A career as a Master Plasterer
We can help you learn the trade of fibrous plaster moulding
Are you hands-on, creative or artistic? Reliable and responsible?
Do you enjoy making things, working in a team and learning new skills?
Looking for a trade that’s in demand with a long-term future?
A career as a Master Plasterer could be for you!
- Learn a traditional craft with modern application and great future prospects
- Be part of an industry leading company experiencing continual growth and success
- Save the nations heritage by restoring important buildings and property
- Create impressive modern architecture and interior finishes
- Your work could be on display in famous buildings for years to come!
What is a decorative or fibrous plasterer?
A specialist in making things with fibrous plaster – a traditional form of decorative plaster, composed of plaster of Paris and reinforced with layers of hessian that is then secured within a timber framework, or Glassfibre Reinforced Gypsum, known as GRG, a modern equivalent that uses fine glass strands instead of hessian, usually within a metal framework instead of timber.
What do you do?
Use these materials to make decorative items to style and improve the look of buildings – usually but not always interiors. Interesting ceiling designs, wall panels, cornice and coving, interesting shapes and custom installations that are designed by architects for major building projects. Skill and hand craft is often a key component in creating the model and mould that is used to manufacture decorative plaster pieces. The end results can be both spectacular and immensely satisfying as your work usually goes on display for everyone to see!
What is a typical day?
Typical hours are Mon-Fri 8am-5pm but there could be work outside of these hours on occasion.
Day-to-day tasks
You’ll normally work in a team where you’ll:
- Make model, mould and cast pieces to specified dimensions
- Create ornamental features like ceiling roses, cornices and architraves – fibrous plastering
- Work with alternative materials like GRG and Jesmonite, learning their differences and requirements
- Install finished cast pieces on-site following instructions and safety guidelines
Working environment
You will be working in a workshop environment or on a construction site or sometimes at a client’s home.
Is a plasterer a good career?
A career as a Master Plasterer is a challenging and rewarding one. Not to be confused with a drywall plasterer that skims interior walls and ceilings, a master plasterer is fully NVQ/SVQ qualified and can demonstrate excellent knowledge and experience in fibrous plasterwork production, strong interpretation of technical and digital drawings and models, and the ability to communicate these to a team for delivery on schedule and to budget. Working your way up and learning all elements of the craft on the job is essential. The heritage, fibrous plaster and GRG industry is estimated to be worth £60M annually.
Plastering Apprenticeship – job and career benefits
We have a structured training program in which candidates learn on the job and progress through a grading scheme, gaining knowledge, skills and responsibility along with rewards in pay and benefits. Our established team members mentor and coach each individual to explain and demonstrate practices, passing on their experience and helping them learn.
Artisan is an equal opportunities employer that values its workforce and invests time and effort in the development of its staff.
How much do plasterers make a year?
Once fully qualified you could earn between approx. £45,000 and £55,000 per year.
With experience, you could progress in the role to:
- Progress into a lead plasterer position
- Move into team supervision
- Become a manager or mentor
About Artisan Plastercraft
Artisan Plastercraft specialises in architectural and decorative plasterwork for restoration, conservation, commercial and residential environments. We have been creating specialist plasterwork for over 25 years and pride ourselves on regular repeat business with our clients. With generations of experience our master plasterers are skilled in the design, manufacture and installation of all forms of fibrous plaster, Glassfibre Reinforced Gypsum and Jesmonite mouldings, and our work has won award recognition from the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS).
The landmark buildings we have worked on include:
- The Royal Academy of Arts
- The Old War Office
- Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
- The Grand Hotel Birmingham
- The British Museum
- Palace of Westminster
- The German Embassy
- Wallace Collection Great Gallery
We are based in Keston near Bromley and have over 7,500 square feet of manufacturing space consisting of a separate casting workshop, model workshop and drying room.
How do I get a job as a plasterer?
To get a job as a fibrous plasterer you need to build up your skills, knowledge and experience on the job. We can provide all the training and help you need, learning from experienced master plasterers. A career in plastering is a varied role and offers a rewarding vocation for someone who enjoys working with their hands and as part of a team, rather than sitting in front of a computer.
Is a fibrous plastering apprenticeship for you?
Read about our apprentices experience working at Artisan Plastercraft, learning fast and enjoying a supportive environment.
Skills and knowledge
You’ll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge and appreciation of building and construction
- the ability to work well with your hands
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to accept constructive feedback and work well under pressure
- the ability to organise your time and workload
Restrictions and requirements
You may need to:
- be able to cope with working at height
- be required to lift items either individually or as part of a team
- wear safety clothing and use safety equipment
Qualifications
There are no formal qualifications required for this job, but we like candidates to be able to demonstrate their creativity to us. A genuine interest in heritage buildings and the construction industry would be of benefit. You will need to have a methodical approach to working, pay attention to detail and have an understanding of adhering to safety procedures, manufacturing instructions and warnings for different chemicals.
We’re looking for creative people
If you have an artistic or creative mindset this would be an advantage. Traditional plaster moulding often requires modelling skills and hand finishing of delicate pieces. We encourage candidates that can demonstrate experience and understanding through similar work or arts & crafts projects to share this with us.
Contact us to attend an open day, experience our workshop and meet the team.
To apply, please complete the fields below and upload your curriculum vitae.
Please include a selection of images showing your own creative work / projects / hobbies. We’d be delighted to see them!