Plasterers
Job description
These individuals pull joints and cover or level surfaces. They install acrylic systems. They repair mouldings, walls, and ceilings. They apply various types of limestone plaster (plaster, mortar, cement, etc.) to interior and exterior surfaces. They are self-employed or work on residential, commercial, institutional, or industrial construction sites, or in residential and commercial renovation.
Environment
- Controlled ambient temperature
- Climatic conditions
- Equipment, machinery, tools
- Nontoxic dust
- Uncontrolled ambient temperature
- Hazardous workplaces
- Noise
- Falling objects
Main tasks
- Mix ingredients to make plaster or other substitutes.
- Fill wall joints with gypsum to prepare them for the intended coverage.
- Prepare interior and exterior work surfaces.
- Apply coats of plaster, roughcast, or acrylic evenly.
- Make weather-resistant surfaces with stucco.
- Install metal mouldings.
- Finish corners and angles and create decorative patterns.
- Clean the site at the end of the work.
Advancement and mobility
- Qualified Plasterers receive a Red Seal endorsement upon successful completion of the Interprovincial Examination.
Training and requirements
Formation
Most training programs are offered in French only.
Secondary
DVS in plâtrage
Placement rate: 88%
9% of graduates pursue further studies
Also required
- Competency certificate to work on construction sites subject to the Act respecting labour relations, vocational training and workforce management in the construction industry (Act R-20).
Sometimes required
- A Class 5 driver’s licence is often required.
Main skills and characteristics
Skills
- Data collection
- Quality control analysis
- Active listening
- Time management
Abilities
- Near vision
- Manual dexterity
- Hand-arm stability
- Core strength
- Physical flexibility in extension
- Limb coordination
- Overall balance of the body
- Static muscle power
- Endurance
- Dynamic strength
- Verbal skills
- Awareness of issues
- Visualization
- Speech clarity
- Oral comprehension
- Overall coordination of the body
- Digital dexterity
- Information organization
- Colour perception and distinction
- Control accuracy
Knowledge and attributes
- Capacity to work under pressure
- Autonomy
- Sense of responsibility
- Capacity to work in a team
- Versatility
- Rigour
- Vitality
- Assiduity and punctuality
- Knowledge of buildings and construction
- Tolerance to routine work
Interests
- Make, build, install
- Work manually
- Work outdoors
Personality profiles (RIASEC)
- Realistic
- People with this profile prefer carrying out concrete tasks and being physically involved in what they do.
- Conventional
- People with this profile prefer specific, well-defined tasks. They like to respect the order of things and follow established rules.
- Social
- People with this profile prefer to be in contact with others, in particular to entertain, help or teach them.
Appellation d’emploi liée (à traduire)
Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers (CNP 73102)
Skill type
Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations
Related occupations
Last update: January 29, 2026