Free Level 2 Plastering Course in Burnley. Classes run at Burnley College, full-time during the day. You'll need 3 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, or a relevant Level 1 qualification, to enrol. The course runs for one year and covers solid plastering, dry lining, external rendering, and finishing techniques to commercial tolerances. It's a practical, employer-focused plastering qualification that prepares you for work across building contractors, maintenance teams, and specialist rendering firms.
Who this course is for
The Level 2 Diploma in Plastering Skills is a practical, employer focused course that builds the speed, accuracy, and finish quality needed for real interiors and external render work. You will learn safe working practices, material selection, and substrate preparation, then progress through solid plastering and dry lining techniques, including scratch, float, and set coats, two coat work to walls and ceilings, skimming plasterboard, fixing beads, and forming corners, reveals, and openings to commercial tolerances.. Training takes place in realistic workshop setups with industry experienced tutors, and assessment blends knowledge tests, observed practical tasks, and a synoptic project delivered to specification and deadline. On completion, you can move into a Plastering Apprenticeship, or step into employment as a plastering improver with contractors, maintenance teams, and specialist rendering firms.
Entry requirements
3 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, or a relevant Level 1 qualification.
What you will learn
You'll apply scratch, float, and set coats to walls and ceilings using solid plastering techniques.
You'll skim plasterboard and carry out two-coat work to professional standards.
You'll fix angle and stop beads, and form corners, reveals, and openings.
You'll prepare substrates, select materials, and mix and gauge plaster correctly.
You'll apply external render systems, including patch repairs and damp control basics.
You'll create decorative features such as small curves and arch forms.
You'll read simple drawings, plan work areas, and apply quality checks for flatness, line, and plumb.
You'll follow safe working practices throughout all plastering tasks.
How you will learn
You'll learn through hands-on practical sessions in a classroom and workshop setting. Assessment combines online or written knowledge tests with observed practical tasks. You'll also complete a synoptic assignment where you plan, set out, and finish a multi-surface plastering project to a specification and deadline. A portfolio of evidence supports your practical assessments throughout the course.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Burnley College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Plasterer. Work on new builds, refurbishments, and maintenance contracts.
Dry lining operative. Specialist work fixing and skimming plasterboard.
Renderer. External render and monocouche systems on residential and commercial sites.
Plastering improver. Entry-level site role building speed and experience.
Maintenance operative. Patch repairs and plastering within facilities or housing teams.
Self-employed plasterer. Take on domestic and small commercial work independently.
What you could study next
Plastering Apprenticeship. Combine on-site experience with further structured training after completing this course.
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Plastering. The next step for plasterers aiming for a CSCS skilled-worker card and senior site roles.
Level 3 Award in Education and Training. An option if you later want to teach plastering or construction trades.
