Why did you want to be a plasterer?
One of my friends was doing a plastering course at his school, and,
while I was at his house one day I read his course work notes and
decided to take up plastering. I applied for several jobs and sat
a CITB test with Lewisham Council. I was contacted by a company called
the Plastering Decoration Company who had got my name from the CITB.
Had the interview on the Friday and started the job on the Monday. I was only 15 years old and I've loved it ever since. Plastering is a craft that hasn't changed much in the last 150 years.
What's the best job you've ever worked on?
Bluewater Shopping Centre. The first package was won for £400,000
and the contract ended up at £5,000,000 involving manufacture
and installation of featured walls and ceilings to the east mall handkerchief
domes, the welcome halls, east village, west village, south village,
management suite, public facilities and Marks and Spencer's central
atrium.
What's your job like?
My job consists of the general running of the company responsible
for the installation on site. In particular, I am responsible for
planning and co-ordinating the day-to-day activities, processing the
payroll and tax affairs of the company and producing method statements,
risk assessments, COSSH assessments and O+M manuals.
What are your hours / wages like?
The general hours are from 8am to 4.30pm for between £130 and £150 per
day (fully qualified). Price work is generally given allowing the
daily earnings to increase, overtime is normally available for weekends
and evenings.
What qualifications do you have?
City and Guilds Basic and Advanced Craft.
What's your advice to would-be apprentices?
I've employed 15 apprentices. In the last ten years I've gone through
six kids because it can be very hard to see a kid through to the end
as they invariably drop out. I think they don't know what they want! They
particularly hate the 7am starts! But nothing pleases me more than
finding an apprentice who is willing to learn and shows the same passion
and enthusiasm for plastering that I have.
So, you need to make sure you are happy with your chosen trade and are committed to getting your qualifications, as wages are low during training but rewards are worth it in the end.
