What does a Plasterer actually do?

The short version

Plasterers turn blockwork and board into the finishable surfaces every other trade depends on — wet skim, render and fibrous work on one side, dry lining and taping on the other.

The pitch: a genuine hand craft that stays yours, a shrinking workforce, and strong self-employed money for anyone who can produce a clean finish and run a tidy domestic round. The catch: it's the hardest mainstream trade to fake, the learning curve is steep, and it's hard on shoulders and elbows.

Entry routes that actually work

• Plasterer apprenticeship (Level 2–3) — employer plus college; the recognised route to qualified.
• College diploma → improver — learn the hand skills first, then build the NVQ portfolio at site speed.
• NVQ Level 2 + CSCS blue card — what main contractors actually check before you're allowed on site.