PLASTERING (CONSTRUCTION) Level 3 Diploma Apprenticeship

Level 3
Apprenticeship
Greenbank Campus
NOCN_CSkills Awards

Overview

The Plastering (Construction) Level 3 Diploma Apprenticeship is a designed to provide aspiring plasterers with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the construction industry. This course offers a valuable opportunity for individuals interested in the field of plastering to develop their technical expertise and gain hands-on experience in creating smooth, durable, and aesthetically pleasing surfaces.

On this Level 3 Apprenticeship, students will learn to work with a variety of materials to provide surface finishes to walls and ceilings and how to prepare surfaces and apply finishes to the correct specification. They 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 course emphasises the development of technical skills, attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication. Apprentices will learn to interpret construction drawings, understand different plastering techniques, achieve smooth and even surfaces, and work collaboratively with clients and colleagues to achieve desired outcomes. They will also develop an understanding of health and safety practices, including safe handling of materials, use of protective equipment, and the importance of maintaining a safe working environment.

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.
Have already attained a Level 2 in Plastering.
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 plasterboard, metal lath and pre-formed coving to timber backgrounds
Fixing dry lining boards to solid and stud walls
Plastering internal solid and stud walls using different materials
Plastering external walls using a variety of materials and beads
Preparation and laying of floor screeds to levels and falls
Preparation and repair of damaged surfaces
Construction of cornice moulds and running cornices in situ
Health and safety

Assessment in the Level 3 Diploma Apprenticeship is based on a combination of assessed on-site work, College based assignments and online tests. Apprentices will complete practical assignments that demonstrate their competence in plastering skills, including surface preparation, plaster application, and decorative finishes. They will also undertake written exams to assess their understanding of plastering techniques, material selection, and safety regulations.

On successful completion of the level 3, students may have opportunities to pursue higher level qualifications in construction or design related fields.

Upon successful completion of the Plastering (Construction) Level 3 Diploma Apprenticeship, apprentices will have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a rewarding career as plasterers in the construction industry. Graduates may find employment in various sectors such as residential construction, commercial projects, or restoration work, working for construction companies, plastering contractors, or becoming self-employed professionals.