Plasterer

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Plasterer. A Plasterer prepares, calculates, tests, mixes, applies coats of plaster on interior and exterior walls, floors, ceilings and other structures, applies concrete screed on floors, maintains and restore plaster on surfaces, and applies decorative textures in finishing coats and protective coverings of plaster adhering to general workplace health, safety and building construction standards. A qualified learner will be able to: • Plan and prepare for plastering. • Mix plastering materials and test concrete screed. • Carry out plastering and concrete screeding on surfaces. • Maintain and restore damaged or cracked plaster on existing building or surfaces.

As per Government Gazette 35625, published on 31 August 2012, the Minister of Higher Education and Training issued a listing of occupations as trades for which artisan qualifications are required, Plastering was identified as a trade occupation in terms of Section 26B of the Skills Development Act 1998 (Act No. 97 of 1998), and is regarded as one of the core trade skills that is highly in demand in the construction and built environment as it forms part of the pivotal list of trade skills identified by the industry. The built environment sub-sector encompasses almost all facets of society's everyday lives. This sub-sector accounts for a considerable percentage to the country Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and adds value to all South Africans socially and economically as it contributes to building homes, commercial buildings in complexes and civil infrastructure construction. The qualification is aimed at individuals who wish to join the plastering trade and those who are already practicing the trade but lack a formal qualification to be recognised as Plasterers nationally. The qualification will equip learners with requisite trade skills in plastering both interior and exterior walls, columns, beams, ceilings and other structures as well as repair damaged walls and create decorative textures in finishing coats. Qualifying learners will have the competitive edge in terms of professionalism, productivity, quality, efficiency and cost-effectiveness in rendering plastering services and/or products. Currently there are no similar qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). At the time of development, there was no licensing from professional body or membership required after completing this qualification. The qualification will also provide qualifying learners with opportunities to progress onto a range of other construction-related qualifications relevant to their trade interest area while others go directly into employment at client's home, businesses, employed by construction companies or become self-employed which by extension benefits the society.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): • Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification. • Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be credited for modules through RPL. RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result. Entry Requirements: An NQF Level 3 qualification with Mathematics and Physical Sciences.

• Interpret drawings and specifications, plan and prepare for plastering on surfaces and screeding.
• Perform concrete mix design and carry out plastering on surfaces and screeding on floors.
• Assess and restore cracked or damaged surfaces.