The recommended prerequisites for high school students include construction courses, shop courses, English and math courses. General building classes will familiarize students with blueprint reading, measuring and tools they may use or see on the job. Writing and reading fluently in English will help students succeed in following written instructions and safety warnings.

Completion of high school classes does not count for hours in the apprenticeship program, but the experience and classes taken are valuable in building students’ skill sets.

A two-year diploma is not required to qualify for a plasterer apprenticeship.

Candidates applying for a plasterer apprenticeship will begin by going to work for a union contractor. After three months, apprentices will become eligible for medical benefits and a pension plan as well as other benefits.

The plasterer apprenticeship through Local 633 JATC Training Center is a three-year paid training program at no cost to the apprentice. A plasterer apprenticeship requires the completion of 6,000 hours of on-the-job practical training as well as 200 classroom-training hours.  Plasterer apprenticeships cover topics such as math, drafting, cost and materials estimating and how to approach a variety of jobsites and projects.

When a plasterer apprentice can demonstrate competence in vital skills, the apprenticeship will be complete. Apprentices will graduate to journey-level workers.

Being comfortable with heights and adjusting to small, often cramped, spaces is important for a plasterer’s success as they often work on ceilings and doorways. Plasterers must have excellent hand-to-eye coordination skills, and pay close attention to detail. Skilled plasterers may work on historic homes and buildings, restoring decorative details.

Plastering projects also require apprentices to work in teams and finish projects on deadline.

High school students preparing to become a plasterer should seek out part-time jobs that require being physically fit; working in teams and/or building and creating detailed projects. Art classes, building theater props and sets and participating in team sports are great ways to build the skills needed for a plasterer apprenticeship.

Military members applying for a plasterer apprenticeship can search job opportunities at www.helmetstohardhards.org.