Plasterer

[bartholomewt]

Hello,

I was wondering if you could help.
I am not sure what's the best road to take: I'd like to change career and work as a plasterer (initially at weekends...in my spare time). Will I get a job after I complete an intensive course? Will I find any job at all? I have found a intensive 10-day weekend course. I would be grateful if you could give me some information.

PS I work full time in a non-construction environment.

Many thanks in advance.

[WILLWONKER]

If that's what you really want to do go for it. What I will say is plastering is not an easy job by far. The ten day course will give you a good insight of plastering, but you will not become a plaster over night, it is a skilled job, it may not look it when you watch a good plasterer, but it takes lots of practice. as well as the course it would be good if you could do some labouring for a plasterer if possible you would learn a lot more, good luck.

[sandyRoe]

How much will the 10 day course cost you? I don't believe you could achieve the necessary skills in that time to make a living at it.

[EDDIE51]

Catch 22 here, to get work you need experience but to get experience you need work. I also would suggest you try to find work as a plasterer's labourer and learn that way. This type of work is normally found by 'word of mouth', a builder/ decorator will recommend a plasterer who they have worked with before so working as an assistant ( possibly unpaid) is a way in.

[wendilla]

My son from school was always working on cars and worked with Peugeot till they moved to France ,It was then he decided to take up plastering . He went through the usual channels went on college course and worked with plasterers. For the first year he had to advertise in paper for work but after that it was all done through word of mouth and now has his own business and although his son is still at college another 2 years he is out working with him in the holidays . Do a good job turn up when you say you are and don't over charge and you will make a good living . Good luck for the future.

[The Builder]

You'll certainly get the basics covered, Bart. Those courses are quite intense.
Plastering is one of those skills where it doesn't take a huge amount of instruction to get you started. After that, proficiency only comes through plenty of practice and repetition.

You'll certainly be able to work on "new work"..... ie new, straight walls etc.
Dealing with renovations and problem areas only comes with masses of experience, but everyone has to start somewhere.

After the course, by far the most popular route is to begin as a labourer, mixing up and serving a team... as Eddie has mentioned. I know plenty who have done this. You start by running around with buckets of plaster, then the time will come when one of them has several walls on, and they get you to do some finish trowelling to take the pressure off.

A lot of plasterers work single-handed. A labourer who only mixes and carries is much less use to them. Someone who can pitch in is invaluable. I see this all the time.

After a while, you're on the team, and they're looking for a new labourer. With the course under your belt, put your face about and simply ask.

No reason why you shouldn't get there. Good luck to you.