Overview
Plasterers apply finish, and maintain and restore plaster or similar materials, on interior and exterior walls, ceilings and building partitions to produce plain or decorative surfaces. Drywall installers and finishers install and finish drywall sheets and various types of ceiling systems. Lathers install support framework for ceiling systems, interior and exterior walls and building partitions. They are employed by construction companies and by plastering, drywalling and lathing contractors, or they may be self-employed. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Plasterers
Clean and prepare surfaces
Mix plaster ingredients in trough to desired consistency
Apply, level and smooth coats of plaster using trowels, floats, brushes and spraying equipment
Trowel or spray coats of stucco over exteriors of buildings to form weatherproof surfaces
Finish corners and angles and create decorative designs in finish coat, if required
Cure freshly plastered surfaces
Mould and install ornamental plaster panels, cornices and trim
Spray acoustic materials or texture finish over walls and ceilings.
Drywall installers and finishers
Measure, cut and fit drywall sheets for installation on walls and ceilings
Position and secure sheets to metal or wooden studs or joists
Cut and install metal corner beads to protect exterior corners
Fill joints, nail indentations, holes and cracks with joint compound using trowel and broad knife
Tape over joints using taping machine and embed tape in compound
Smooth out excess compound and allow coat to dry
Apply successive coats of compound and sand seams and joints
Fabricate and install suspended metal ceiling grids and place in panels to form acoustical and coffered ceilings.
Lathers
Prepare wall and ceiling layouts
Install metal stud framing and furring for interior drywall or plaster walls and ceilings, using hand and power tools
Attach metal or gypsum lath to studs or furring using nails, screws, clips or wire ties
Cut openings in lath for heating and ventilation piping, ducts and electrical outlets
Install corner beads and wire mesh around beams to which plaster is to be applied
May install acoustic tile, hangers for suspended ceilings and metal studs for composition wallboard or lath.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$42,129
$59,919
$79,253
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
799expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
Completion of a three- or four-year apprenticeship program in plastering, drywalling or lathing or A combination of over three years of work experience and some high school, college or industry courses in plastering, drywalling or lathing is usually required.
Plasterer trade certification is compulsory in Quebec and available, but voluntary, in Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.
Additional information
The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers in B.C.
- Lather (Interior Systems Mechanic) Red Seal Certification
- Drywall Finisher and Plasterer Red Seal Certification
- Skilled Trades Certification - Lather (Interior Systems Mechanic)
- Skilled Trades Certification - Drywall Finishers
Lather (Interior Systems Mechanic) Red Seal Certification
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade outside of B.C. in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.
Drywall Finisher and Plasterer Red Seal Certification
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement in several provinces and territories outside of British Columbia. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.
Skilled Trades Certification - Lather (Interior Systems Mechanic)
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a lather in B.C., you may need a SkilledTradesBC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program.
Skilled Trades Certification - Drywall Finishers
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a drywall finisher in B.C., you may need a SkilledTradesBC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No programs available in B.C.
There are currently no programs offered at public post-secondary institutions in B.C. that will qualify you for these careers. Please see the SkilledTradesBC website for other options.