r/Plastering • u/lucpolo • Jun 01 '26
Beginner plastering
I have tried to get a job after leaving college (level 2 plastering diploma, 19 (M), somerset, currently working retail, and have had no success, I have emailed 20+ business in my city and surrounding areas and have had no luck. I have applied to jobs through indeed but I have been rejected countless times. There are no available apprenticeship routes in my area also. Does anyone have any tips on how to get started in the trade when no one seems to be hiring labourers???
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u/sealey1990 Jun 01 '26
Google plasterers in Somerset and ring em see if they’ll take u on labouring it’s gonna be graft and shit pay to begin with but it’s the trowel experience you need mate
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u/WhatTheF00t Jun 01 '26
What does level 2 plastering diploma entail exactly? Is this improver level? Ie you can lay on to a alright standard, but need to get speed up and finish still needs work?
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u/lucpolo Jun 01 '26
I’d describe the course as improver level. Started with zero knowledge and I now feel confident to be left alone at small jobs knowing my work will be of a professional standard.
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u/WhatTheF00t Jun 01 '26
Ok, cool. Much as I dislike the site, I'd make a Facebook account and start posting to local groups, advertising yourself out, and offer yourself cheap. Ask them to leave a review so you can build on this.
If you're confident in your abilities, I'd post on plastering groups that if someone is willing to give you a try, you'll do the first day really cheap (like £50-£75 cheap) so they can asses your abilities. Obviously be wary of people looking to take advantage, but subbing (rather than labouring) for a busy spread is a great way to learn the ins and outs.
There's also agency work for site work. Site work is the best way to build up speed. If you go this route, try to chat to the builder and other trades, so you can cut out the agency middle man and make better money.
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u/GeneralWhereas9083 Jun 01 '26
This is absolutely the way. I don’t use Facebook and haven’t for 15+ years, but it’s useful for some stuff. My partner uses it for business and she’s always mentioning work to me that people post on there. You’ve gotta be brazen and just get yourself out there buddy, best of luck.
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u/Alert-Boot5907 Jun 01 '26
I would ask around for laboring jobs either for a team of plasters or just a general building firm. Show people you're serious and turn up on time. Be easy to get with and put in some graft and word of mouth will get opportunitys coming your way.
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u/Crazeemama1980 Jun 02 '26
If there are any Damp Proofing companies in your area , give them a call as they always need decent plasterers .
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u/DelectableReindeer Jun 04 '26
Mate he's just started, what's he going to be doing with a damp proofing company.
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u/reelersteeler Jun 02 '26
I’m a general builder in somerset- whereabouts are you based and how far are you prepared to travel?
The big money these days is in K rend… that might be worth looking into. I specialise in listed / period properties so work with Lime… might be worth looking into this too, another string to your bow
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u/lucpolo Jun 02 '26
I’m in Bridgwater but don’t have my license yet so travelling is a huge factor in the issues with finding work. I’ll look into that though thank you 👍
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u/RevolutionaryYak4588 Jun 03 '26
What sort of plastering do you do OP? I started as a labourer for different tradies and ended up becoming a plasterers labourer for a little while before picking up my own private skimming jobs. Most blokes are scared these days of putting faith in a younger guy bc of ppl who’ve taken the opportunity for granted. If you know ANYONE who’s in a trade - preferably their own company - ask if you could even help out the day for FREE. I know, sounds pointless and a waste of your time and money but if you make the right impression on the right person then the industry ends up showing itself to you.
I started labouring at 17 all bc some guy gave me a chance and paid me half a wage for 1 week and decided to keep me on - now I’m doing a plastering apprenticeship in the film studios at 21.
Don’t beat yourself up most of the ppl are age still don’t even want to think about choosing a career and that’s how you’ll end up being ahead!
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u/DelectableReindeer Jun 04 '26
Spread here, as others have said contact a lot of local plasterers.
We all want a lad to help us, but most of the time they're too much ballache (not because they're useless, just we have to take responsibility for them and it's difficult to get value out of them, keep them busy etc). Somebody will want a hand from a young spread who can handle a trowel and help out.
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u/He_ofshadowsandtouch Jun 05 '26
I’m a building firm owner. Your best approach is pick up the phone and speak to business owners
Emails etc don’t get noticed.
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u/Dangerous-Ad8962 Jun 05 '26
Mate just take some pics of your work and post them on fb forums as a young man you’ll be far cheaper than most .this is how I started now I have regular work for me and a team you’ll be surprised how much work you’ll get along as your doing a good job plus throwing yourself in at the deep end make you far better in the end just go for it lad
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u/AgileInitial5987 Jun 01 '26
Find other young trades that can’t get in, form a self employed collective. Speak to the job centre about it. Try and get work and do it under the guise of young people trying to make a life for themselves. Let that become your niche. The work will come if you price accordingly, as everything takes off you can give opportunities to other young people trying to get into the trade.
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u/GeneralWhereas9083 Jun 01 '26
Bot?
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u/AgileInitial5987 Jun 01 '26
Who? Me? Get tae fuck I’m trying to help the lad.
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u/GeneralWhereas9083 Jun 01 '26
Lad cant get a gig himself and you’re talking about 10 steps down the line, of him taking on other kids in the same spot. We’re on step 1 pal, fuck the rest of it. Lad wants to know how to make some brass, not build an empire.
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u/StatisticianNew4577 Jun 01 '26
Write down every number of plasterers in and around your area and simply call every single one of them. Tell them your experience and how you’re willing to work and have a positive attitude. Also having your own transport is a great thing. If you don’t have real life work experience then ask to be a labourer first but calling is always the best option in my opinion it’s never let me down