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Study Plastering

Career Outcomes

Fibrous Plasterer (333211)
Solid Plasterer (333212)

Both occupations are currently on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

Industry Overview

The construction industry is a significant driver of economic activity in Australia and is projected to grow by 2.4% in the next 5 years. It employs close to 1.2 million people and has the largest number of small businesses in Australia. Construction workers are employed in both residential and commercial sectors, and are involved in site preparation, building installation and structure services. The majority of workers in the sector are employed as carpenters and joiners, followed by construction managers and plumbers (Source: IBISWorld)

Insights

Average weekly earnings:  $1,600 per week

Mode of work: Most work full-time (78%)

Hours per week: full-time workers spend around 43 hours/ week at work.

Age: the average age is 37 years.

Gender: 1% workers are female

(Source: Job Outlook, historical figures)

Qualification Needed

Workers usually need a certificate III in wall and ceiling lining or solid plastering.

Course Overview

There are two types of plasterer, solid and fibrous. Solid plasterers apply decorative and protective coverings of plaster, cement and similar materials to the interiors and exteriors of structures, whereas fibrous plasterers make, apply and fix the internal linings of commercial and domestic buildings. There are courses available for both types of plasterer, which will teach you the fundamentals of plastering as well as the specifics for each occupation.

Course Requirements

Most institutions require completion of Australian Year 11 or 12 (or equivalent), as well as a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score less than 5.

Costs

A 2-year packaged trade course costs between $12,000 and $19,000 per year, depending on the institution.

Career Outcomes

Fibrous Plasterer
Solid Plasterer

Studying Plastering in Australia: What the Course Covers

Plastering courses cover the two plastering trades. Wall and ceiling lining (fibrous plastering) teaches you to install plasterboard walls and ceilings, suspended ceilings, cornices, partitions and fire and acoustic rated systems, and to set and finish joints. Solid plastering teaches you to apply render, cement and plaster coatings to internal and external walls, create decorative mouldings and finishes, and repair surfaces. Both include reading plans, measuring and estimating, using hand and power tools, working at heights and site safety.

Qualifications and AQF Levels

Qualification AQF level What it prepares you for
Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining AQF 3 Fibrous plasterer and plasterboard installer roles
Certificate III in Solid Plastering AQF 3 Solid plasterer and renderer roles
Certificate IV in Building and Construction AQF 4 Site supervisor and small builder roles after gaining trade experience

Study Pathways

Most international students complete one of the Certificate III qualifications, sometimes packaged with a Certificate IV in Building and Construction. A trade skills assessment through Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) generally requires paid work experience in the trade as well as a qualification, so practical industry experience is important.

Related Occupations and Visa Pathways (as at October 2026)

Occupation ANZSCO CSOL (482 and 186) Skilled lists (189, 190, 491, 485)
Plasterer (Wall and Ceiling), formerly Fibrous Plasterer 333211 Yes MLTSSL
Renderer (Solid Plaster), formerly Solid Plasterer 333212 Yes MLTSSL

Our Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) guide explains which visas use each list and what that means for plasterers and renderers. The CSOL uses the newer occupation titles Plasterer (Wall and Ceiling) and Renderer (Solid Plaster) for these codes.

Career Outlook

Plasterers work in residential construction, renovations, commercial fit outs and building maintenance, often as subcontractors. Demand follows building activity and is strong in growing suburbs and regional centres. Experienced plasterers often run their own businesses.

What You Do in a Plastering Course

Both plastering courses are practical and are taught in workshops with full size wall and ceiling frames. Depending on the course you choose, you will practise:

  • Wall and ceiling lining: fixing plasterboard to timber and steel frames, setting and sanding joints, installing cornices, building suspended and grid ceilings, and fitting fire rated and acoustic wall systems.
  • Solid plastering: applying cement render and acrylic render to brick and block walls, hard plastering, texture finishes, and running decorative mouldings.
  • Common skills: reading plans, measuring and estimating materials, working on scaffolds and mobile platforms, and safe use of power tools.
  • Repairs and heritage work: patching damaged walls and restoring older lime and fibrous plaster ceilings.

Working as a Plasterer

Most plasterers work on new homes, apartments and commercial fit outs, often in teams that move from site to site. Fire and acoustic rated systems must be installed exactly as the manufacturer specifies, so careful work and good record keeping are valued. Plasterers who can also do suspended ceilings, steel stud framing or decorative work can find more varied work.

Applying for a Student Visa to Study Plastering

Describe any construction, renovation or plastering work you have done and which of the two plastering trades you want to follow, since wall and ceiling lining and solid plastering lead to different jobs. See our Student visa (subclass 500) page for the current visa conditions.

Plastering Study FAQs

Yes. As at October 2026, Plasterer (Wall and Ceiling) (333211) and Renderer (Solid Plaster) (333212), formerly called Fibrous Plasterer and Solid Plasterer, are on both the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and the MLTSSL. Use the occupation that matches the plastering qualification you complete.

It can. Plasterer (Wall and Ceiling) is on the MLTSSL, so this Certificate III, or the Certificate III in Solid Plastering for renderers, can support the 485 Post-Vocational Education Work stream (generally 18 months) if you hold a TRA skills assessment, usually a Provisional Skills Assessment for Australian trained students, and meet the age and English rules.

Fibrous plasterers (wall and ceiling liners) install and finish plasterboard and ceiling systems inside buildings. Solid plasterers apply render and plaster coatings to masonry and other surfaces, inside and outside. They are separate qualifications and occupations.

Some states require a licence to contract for wall and ceiling lining or solid plastering work above a set value, while others do not license plastering separately. Working as an employee does not usually need a licence, but you will need a White Card for building sites.

Related guides

Am I eligible for a Student visa? Student Visa Funds Calculator Study a Trade Course Assessment Study a Uni Course Assessment

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