Exterior Plastering

Plasterers are required to learn a wide range of skills on the job, from selecting and measuring the right materials to applying and creating the required finish. There are two exterior plaster specialities in New Zealand (some professional plasterers choose to specialise in both):

Solid plaster: Apply protective and decorative coats of sand and cement-based plaster.

PPCS (Proprietary Plaster Cladding System): Install a variety of exterior cladding substrates and finish them with coats of plaster modified to form a 'system' with the particular substrate.

Working with plaster isn't just a job – it's a professional career. Much of your work will be contracting to larger firms in the construction industry; you might also get into the retail industry, consulting with clients and other plasterers on products to ensure the aesthetics and finish of a job are up to standard – particularly in relation to weathertightness.

By doing an apprenticeship and getting qualified, you're setting yourself up for ongoing employment as a well-paid tradesperson. You’ll also open up opportunities to do further study in supervision or site management, go to university, or start a business and train your own apprentices.