Plastering Courses in North West

[Mr.Nobody]

I’m looking for a change in career at 40. Being a remote engineer on poor pay, on call plus the travel isn’t great. I’ve been looking at other trades and think plastering could be good. As there is also the rendering aspect too.

Are there any companies in the North West that offer plastering courses and do you think I could maybe take me on of a weekend?

[CoupeKid]

Have you looked at evening/weekend classes at the local further education colleges?

[J6542]

No idea about coarses , but there is a scouser with a YouTube channel called “ on the trowel” who is a perfectionist with plastering and rendering.
Watch all his videos and possibly ask him for advice.

[Mr.Nobody]

CoupeKid said:

Have you looked at evening/weekend classes at the local further education colleges?

I’ve sent an email. But nothing’s come back.

[Saleen836]

Have you researched your area for what work will be available for a new plasterer?
Nearly all new build sites use the tape/joint system instead of plastering so that just leaves traditional new build from small developers who still have things plastered, some extensions ( some are tape/jointed) or refurbs.
Have you looked at other trades such as tacking plasterboard or drylining or even the tape & jointing?

[CoupeKid]

https://www.findcourses.co.uk/search/plastering-no...

Edited by CoupeKid on Saturday 17th January 22:53

[Pistaaah]

You need to be physically fit - most plasterers that I have used are in their 30's and 40's and all say they are looking to get out of it because of the physicality of it - it is hard going especially if you're on a metre rate.

Maybe have a look at Venetian Plastering - it's a different game, more niche but apparently the money is better and there's less competition for the work, although the market is smaller. Training is done by the companies selling the materials, but I know a couple of plasterers who have transitioned into it and they like it.

[MustangGT]

Take a look at TradeSkills4U. Not sure about plastering, but definitely building trades. They have a training centre in Leigh.

[Wacky Racer]

J6542 said:

No idea about coarses , but there is a scouser with a YouTube channel called on the trowel who is a perfectionist with plastering and rendering.
Watch all his videos and possibly ask him for advice.

This.

He is a mine of information, highly recommended.

[Ryyy]

There's usually centres that do week or 2 course and or even a weekend intensive. Or a tkeast they do round me.

Also it's not that great on site now, never mind at 40, especially plastering. Could always do a weekend course and see what you think though, won't walk away with an nvq though but you'll get a bit of training.

[Voguely]

Pistaaah said:

You need to be physically fit - most plasterers that I have used are in their 30's and 40's and all say they are looking to get out of it because of the physicality of it - it is hard going especially if you're on a metre rate.

Maybe have a look at Venetian Plastering - it's a different game, more niche but apparently the money is better and there's less competition for the work, although the market is smaller. Training is done by the companies selling the materials, but I know a couple of plasterers who have transitioned into it and they like it.

This ^. Also, as trades goes, plastering is definitely at the lower end of the pay spectrum. If I were switching from a more office based role to a 'trade' then electrician would probably be higher on the list - generally less physical, pays relatively well, and generally not messing around with materials which are bad for your health (breathing in plaster and cement dust for long periods really isn't good for you!).

[fiatpower]

I do all my own work in my house including plastering and it is by far the most physically demanding. I'd also look at electrical or gas/plumbing work personally if I was to change to a trade at my age now (35)