Apprenticeship Training Programme The Craft of Phase 1: With Employer Induction Training Introduction to Health & Safety Plastering Introduction to Tools & Equipment Introduction to Basic Skills

Phase 2: Delivered in Training Centre (20 weeks) Course Content: Induction Slabbing, Rendering, Floating & Skimming External Work Slabbing, Skimming, Dry Lining & Floors

Phase 3: With Employer Work Based Training and Assessments

Phase 4: Delivered in Educational Colleges (10 weeks) Course Content: Expanded Metal External Finishes Decorative Plasterwork Pitched Roofs For further information please contact your Phase 5: With Employer local Education & Training Board Training Centre Work Based Training and Assessments or log onto www.apprenticeship.ie Phase 6: Delivered in Educational Colleges (10 weeks) Course Content: Metal Systems Advanced Mouldwork External Finishes Wall & Floor Tiling

Phase 7: With Employer Work Based Training and Assessments

The overall duration of this apprenticeship is a minimum of 4 years provided all phases are successfully completed. On successful completion of the programme the learner Ireland’s EU Structural and Investment Funds Programmes is awarded a Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft – Plastering. 2014 - 2020 Co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Union

Ver 2 What is a Plasterer? Aspects of work How to become an Apprentice The work of the Plasterer includes the preparation n Learning and developing new practical craft-related n You must obtain employment as an apprentice in and application of protective covering to interior and skills, knowledge and competence your chosen occupation. exterior building surfaces. n The employer must be approved to train apprentices. Before applying protective coverings to building n Working with and learning from experienced n The employer must register you as an apprentice surfaces a Plasterer would mark out an area of wall to Craftspersons within two weeks of recruitment. be covered, mix up their own materials and apply the n Seeing a job through from start to finish n In certain crafts, apprenticeship applicants are base coat plaster to the wall area. The surface would be required to pass a colour vision test approved by levelled off and then scratched in preparation for the n Comply with Health and Safety requirements SOLAS. second coat. n Working with drawings and diagrams or photos/ paintings The second coat of plaster is applied to the required Entry Requirements n Accuracy and attention to detail thickness on the uneven wall. When the two base coats The minimum age at which the employment of an are dry, the Plasterer spreads on and smooths out a final n Being well organised and careful with practical tasks apprentice may commence is 16 years of age. thin coat of plaster to finish the wall. n Working at heights Outside walls are done with the same method but The minimum educational requirements are: instead of plaster, a sand and cement mix is used. n Working indoors and outdoors 1. Grade D in five subjects in the Department of A Plasterer also can apply decorative marking and Education & Skills Junior Certificate Examination or n Lifting or carrying heavy items finishes to wall such as pebble-dash to achieve a an approved equivalent, required finish. n Being physically active and on your feet or 2. The successful completion of an approved n Taking responsibility for own learning, including the In addition, a plasterer may be required to lay the Pre-Apprenticeship course allocation of study time finishing surface of cement floors for houses, factories or and garages. Plasterers are generally employed in the n Bending, lifting and stretching 3. Three years’ work experience gained over sixteen construction industry or may be self-employed. n Passing all your phase exams (theory, practicals years of age in a relevant designated industrial Fibrous plasterers may work from architects’ designs skills demonstration) activity as SOLAS shall deem acceptable or copy pieces of plasterwork from artists’ drawings or from photographs to produce ornamental work. n Earning as you learn It should be noted that these are the current approved minimum educational requirements for apprenticeship Plasterers require many skills including: programmes, however, previous experience of the • Working with a variety of specialised hand and following subjects would be an advantage but not power tools essential: Technical Drawing/Graphics Mathematics, • Knowledge of properties of a range of materials and Personal Qualities and Skills Technology and Construction Studies. chemicals As a Plasterer you will need to be physically active and • Working quickly and to a high standard for finishing to be able to work with your hands. An awareness of • Performing a range of techniques to include health and safety and good housekeeping is essential as Opportunities on Qualification decorative and ornamental work well as attention to detail and an eye for the aesthetic. On successful completion of the apprenticeship • Interpreting technical drawings and specifications programme, apprentices are qualified to work within the • Producing decorative panels by moulding and casting The Plasterer must have the ability to: recognised trade or profession. plaster in workshops • Plan and organise Where apprentices and craftspersons have the necessary • Planning and organising plastering jobs • Communicate effectively ability, initiative and basic qualifications, opportunities are • Solve problems available for advancement. • Work independently and as part of a team These include advanced technology courses and Note: If you suffer from an allergy or skin complaint, the • Show a positive attitude management courses which are available in Institutes of chemicals that you use may affect you • Recognise the need for good customer relations Technology, Schools of Management and Professional • Demonstrate good work practices including time Institutes. keeping, tidiness, responsibility, quality awareness Many apprentices use their apprenticeship qualification as and safety awareness a platform to launch careers such as managers, owners of businesses and instructors amongst others.