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Plasterer Apprenticeship - Level 2
IMPORTANT
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.
Overview
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.
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 has its own set of entry requirements. You should understand these before making an application. Individual prior attainment will be carefully considered when planning an apprenticeship programme. You will need to be aged 16 years and over and meet residency criteria to be eligible for an apprenticeship programme.
As this is a work-based qualification you must be employed in a relevant 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 0800 121 8317 or emailThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out how we can support you.As an applicant, you will undertake assessments in both maths and English prior to enrolment to ascertain current working levels and will continue to maintain skills in both subjects throughout your apprenticeship. If you possess maths and English GCSE or equivalent, there is a requirement for this to be evidenced which may result in exemption from undertaking the maths and English functional skill exam alongside the apprenticeship.
- Assessment
In the UK, apprentices are assessed through a combination of on-programme assessment and a final Apprenticeship Assessment (formerly called the EPA). Here’s a clear breakdown of what you can expect:
- On-Programme Assessment (During Your Apprenticeship)
Throughout your apprenticeship you will complete ongoing assessments to show you’re developing the required knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs). These may include:
- Workplace observations
- Your assessor or tutor may watch you carry out tasks in your normal job role.
- Assignments or written tasks
- Some apprenticeships require reports, reflective journals or knowledge-based tasks.
- Professional discussions
- A structured conversation with an assessor about what you’ve learned and how you apply it.
- Portfolio of evidence
- You’ll collect proof of your competence—such as work products, photos, witness statements, or project work.
- Training reviews
- Regular progress reviews with you, your employer and your training provider.
These activities help build your confidence and prepare you for the final assessment.
2. Gateway
When you, your employer and training provider all agree that you’re ready—and you’ve met all mandatory requirements (e.g., maths/English qualifications if needed)—you’ll pass through Gateway.
This simply means you are ready to sit the Apprenticeship Assessment.3. Apprenticeship Assessment (AA)
The Apprenticeship Assessment is carried out by an independent assessment organisation and varies depending on your apprenticeship standard. It may include:- Practical observation
- Demonstrating real work tasks or scenarios.
- Knowledge test
- A multiple-choice or written exam.
- Professional discussion
- A conversation with an independent assessor exploring your role, competence and experience.
- Project or assignment
- Some apprenticeships require a work-based project followed by an interview.
- Portfolio-based interview
- Your portfolio supports the discussion but is not assessed on its own.
- You will receive a grade—usually Pass, Merit or Distinction, depending on the standard. You should remember that, upon taking your apprenticeship assessment, it is possible at this stage to achieve a Fail grade. If this happens, you will be offered the opportunity to retake the failed element.
4. Completion
Once you pass your Apprenticeship Assessment, you will be awarded:
Your apprenticeship certificate
Any industry qualifications linked to your standard (mandatory elements) - On-Programme Assessment (During Your Apprenticeship)
- Progression
Following the successful completion of this 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.
- Careers
- Qualifications gained
Plasterer - Intermediate Apprenticeship
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the website is correct, some details may be subject to change. West Nottinghamshire College reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.