PLASTERING AND DRY WALL LINING Level 2 Diploma (Wet Trades) Apprenticeship

Level 2
Apprenticeship
Greenbank Campus
OCN NI

Overview

The Level 2 Plastering Apprenticeship equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to begin a professional career in plastering. It provides hands-on experience working with plaster and related materials while building essential abilities in surface preparation, plastering methods, and finishing techniques.

Students will have the opportunity to work with a variety of materials to provide surface finishes to walls and ceilings and they will learn how to prepare surfaces and apply finishes to the correct specification. Learners will also learn skills and techniques used to replace and repair decorative mouldings and cornices in both new and old buildings. It helps to have some basic mathematical ability as learners will have to calculate areas of wall and corresponding volumes of material.

The Plastering Level 2 Apprenticeship provides apprentices with a broad understanding of plastering techniques and practices, and they will have the opportunity to work on real projects, both individually and as part of a team, to apply their skills and knowledge in practical scenarios.

To be eligible to enter ApprenticeshipsNI 2021 funded Level 2 / Level 3 apprenticeship provision, a person must meet all of the following criteria:

Have attained the upper limit of Compulsory School Age:
1. A 16 year old who is entitled to leave school after the statutory leaving date of 30 June, or a 17 year old who leaves school/Further Education (FE) College during the month of June, will be permitted to enter ApprenticeshipsNI 2021 from the first Monday in July.
2. A school leaver/FE College leaver who is 17 years old and who leaves before 1 June can be admitted to ApprenticeshipsNI 2021 at any time after leaving school or College.
Be either an existing employee in a new job role that requires a substantial amount of learning and skills development, or a new employee in (or about to take up) a permanent paid employment offer, including a specific start date as detailed on the Delivery Agreement and confirmed by the employer.
Be employed by a company that has a base in Northern Ireland and is registered as an employer with HMRC and be contracted to work a minimum of 21 hours per week (which includes day release/off-the-job directed training) with one employer. Directed training must be paid as part of the apprentice’s contracted hours.
Have the potential to successfully complete all the requirements of the appropriate Level 2/Level 3 apprenticeship framework.
Meet any health requirements (e.g., colour vision) specific to the occupation of their choice.
Have achieved any necessary entry academic qualifications (e.g., GCSEs) determined by the relevant sector for the apprenticeship and approved by the Department.
Pass any entry tests specified by the relevant sector/employer and approved by the Department.
Applicants with a previous level 2 or 3 qualification in the same occupational area may not be eligible for participation in a similar occupational area at the same level. This will require approval by the Department.

Employers may apply their own criteria during recruitment. However, only those potential apprentices who are assessed as capable / committed to achieving the full requirements of an apprenticeship framework will be recruited.

Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.

Modules

Fixing dry lining boards
Plastering internal solid and stud walls
Plastering external walls using a variety of materials
Preparation and laying of floor screeds
Preparation and repair of damaged surfaces
Health and safety

Assessment is based on a combination of workplace observations, practical skills tests, and written assignments. Apprentices will demonstrate their competence through practical tasks, such as surface preparation, plaster application, and achieving different types of finishes. They may also be required to complete written assignments to assess their understanding of plastering principles and techniques.

On successful completion of the level 2 apprenticeship, students can progress to the level 3 apprenticeship in plastering offered at SRC.

Upon successful completion of the Plastering Level 2 Apprenticeship, individuals will have acquired the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue professional opportunities in the field of plastering. Learners may find employment opportunities with plastering contractors, construction companies, or self-employment as independent plasterers. They may work on a variety of projects, including residential, commercial, and industrial properties, where their skills in achieving smooth and durable plaster finishes will be in demand.