Plasterer apprenticeship

Description of an apprenticeship as a Plasterer

Plasterer apprenticeship

DOT code: 842.361-018, AIMS code: 0423

Visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook for a detailed description of this trade. Type the trade name in the search box and hit enter.

Description

Applies coats of plaster to interior walls, ceilings, and partitions of buildings, to produce finished surface, according to blueprints, architect's drawings, or oral instructions, using handtools and portable power tools: Directs workers to mix plaster to desired consistency and to erect scaffolds. Spreads plaster over lath or masonry base, using trowel, and smooths plaster with darby and float to attain uniform thickness. Applies scratch, brown, or finish coats of plaster to wood, metal, or board lath successively. Roughens undercoat with scratcher (wire or metal scraper) to provide bond for succeeding coats of plaster. Creates decorative textures in finish coat by marking surface of coat with brush and trowel or by spattering surface with pebbles. May install lathing. May mix mortar. May install guide wires on exterior surface of buildings to indicate thickness of plaster to be applied. May install precast ornamental plaster pieces by applying mortar to back of pieces and pressing pieces into place on wall or ceiling. May specialize in applying finish or rough coats of plaster. May apply plaster with spray gun. May perform maintenance work.

Work process schedule

Task Hours A. Scratching and application of various plastic materials on metal, wood, lath, plaster board and brick and tile walls. 1000 B. Plumbing and leveling, browning, screeding and rodding of ceilings and walls in preparation for all finish coats. 1500 C. Finishing coats, both sanded and hard finish and various types of finish coat materials. 2000 D. Screeding, running, mitering and painting of ornaments and other ornamental work including layout work 1500 (Every 2,000 hours = one year) Total Hours: 6000

Related technical instruction

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires 150 hours each year of related technical instruction which must be mastered by the apprentice in order to successfully complete the program. The following is a general listing of instruction topics for this trade. For further information, please call the Division of Apprentice Standards at [phone].

OSHA construction safety
CPR/first aid
Scaffold safety qualification
Drugs and alcohol
Diversity in the workplace
Materials safety data sheet
Trade and labor history
Use of tools and equipment
layout methodology
Preparation of material
Preparing proper plastering bases
Application of all plaster textures
Application of interior and exterior plasters
Dotting, rodding, and screeding
Benchwork (template)
Trade mathematics
Application of bases
Blueprint reading
Advanced topics/New technologies

Additional Resources

Find an apprenticeship

Benefits of apprenticeship