Free Level 1 Plastering Course in Barnsley

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

About this course

Free Level 1 Plastering Course in Barnsley. Classes run at Barnsley College Honeywell Campus, full-time during the day. Plasterers apply layers of plaster to walls, ceilings, and floors, making buildings stronger and ready for decoration. It's skilled work with strong demand across housing, offices, and refurbishment projects. The course runs for one year. You'll need two GCSEs at grade A* to E plus English at grade 2 or above, or you can take an initial assessment in English and maths at Entry Level 3 or above.

Who this course is for

Plasterers mix and then paste plaster onto the interior surfaces of buildings to prepare them for decoration. The main role of a plasterer is to paste layers of plaster onto walls, floors and ceilings. Plastering serves a protective function, in that it makes buildings more robust, and an aesthetic function. It is a skilled job and there is a high demand for good plasterers. Plasterers work on a number of different buildings, including new housing developments, offices and houses (redecorations or extensions). They repair or restore existing plasterwork and plaster newly erected walls. There are approximately 40,000 plasterers working in the UK, and demand is growing due to government housing development schemes.

Plasterers sometimes work on their own when working on peoples' homes. On larger-scale projects, however, they may work in teams, each covering different sections of a wall.

You will study the following;

  • Introduction to health and safety in construction
  • Preparing background surfaces and applying finishing coats
  • Producing components from moulds

You can view the course specifications at:

http://cdn.cityandguilds.com/ProductDocuments/Construction/Construction/6219/Purpose_and_Recognition/19_Plus/Purpose/60105215_L1_Construction_Skills_Plastering_Purpose.pdf

Successful completion of this Level 1 study programme could lead to progressing to the Level 2 study programme. Alternatively, you could use the qualification to improve your chances of gaining an Apprenticeship which will give you valuable work experience.

Entry requirements

Two GCSEs at grade A* to E, Plus English grade 2 or above OR a successful interview with an initial assessment in English and maths at Entry Level 3 or above.

What you will learn

  • You'll apply plaster to interior walls, ceilings, and floors using professional techniques.
  • You'll mix plaster to the correct consistency for different applications.
  • You'll prepare surfaces before plastering, including fixing and priming.
  • You'll work safely on site, following health and safety requirements.
  • You'll use and maintain plastering tools and equipment correctly.
  • You'll understand the protective and finishing functions of plasterwork.
  • You'll produce smooth, even surfaces ready for decoration.

How you will learn

You'll learn through practical, hands-on sessions in a workshop environment alongside classroom-based teaching. Assessment includes practical tasks where you demonstrate plastering skills, as well as knowledge-based assessments covering materials, techniques, and safe working practices. Your progress is assessed throughout the course rather than in a single final exam.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Barnsley College Honeywell Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Plasterer's labourer: assist qualified plasterers on site while you build experience.
  • Trainee plasterer: entry-level role applying basic plastering skills on housing or commercial projects.
  • Dry lining operative: fix plasterboard to walls and ceilings in new-build and refurbishment work.
  • Construction site operative: general site work while developing your trade skills further.

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Diploma in Plastering (City and Guilds): the natural next step, covering more complex techniques and preparing you for skilled trade work.
  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Plastering: the qualification plasterers typically need for a CSCS skilled-worker card, opening doors to higher-paid site roles.
  • Plastering Apprenticeship: combine paid work with structured training toward a recognised trade qualification.

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