Vocational Plastering
Vocational • Level 2
Vocational Plastering
Vocational • Level 2Type of LearningSchool Leaver
Course CodeA0731
Study ModeFull Time
Duration1 year
Cost
Free
Awarded ByCity and Guilds
Location ByBurnley College
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About the course
The Level 2 Diploma in Plastering Skills is a practical, employer focused programme that builds the speed, accuracy, and finish quality needed for real interiors and external render work. You will learn safe working practices, material selection, and substrate preparation before progressing through solid plastering and dry lining techniques, including mixing and gauging, applying scratch, float, and set coats, two coat work to walls and ceilings, skimming plasterboard, fixing angle and stop beads, forming corners, reveals, and openings, and achieving consistent, trowel ready finishes.
Training also covers external rendering, monocouche or through coloured systems where offered, patch repairs, damp and moisture control basics, and decorative features such as small curves and arch forms, with machine application introduced by centre where appropriate. Throughout, you will read simple drawings, plan work areas, protect adjacent surfaces, and apply quality checks for flatness, line, and plumb to commercial tolerances.
Assessment combines online or written knowledge tests with observed practical tasks and a synoptic assignment where you plan, set out, and complete a multi surface plastering project to specification and deadline, supported by a portfolio of evidence.
On completion, you can progress to a Plastering Apprenticeship, or step into employment as a plasterer or improver within building contractors, maintenance teams, specialist rendering firms, and refurbishment companies, with clear routes toward skilled status and site supervision as your experience grows.
Type of LearningSchool Leaver
Course CodeA0731
Study ModeFull Time
Duration1 year
CostFree
Awarded ByCity and Guilds
Location ByBurnley College
Start Date/s
02/09/2026
Entry Requirements
3 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, or a relevant Level 1 qualification.
Modules
Health, safety, and welfare
Building principles and communication
Materials and mixing
Substrate preparation
Setting out and control of levels
Internal solid plastering (scratch, float, set)
Skimming plasterboard
Beads and trims
External rendering
Patch repairs and making good
Dry lining fundamentals
Decorative work (centre dependent)
Moisture and damp control
Tools, dust control, and maintenance
Planning, estimating, and documentation
Quality assurance and defect prevention
Synoptic assignment and portfolio
Assessment
Observed practical tasks: Plan, set out, and complete solid plastering, skimming, dry lining, and rendering to drawings, dimensions, and commercial tolerances while demonstrating safe working.
Online or written knowledge tests: Health and safety, materials and mixing, substrates and preparation, application methods, defect prevention, and finishing standards.
Synoptic practical assignment: A timed, multi surface project requiring sequencing, bead setting, float and set, skimming, and making good, delivered to specification and deadline.
Portfolio of evidence: Photos, drawings, method statements, risk assessments, product data sheets, quantities, and quality checklists mapped to unit outcomes.
Professional discussion and questioning: Confirms understanding, problem solving, and rationale for product and method choices.
Witness testimonies where applicable: Tutor or employer statements validating performance in workshop or live job contexts.
Ongoing skills reviews: Regular feedback on productivity, cleanliness, tool care, dust control, and adherence to health, safety, and environmental requirements.
Careers & Progression
After completing the Level 2 Diploma in Plastering Skills, you can progress into a Plastering Apprenticeship or move directly into employment as a plastering improver with contractors, maintenance teams, refurbishment firms, or specialist rendering companies. Many learners work toward an NVQ through on site assessment to evidence occupational competence and support applications for the appropriate industry card, subject to scheme rules. You can also advance your studies with an Apprenticeship to refine complex techniques, external systems, and supervisory skills. As experience grows, typical routes include skilled plasterer, renderer, dry liner, spray application operative, heritage restoration specialist, and later working foreperson, site supervisor, or small business owner. Support is available for CV preparation, interview practice, and linking with employers to help you make the next step.
Additional Details
Equipment Needed
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Safety boots and workwear which must be durable trousers and long-sleeve layers.
Equipment Supplied
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Safety glasses, High-viz jackets, hard hats, dust mask/respirator, core hand tools, portable power tools, and consumables.
Enrichment Activities
You will have the opportunity to be entered for the national competition Skillbuild. Success may lead to entry into international competition at Worldskills. You will have the opportunity to visit British Gypsum Factory tour to see state of the art machinery in operation on a mass production level. You will also benefit from a wide range of guest speakers to enrich the curriculum.
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Have a question? Get in touch!
Or call us on 01282 733373
