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Plasterer Apprenticeship

What Does a Plasterer Do?
What Are the Working Conditions?
How is the Training Structured?
What are the Application Requirements?
What Skills Should I Possess?
Who Do I Contact?
Additional Resources

Did you know?*

• Plastering is physically demanding work.
• Becoming a skilled plasterer or stucco mason generally requires 3 or 4 years of training, either informally on the job or through a formal apprenticeship.
• Good employment opportunities are expected.
• The best employment opportunities should continue to be in Florida, California, and the Southwest.

*Statistics retrieved from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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What Does a Plasterer Do?

Plasterers apply coats of plaster, cement, and stucco to interior and exterior walls, ceilings and partitions of buildings and structures to produce finished surface according to blueprints, architect's drawings or oral instructions using hand and portable power tools.  They install prefabricated exterior insulation finish systems (EIFS) over existing walls and cast ornamental designs in plaster.

Tasks:

• Plastering,- including: browning; including scratch-coat in 3 coat work, preparation of walls and ceilings, rodding, darbying; lining, dotting, screeding; browning in 2-coat work rodding, feather edging, and darbying using trowels, brushes or spray guns.
• Finishing: including: putty coat, sand finish, finishes for stucco and EIFS systems; second coat in 2 coat work, lightweight or acoustical plaster.
• Textures: including using plastic float, plastic trowel, steel trowel, sponge float, live sponge, knock down.
• Fireproofing - including: application of fire proofing materials; plugging penetrations with appropriate materials.
• Clean and prepare surfaces for applications of plaster, cement, stucco, or similar materials, such as by drywall taping.
• Cure freshly plastered surfaces.
• Install guidewires on exterior surfaces of buildings to indicate thickness of plaster or stucco, and nail wire mesh, lath, or similar materials to the outside surface to hold stucco in place.
• Mix mortar and plaster to desired consistency or direct workers who perform mixing.
• Mold and install ornamental plaster pieces, panels, and trim.
• Apply insulation to building exteriors by installing prefabricated insulation systems over existing walls or by covering the outer wall with insulation board, reinforcing mesh, and a base coat.

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What Are the Working Conditions?

Plasterers work outside on scaffolding when applying stucco or exterior wall insulation and decorative finish systems.  Plastering is physically demanding, requiring considerable standing, bending, lifting and reaching overhead. The work can be dusty and dirty, and plaster materials may irritate the skin and eyes.

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How is the Training Structured?

• 3 year training program
• 4,680 hours on-the-job training
• 500 hours paid related instruction
• Apprentices attend night school on their own time
• Apprentices must complete Red Cross First Aid, CPR, and the OSHA Certificate Courses
• Apprentices in their final year must participate in the Transition-To-Trainer Course

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What are the Application Requirements?

• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age or 16 and 17 years of age with parental/guardian consent
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Meet required norms on aptitude test (if required)
• Physically able to perform trade
• Valid driver's license or reliable transportation

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What Skills Should I Possess?

• Building and Construction- Basic knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures.
• Mathematics- Basic knowledge of arithmetic and their applications.
• Active Listening- Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Time Management- Managing one's own time and the time of others.
• Strength- the ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
• Manual Dexterity- The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
• Performing General Physical Activities- Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as: climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Reading- Ability to read signs, blueprints/diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Stamina- The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

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Who Should I Contact In My Area?

Choose your area:
Northeast
Northwest
Southeast
Southwest

Northeast

Committee Name	Contact This Committee:	OR Contact Your BAS Representative:
Northeast WI Area Masonry JAC	P.O. Box 19042 Green Bay, WI 54307-9042 Phone: (920) 437-9311 Fax: (920) 437-6091	Burt Harding

Northwest

Committee Name	Contact This Committee:	OR Contact Your BAS Representative:

Southeast

Committee Name	Contact This Committee:	OR Contact Your BAS Representative:
Lakeshore Area Masonry JAC	1290 North Ave Cleveland, WI 53015 Phone: (800) 443-2129 Fax: (920) 693-3508	Sandra Destree
Madison Area Cement Masonry JAC	1201 Post Rd Madison, WI 53713 Phone: (608) 288-0599 Fax: (608) 288-0598	Debbie Schanke
Tri-County Area Trowel Trades JAC	3030 39th Av Kenosha, WI 53144 Phone: (262) 654-1680	Kay Haishuk

Southwest

Committee Name	Contact This Committee:	OR Contact Your BAS Representative:
La Crosse Area Masonry JAC	1920 Ward Ave Suite 2 La Crosse, WI 54601 Phone: (608) 785-9176	Kathy O'Sullivan

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Additional Resources

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics maintains information on all occupations. For more information on the Plasterer trade in the United States, visit:

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos210.htm

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Sources: Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards Position Descriptions,
Apprenticeship in Wisconsin Handbook

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