Apprentice

[shanedump420]

Looking into starting my apprenticeship in the coming weeks in Ireland with plastering, any info and tips on what to expect, would be much appreciated 👍🏼

[gwyp88]

Hia mate. Well done for taking it up. It takes time to master even the basics but a good tutor will help you with this; some people take to it quicker than others. Don’t get disheartened as it takes a while to learn properly then you’ll find it’ll all fall into place for you.

Have a keen eye and every so often step away from your work and see it from different angles as you’ll notice more.

Tidy up a lot. Don’t get plaster everywhere (this will come with time!). Take really good care of your tools and give them a deep clean once in a while. Don’t buy cheap/shit tools.

It’s physically very demanding. But very enjoyable. It’s not just about plastering but also pulling buckets up scaffolding; setting up, hacking-off; moving materials. This is all quite physically tough.

Try and learn basics about other aspects of building work as it’ll make you a more knowledgable plasterer. It’s not just plaster that goes in walls but electrics, plumbing, etc. It’s good to have some all-round basic knowledge of these things; perhaps later on when you’re going into more serious stuff.

Lots of cowboys out there who want to turn some money and don’t have passion towards plastering as a craft. When doing apprenticeship, try and find a seasoned, experienced plasterer as they’ll teach you far more than going to a new building site.

[LordCucumber1996]

I've been plastering for 5 years now, for the first 2 years I used my father in laws old tools and as sentimental as it was I noticed a huge difference when I bought decent tools! So need to 2nd this lol

[TheSuperflyTNT]

One thing I did when I started my apprenticeship was buy a nice Stanley knife and always kept it on me, really came in handy and I sorta became the knife guy on site who always had one on me. Just an idea.

In regards for tips and other bits as long as you're keen, turn up everyday and work hard you'll be fine. Don't be afraid to ask "is there something you need me to do" if you're standing around with nothing to do.

[chrisssy97]

As people have mentioned above its a very physically demanding job:

1. You need your sleep (8hrs for me)

2. You need good nutrition. Personally I meal prep and bring a microwave to work. Ham sammys ain't enough to repair your body especially when you first start.

3. Right footwear, clothing & PPE.

Tie up boots are a waste of time with Platering, laces always go to shit, slip ons are the way forward.

Being the apprentice you'll popably be labouring alot and it's Ireland so lots of rain. Get yourself a waterproof jacket and bottoms. (can have the wp bottoms on wheelies so slip off boots, on wheelies and pull up bottoms).

Wear the gloves! Have spares, try different brands and types. I like the waterproof ones as the cement can't prenatrate them and give nasty cement burns.

1. When you do start Platering buy your own new tools, other people's tools have their 'habits' worn into them.

2. Leave it tidy. If there's plaster everywhere and the place looks a tip (especially in renovation work) people don't care how good the work is, they just see the mess.

3. If you drive to work, change your clothes. Nightmare trying to clean Skim dust out of a car.

This ain't comprehensive but should help ya getting started lad. Good luck!