Plasterer Apprentice

SECTION IV. – PLASTERER JOB DESCRIPTION – O*NET/SOC CODE: 47-2051.00

          General Job Description:

Apply interior or exterior plaster, cement, stucco, or similar materials.  May also set ornamental plaster.

          Essential Functions of the Job – Title 29 CFR 1630.2

          Those functions deemed to be ‘essential’ of a Plasterer are listed below in italicized lettering.

          Tasks:

• Apply coats of plaster or stucco to walls, ceilings, or partitions of buildings, using trowels, brushes, or spray guns.
• Mix mortar and plaster to desired consistency or direct workers who perform mixing.
• Create decorative textures in finish coat, using brushes or trowels, sand, pebbles, or stones.
• Apply insulation to building exteriors by installing prefabricated insulation systems over existing walls or by covering the outer wall with insulation board, reinforcing mesh, and a base coat.
• Cure freshly plastered surfaces.
• Clean and prepare surfaces for applications of plaster, cement, stucco, or similar materials, such as by drywall taping.
• Rough the undercoat surface with a scratcher so the finish coat will adhere.
• Apply weatherproof, decorative coverings to exterior surfaces of buildings, such as by troweling or spraying on coats of stucco.
• Install guide wires on exterior surfaces of building to indicate the thickness of plaster or stucco and nail wire mesh, lath, or similar materials to the outside surface to hold stucco in place.
• Spray acoustic materials or texture finish over walls or ceilings

Tools & Technology

         Tools used in this occupation:

• Edgers – Corner tools; Inside step tools; Ornamental cut and shape tools; Outside step tools
• Floats – Darbies
• Hammers – Claw hammers; Plasterers' hammers
• Ladders – Stilts
• Paint sprayers – Plaster spraying machines; Spray guns
• Saws – Hand saws; Keyhole saws
• Trowels – Featheredgers; Hand trowels; Power trowels; Scratcher trowels
• Utility knives – Trimming knives

          Technology Used In This Occupation:

• Accounting software – A-Systems JobView; Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal
• Project management software – Construction Software Center EasyEst; Cost estimating software; Sage Construct

          Knowledge

• Building and Construction – Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, building, or other structures such as highways and roads.

          Skills

• Speaking – Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Time Management – Managing one's own time and the time of others.
• Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Quality Control Analysis – Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

          Abilities

• Manual Dexterity – The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
• Arm-Hand Steadiness – The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
• Extend Flexibility – The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and /or legs.
• Gross Body Equilibrium – The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Near Vision – The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• Static Strength – The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
• Trunk Strength – The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.

          Work Activities

• Performing General Physical Activities – Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects – Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Getting Information – Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events – Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems – Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material – Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates – Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information – Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining the time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work – Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work – Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Scheduling Work and Activities – Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

          Work Context

• Work With Work Group or Team – Rarely does a plasterer work by themselves. Teams of two are most common while working on a smaller project.  On larger projects groups of plasterer’s work together sometimes in unison complete a work assignment.
• Freedom to Make Decisions – Very little as detailed plans, or blueprints, dictate the type, color, and application parameters of materials for the finished product.
• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls – 100%
• Time Pressure – As the deadline of the project becomes closer oftentimes extended work hours/day are implemented to reach the deadline date of the project.
• Contact With Others – 100%
• Spend Time Standing – 100%
• Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results – The project completion rate is monitored daily by those members in supervisory positions and adjustments are made due to weather conditions, availability of supplies/materials, and size of workforce.
• Exposed to High Places – Nearly 100% exposure to heights above six (6) feet.
• Face-to-Face Discussions – These types of discussions can occur anytime throughout the workday while the frequency is dependent upon the complexity of the work assignment.
• Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body – Nearly 100% from the layout, application, and finish product.

SECTION VI. – QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPRENTICESHIP – Title 29 CFR 29.5(b)(10)

          Applicants will meet the following minimum qualifications:

1.  Age

Applicants for apprenticeship shall not be less than seventeen (17) years of age as of the date of application.  (Applicant must provide evidence of minimum age respecting any applicable State Laws or regulations.)  All apprentices and their parents or legal guardians, if they are minors, shall enter into and sign a written Apprenticeship Agreement with the JATC.

 2.  Education

A high school diploma or GED equivalency is not required but recommended.  Applicants not possessing a high school diploma or GED will be provided a six-month (180-day maximum) timeframe to obtain a GED.  Failure to obtain a GED within that timeframe is grounds for dismissal from the program.  Applicants possessing a high school diploma or GED must provide an official transcript(s) for high school and post-high school education and training.  All GED records must be submitted if applicable.  Those high school diploma’s obtained from schools of learning outside the Unites States must be notarized to be the equivalent to United States High School standard requirements.

Applicants must submit a DD-214 to verify military training and/or experience if they are a veteran and wish to receive consideration for such training/experience.

3.  Physical Capacity

Applicants will be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the apprenticeship program, with or without a reasonable accommodation, and without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of the individual or others. 

Applicants will be screened for the current illegal use of drugs upon acceptance into the program and prior to being employed.  The cost of the examination and/or drug screening is the responsibility of the JATC.

4.  Language

At the time of selection, applicants should have an understanding and ability in reading, writing, and communicating in the English language.  This enables the apprentice to perform the tasks of the Plasterer in a safe manner and comprehend the subject matter taught in related instruction.  Those applicants chosen who do not have a basic understanding of English in reading, writing, and communication must successfully complete English as a Second Language course provided by College of Southern Nevada within one year of acceptance into the apprenticeship program

5. Eligibility to Work in the United States

Indentured apprentices must be legally eligible to work in the United States and have sufficient legal documentation to complete an I-9 Form.  On your application form, you answered the question: Do you understand that if you are not legally authorized to work in the United States that you are not eligible for the Apprenticeship Program and may be terminated from the Program?  Yes  or  No    If it is discovered that an apprentice lacks proper legal documentation of legal status to work in the United States you may be terminated from the program.  Reinstatement into the apprenticeship program will occur upon presentation of valid documentation and the needs of the program at the time.