trading for more information.

When working at heights, industry standards require plasterers to obtain a licence to Perform High Risk Work issued by SafeWork NSW or WorkSafe ACT. To gain a licence, you will need to complete units of competency at an approved Registered Training Organisation and work under the supervision of a licensed operator. You will also need to keep an approved logbook to record competencies achieved during training. Assessment by an accredited assessor will then be required. The Perform High Risk Work Licence is issued under the National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work.

You must be 18 years of age to be eligible to obtain a Perform High Risk Work Licence. However, training may commence at a younger age.

All those who work in the construction industry must undergo safety induction training and be issued with a Construction Induction Card. In NSW, training is conducted by Registered Training Organisations authorised by SafeWork NSW. In the ACT, training is provided by Registered Training Organisations approved by WorkSafe ACT.

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Solid plasterers are employed by plastering subcontracting firms, and building and construction companies. Many plasterers are self-employed and work on a subcontract basis. The demand for solid plasterers depends on activity in the building industry, particularly in the housing sector.

Trade qualifications are sought after, but are not essential. Demand is subject to changes in building activity. Qualified tradespeople are less likely to be affected by downturns in demand.