Vocational Plastering
Vocational • Level 1
Vocational Plastering
Vocational • Level 1Type of LearningSchool Leaver
Course Codea3564
Study ModeFull Time
Duration1 year
Cost
Free
Awarded ByCity and Guilds
Location ByBurnley College
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About the course
The Level 1 Diploma in Plastering is a practical starter course that builds safe habits, confidence, and the core skills needed for the plastering trade. You will learn health and safety, correct use of PPE, tool identification and care, basic materials and mixing, and how to prepare substrates by cleaning, keying, priming, and protecting adjacent areas. Guided by industry experienced tutors in well equipped workshops, you will practise essential techniques such as simple setting out, applying base and finish coats on small areas, skimming plasterboard to basic tolerances, forming neat corners and edges, fixing small beads, and carrying out straightforward patch repairs and making good. You will also learn basic drying times, defect prevention, and simple job planning so your work is tidy, consistent, and ready for decoration.
Assessment typically combines short online or written knowledge tests with observed practical tasks and a small synoptic project where you plan, set out, and complete a simple plastering job to an agreed specification and deadline, supported by a portfolio of photographs and assessor feedback.
On completion, you can progress to the Level 2 Diploma in Plastering or into a relevant Apprenticeship, moving toward entry level roles as a plastering improver within contractors, maintenance teams, or refurbishment firms.
Type of LearningSchool Leaver
Course Codea3564
Study ModeFull Time
Duration1 year
CostFree
Awarded ByCity and Guilds
Location ByBurnley College
Start Date/s
02/09/2026
Entry Requirements
2 GCSEs at Grade 3 or above, or a relevant Entry Level qualification.
Modules
Course Modules
Health, Safety and Welfare in Construction
Introduces the basics of health and safety, including hazard awareness, PPE, and welfare responsibilities, ensuring safe working practices on site.
Principles of Building Construction, Information and Communication
Covers the fundamentals of construction methods, key terminology, building components, and the use of drawings and information in plastering tasks.
Preparing Background Surfaces and Mixing Plastering Materials
Focuses on preparing a range of backgrounds and correctly mixing plastering materials, developing the foundation for high-quality plastering work.
Applying Scratch Coats to Internal Backgrounds
Develops skills in applying base coats to internal walls, ensuring proper adhesion for subsequent plastering layers.
Fixing Sheet Materials
Provides practical experience in fixing plasterboards and sheet materials, ready for jointing or skim finishing.
Applying Floating Coats to Walls
Covers the application of floating coats to achieve level surfaces, preparing walls for finishing coats.
Applying Setting Coats to Walls
Introduces finishing skills through the application of setting coats, producing smooth, durable surfaces suitable for decoration.
Assessment
Observed practical tasks: You plan, set out, and complete small plastering activities to simple drawings and dimensions, demonstrating safe working and tidy finishes.
Short online or written knowledge tests: Health and safety, tools and PPE, materials and mixing, substrate preparation, and basic application methods.
Synoptic practical project: A timed end task where you apply base and finish coats or skim a small area to an agreed specification and deadline.
Portfolio of evidence: Photographs, brief write ups, risk assessments, method statements, and assessor feedback mapped to unit outcomes.
Professional discussion and questioning: Confirms understanding of choices, sequencing, and defect prevention.
Ongoing skills reviews: Regular feedback on housekeeping, waste control, tool care, productivity, and adherence to health, safety, and environmental requirements.
Careers & Progression
After completing the City and Guilds Level 1 Diploma in Plastering, you can progress directly to the City and Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Plastering to build speed, accuracy, and a broader range of techniques, or apply for a Level 2 Plastering Apprenticeship that combines paid work with college study. Entry level roles include plastering improver or trainee, maintenance assistant in housing or facilities teams, and refurbishment labourer with a plastering focus.
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 a wide range of manufacturing and industry sites to see the development and use of state of the art equipment and materials. 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
