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Plasterer

Kaiwhakapiri Uhi

Plasterers apply plaster or other materials to buildings. They usually specialise in either interior or exterior plastering.

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Secondary education

There are no specific secondary education requirements to become a plasterer. However, NCEA Level 2 maths, English and construction and mechanical technologies are useful.

Year 11 and 12 learners can find out more about the construction industry, and gain relevant skills, by doing National Certificates in Building, Construction and Allied Trades (Levels 1 and 2) through the BConstructive programme.

For Year 11 to 13 learners, trades academies and the STAR and Gateway programmes are good ways to gain relevant experience and skills.

These programmes may help you gain an apprenticeship, but do not reduce the amount of time it takes to complete it.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Certificate

Useful experience

Useful experience for plasterers includes any work in building or construction, especially as a plasterer's assistant.

What you will do

Plasterers may do some or all of the following:

  • advise clients on suitable products for their projects and prepare quotes for work
  • erect scaffolding (if it's less than five metres high)
  • clean and prepare surfaces for plastering
  • mix and apply plaster to surfaces
  • sand surfaces ready for painting
  • run their own business.

Skills and knowledge

Plasterers need to have knowledge of:

  • plastering materials and equipment
  • plastering methods, such as how to prepare a surface and apply plaster
  • how to apply different flashing (to keep water out of building walls) and cladding systems (to provide insulation and weather resistance)
  • health and safety regulations.
Pay

Plasterers can earn

$23-$30

per hour

Job opportunities
Good
Chances of getting a job as a plasterer are good due to a shortage of workers.
Length of training
1-3
years of training usually required.

Industry

Construction

Plasterers apply plaster or other materials to buildings. They usually specialise in either interior or exterior plastering.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

There are no specific requirements to become a plasterer. However, you usually need to complete an apprenticeship and gain a National Certificate.

To become a qualified exterior plasterer you need to obtain one of the following qualifications:

  • National Certificate in Solid Plastering (Level 4)
  • National Certificate in Proprietary Plaster Cladding Systems (Level 4)

To become a qualified interior plasterer you need to obtain a National Certificate in interior systems (interior plastering) (Level 3 or 4).

The Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) oversees plasterer apprenticeships.

Chances of getting a job

Strong demand for plasterers

Job opportunities for plasterers are good due to:

  • steady growth in construction, which is predicted to continue until at least 2023
  • KiwiBuild, which is set to deliver 100,000 homes for first home buyers over the next 10 years
  • a shortage in the number of people going into plastering apprenticeships.

The construction industry needs at least 25,000 more qualified people in the next five years to meet demand.

Solid plasterer and fibrous plasterer appear on Immigration New Zealand's construction and infrastructure skill shortage list. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled plasterers from overseas to work in New Zealand.

However, like many building jobs, this role can be affected by economic conditions. A downturn in the economy can lower demand for plasterers.

According to the Census, 4,605 solid and fibrous plasterers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Most plasterers work for small businesses or for themselves

Most plasterers work for small companies of between one and five employees. Almost 40 percent of plasterers are self-employed.

Find out more about training

Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO)
0800 422 486 - info@bcito.org.nz - bcito.org.nz

Progression and specialisations

Plasterers may progress to set up their own plastering business.

Plasterers usually specialise as either one of:

Exterior or Solid Plasterer
Exterior or solid plasterers apply cement-based plaster or modified plaster to the ceilings, floors and inside and outside walls of buildings.
Interior or Fibrous Plasterer
Interior or fibrous plasterers plaster joints in walls or ceilings and coat them to make a paintable finish. They may also "fix" (secure) plasterboard to the inside framing of a building.

Working conditions

Plasterers:

  • usually work regular hours, but may work evenings and weekends
  • work on building sites and in buildings being renovated, where conditions may be noisy and dusty
  • may travel locally to job sites.

Physical Requirements

Plasterers need to:

  • be fit and healthy as their work can be physically demanding
  • have a strong back and arms, good eyesight (with or without corrective lenses) and steady hands
  • be comfortable working at heights.

Useful personal qualities

Plasterers need to:

  • be careful, methodical and accurate, with an eye for detail
  • be able to follow instructions
  • have good problem-solving skills.

Related Wintec courses

Industry

Construction

Plasterers apply plaster or other materials to buildings. They usually specialise in either interior or exterior plastering.

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