This apprenticeship has options. This document is currently showing the following option:
Preparing walls and ceilings for decoration and finishing.
This occupation is found in both the new build and refurbishment construction sector. Project size will vary in size ranging from domestic repairs to larger contracts for home builders, commercial and retail developments. Employers and contractors of plasterers vary in size from small, local family building companies to major home builders and commercial contractors. Plasterers may choose to specialise in specific projects and progress to become masters in their field. The demand for plasterers is consistently high to support growth both in new build homes and commercial projects but also home renovation projects and heritage work on listed buildings.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to apply layers of plaster onto walls and ceilings. Plastering serves a protective function in that it makes buildings more robust, an aesthetic function as well as providing thermal values and fire protection. Plasterers need to have knowledge of dry lining to support their knowledge and skills to plaster. Solid plastering involves applying a range of plastering systems on to different background surfaces such as solid plain walls, walls with openings and returns, ceiling joists and partitions and beams using traditional and modern materials. Solid plasterers would work on site. Fibrous plastering involves creating plaster components with either a modern or contemporary design, ornamental enrichment to classical design such as column casings, ceiling roses, cornices, panel mouldings and many more. A fibrous plasterer would produce work in a workshop in addition to installing products on site. Fibrous work can be found in traditional and modern buildings and sometimes in the film industry.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with commercial, retail and domestic customers, other trades and the site management team, which could include a craft plasterer who will direct the work of the plastering team. They will also liaise with other construction trades such as bricklayers, carpenters and decorators. Plasterers can work on their own or as part of a small team.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for producing high quality work which meets standards, specifications and design plans. They are expected to comply with all safety aspects involved with working on a construction site, ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of themselves and others at all times. With sustainable construction at the forefront of all projects, it is expected they would give consideration to the environment and suitability of material, waste awareness and recycling. An apprentice who completed this level can progress onto specialising in either fibrous plastering, solid plastering or external rendering.
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 24 months. The EPA period is typically 3 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
Multiple-choice test
You will complete a multiple-choice test. It will be closed book, meaning you will not have access to any books or reference materials.
The test will have 40 multiple-choice questions. You will have 60 minutes to complete it.
Practical assessment with questions
You will be observed by an independent assessor completing a set of tasks. It will last 12 hours. They will ask you at least 6 questions.
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have an interview with an independent assessor. It will last at least 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 6 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.Reasonable adjustments
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.1 | Occupational standard, end-point assessment plan and funding band revised. | 18/01/2024 | Not set |
| 2.0 | Standard and end-point assessment plan revised | 18/12/2019 | 17/01/2024 |
| 1.0 | Retired | 18/12/2018 | 17/12/2019 |
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