Applies decorative and protective coverings of plaster, cement and similar materials to the interiors and exteriors of structures.Registration or licensing may be required.
Previously referred to in ASCO as:
4415-11 Solid Plasterer
4415-01 Solid Plasterers - Supervisor
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.
How much can I expect to earn?
Full-time employed Solid Plasterer earn an average of $1121 per week. The
[average annual salary for this job is $58292 excluding super.]
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.
This job also involves:
Dusty or polluted environment
The work environment in these jobs generally contains higher than average
levels of dust, pollen, fumes, gases or other matter which are likely to
aggravate respiratory illnesses such as asthma.
Full use of hands/fingers
Use of precision or semi-precision tools or instruments or deft hand movements
are required for these occupations. Included are jobs where poor co-ordination
or incomplete use of hands or fingers may make tasks dangerous or difficult to
undertake.
Physical effort
The main duties and tasks involved in these jobs require daily physical
exertion, such as bending and twisting, lifting, climbing, pulling, pushing,
carrying or other effort where physical fitness is required. People with
heart, back or other conditions who should avoid physical strain may wish to
avoid these jobs.
Standing for long periods
The main duties and tasks involved in these jobs are usually performed
standing up for periods of at least two hours at a stretch.
This occupation offers jobs at the following skill levels:
Skilled Trade Jobs
These jobs do not usually require completion of secondary education, however
further part-time study usually at Certificate III level, and on-the-job
training offered as an apprenticeship, is required.
Study requirements
At school, you can study these subject(s) to get a good foundation for this
occupation:
Industrial Arts
School subjects that include some aspect of INDUSTRIAL ARTS provide a useful
background to these jobs. In some cases an industrial arts-related subject is
a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Duties and tasks of a Solid Plasterer
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.
Specialisations
Wet Plasterer
A wet plasterer conducts rendering work by applying wet solutions to internal
or external walls and ceilings.