Drywall Finishers and Plasterers apply finish, restore, and maintain plaster or similar materials on interior and exterior walls, ceilings, and building partitions to produce plain or decorative surfaces.
Job Related Skills, Interests and Values
- Learning about safety legislation and applying it on the job
- Reading, interpreting, and applying blueprints and specifications for job layout
- Organizing and verifying materials; identifying, establishing, and working from grid lines; constructing metal frames to hold drywall panels; lifting, carrying, and installing large drywall panels into metal framework; cutting openings for electrical outlets, ducts, pipes, and windows; joining panels together and completing taping to produce a smooth finish
- Scraping away excess compound and sanding surfaces to give them a finished appearance, or applying textured surface on walls and ceilings
- Applying thermal and sound insulation or sound attenuation blankets, installing vapour barriers, sealing vapour barriers, installing baffles, and arranging for inspection
- Communicating effectively with customers, co-workers, and supervisors; establishing a work schedule with the other tradespeople to ensure smooth project completion
What Preparation and Training Do You Need?
- Grade 10 is the legal minimum, but high school diploma is usually required
- Completion of 5,400-hour apprenticeship, including on-the-job and in-school training
- Completion of exam to obtain Certificate of Qualification
What's Your Future as a Drywall Finisher and Plasterer (453A)?
- Full-time, including overtime and weekends
- Conditions may be indoors or outdoors in buildings being constructed or renovated
- May work in teams alongside other trades
- Employers include construction contractors, residential builders, or self-employment
Wage Rate
Apprentice wage increases with skill and experience. Fully qualified workers earn an average of $30.55-$41.61 per hour.
Self-Rating
Drywall Finisher and Plasterer (453A)
| Ask Yourself: | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| Do you have good hand-eye coordination, and enjoy working with different types of hand tools? | ||
| Do you have good reading, writing, mathematical, measuring and problem-solving skills? | ||
| Are you able to read blueprints and measurements accurately? | ||
| Are you able to follow Health & Safety guidelines? | ||
| Are you able to lift more than 50lbs? Are you able to stand or sit for long periods of time? | ||
| Are you detail-oriented and good with colours? Do you have the ability to work closely with others? | ||
| Are you reliable, a self-starter and able to work with minimal supervision? Can you start and finish work on time? |
If you checked YES to the majority of these questions, a career as a Drywall Finisher and Plasterer (453A) may be for you!
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