Explore Careers - Job Market Report

in
Plasterers, Drywall Installers and Finishers and Lathers  (NOC 7284)
Annapolis Valley Region
Description |  Titles |  Duties |   Related Occupations

Plasterers apply finish, and maintain and restore plaster or similar materials, on interior and exterior walls, ceilings and building partitions to produce plain or decorative surfaces. Drywall installers and finishers install and finish drywall sheets and various types of ceiling systems. Lathers install support framework for ceiling systems, interior and exterior walls and building partitions. They are employed by construction companies and by plastering, drywalling and lathing contractors, or they may be self-employed.

acoustical ceiling installer, ceiling installer, drywall applicator, drywall finisher, drywall installer and finisher apprentice, drywall taper, interior systems mechanic, lather, lather apprentice, plasterer, plasterer apprentice, sheetrock applicator, wood lather.

Plasterers perform some or all of the following duties:
  • Clean and prepare surfaces
  • Mix plaster ingredients in trough to desired consistency
  • Apply, level and smooth coats of plaster using trowels, floats, brushes and spraying equipment
  • Trowel or spray coats of stucco over exteriors of buildings to form weatherproof surfaces
  • Finish corners and angles and create decorative designs in finish coat, if required
  • Cure freshly plastered surfaces
  • Mould and install ornamental plaster panels, cornices and trim
  • Spray acoustic materials or texture finish over walls and ceilings.
Drywall installers and finishers perform some or all of the following duties:
  • Measure, cut and fit drywall sheets for installation on walls and ceilings
  • Position and secure sheets to metal or wooden studs or joists
  • Cut and install metal corner beads to protect exterior corners
  • Fill joints, nail indentations, holes and cracks with joint compound using trowel and broad knife
  • Tape over joints using taping machine and embed tape in compound
  • Smooth out excess compound and allow coat to dry
  • Apply successive coats of compound and sand seams and joints
  • Fabricate and install suspended metal ceiling grids and place in panels to form acoustical and coffered ceilings.
Lathers perform some or all of the following duties:
  • Prepare wall and ceiling layouts
  • Install metal stud framing and furring for interior drywall or plaster walls and ceilings, using hand and power tools
  • Attach metal or gypsum lath to studs or furring using nails, screws, clips or wire ties
  • Cut openings in lath for heating and ventilation piping, ducts and electrical outlets
  • Install corner beads and wire mesh around beams to which plaster is to be applied
  • May install acoustic tile, hangers for suspended ceilings and metal studs for composition wallboard or lath.
Included Cities in Region | Service Canada Offices

Berwick, Bridgetown, Hantsport, Kentville, Middleton, Windsor, Wolfville

View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Education & Job Requirements for Plasterers, Drywall Installers and Finishers and Lathers in Annapolis Valley Region

Education and job requirements can vary by region. Workers in regulated occupations require a licence to work legally. Workers in non-regulated occupations do not require a licence, but employers may have other certification requirements.

Local Employment Requirements

Physical Requirements:
- This occupation typically requires good near and far vision.
- There is generally only a requirement for limited hearing in this job.
- The occupation can involve significant physical activity with good upper limb mobility.
- Strength to handle loads of 25 kg or more may be required.

[Report Publication Date: 2011-06-21 |  Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]

Skills Requirements

There are often specific abilities, aptitudes and knowledge that are prerequisites to obtain employment in an occupation.

Most employers who advertise are looking for workers who have the following experience and skills:

Experience:
1-5 years

Specific Skills:
Apply, level and smooth coats of plaster. Clean and prepare surfaces. Finish corners and angles.

Additional Skills:
Work at heights.

List of Associations

AssociationsLink opens in a new window are organizations that may provide news to its members about networking events, professional development and other common issues for people working in the same industry.

CanLearn Searches

  • Programs

    Detailed profiles, requirements and application and admissions information.

  • CEGEPs, Colleges and Universities

    Find the school that best suits your needs.

  • Scholarships

    Information on scholarships, bursaries, grants, and other forms of financial assistance.

[ Source: CanLearn - HRSDC ]
Information for Newcomers

Getting your language skills assessed

If you do not know what your English or French language level is, visit one of the Language Assessment Centres across Canada. They will assess your language level and direct you to the appropriate language training program.

Please consult the Nova Scotia and Canada tabs for more useful information related to education and job requirements.