Overview of the role
The apprentice or trainee plasterer works as part of the plastering team, assisting with the creation of plaster components and surfaces of sets for a production. They will shadow the plasterers to learn how to create the different types of plasterwork and specialist finishes required. They also clean and maintain the working area for the plasterer and mix materials for them as requested. The apprentice or trainee plasterers works to the plasterer and chargehand plasterer. The role is an introduction to the department which should expose the apprentice or trainee to as many jobs within the department as possible. As it is a training role, an apprentice or trainee should always work under supervision.
Download the PDF version of this skills checklist: apprentice / trainee plasterer skills checklist.
Core responsibilities
These core responsibilities are provided as a guide and are not exhaustive. The exact responsibilities in a particular job will vary depending on the scale / budget band / genre of the production.
- Check and confirm with the plasterer the plastering specifications, sketches and instructions
- Discuss with the plasterer the appropriate finish required so the materials and tools to complete the job can be selected
- Measure and calculate the identified area for plasterwork, ensuring that all calculations worked out from the drawing match the size of the wall and that everything fits correctly
- Mix casting plaster as requested, ensuring it meets the amount and consistency required by the plasterer
- Ensure tools are fit for purpose and safe to use at all times; carry out necessary maintenance under supervision when required
- Check that power tools are PAT tested and that no wires are loose
- Identify and plan work with the plaster or chargehand, checking the part of the drawing relevant to them
- Assist the plasterer with calculating the silicone required to make a rubber mould
- Measure the working environment and accurately mark out the required area for plasterwork, checking the task can fit correctly
- Inform the plasterer or chargehand if materials or kit are not available
- Create the plasterwork moulds as required
- Request extra help if unable to complete assigned tasks within timescale
- Dispose of any chemical substances and waste in accordance with environmental and health and safety requirements
- On completion of tasks, make sure all areas are clean and tidy for the next stage
- Select the materials and fixing tools required, for example, drills, stitch guns, stopping in tools, plaster and water
- Measure and calculate the identified area for plasterwork, ensuring that all calculations worked out from the drawing match the size of the wall and that everything fits correctly
- Liaise with the plasterer to confirm the amount of materials needed to be mixed and provided
- Mix casting plaster as required, use timber or other reinforcing materials, as required
- Complete work as outlined in production schedule
- Dispose of any chemical substances and waste in accordance with environmental and health and safety requirements
- On completion of tasks, make sure all areas are clean and tidy for the next stage
- Keep up to date with health and safety policies and procedures for the production
- Work in compliance with health and safety legislation, regulations, and protocols at all times
- Identify and report any hazards to the working environment that they are unable to deal with, and confirm the appropriate persons to report to
- Use the PPE appropriate to the work in hand, working safely with awareness for others
- Organise work area and prevent accumulation of waste and debris
- Identify production working practices and aspects which may harm them or others
Skills
Check out role specific skills, transferable skills and attributes for the role of apprentice / trainee plasterer.
- Interpret and understand plastering briefs and requirements for working on set, in stages and in the workshop
- Use specialist materials, tools and equipment
- Plaster creation, specialist care and maintenance
- Communication: being polite, clear, open to communication, and always asking questions. Listening and taking notes
- Team-working: collaboration within own and with other departments, liaising with carpentry, and painting and decorating teams
- Resilience and enthusiasm: adapt positively and quickly to changing work priorities and patterns, ensuring deadlines continue to be met. Proactive and explores new ideas and non-standard ways of working which will enhance and deliver the best results for the production
- Ethics and integrity: honest and principled in all of their actions and interactions. Respectful and inclusive of others, and meets the ethical requirements of their profession
- Flexibility: willing to both listen and learn and to accept changing priorities and working requirements and has the flexibility to maintain high standards in a changing production environment
- Professional development: develop and maintain an attitude to learning on every job and seek out networking opportunities