Foundation in Plastering

If you’re interested in a hands-on career in the construction industry and want to specialise in plastering, this Level 1 course is the perfect starting point. It’s designed for school leavers or those looking to gain their first formal qualification in the trade.

This programme will help you develop the practical and theoretical skills required to enter the plastering trade, giving you the opportunity to progress to higher levels of study or an apprenticeship.

What sets this course apart is its focus on:

• Realistic, hands-on training in industry-standard workshops
• Work placements that provide valuable on-site experience
• Enrichment activities to build your confidence and employability

Maths and English

In order to support your main programme of study, future progression, and life skills, you will also continue to develop your skills in Maths and English.
This may involve working towards a Grade 4 or above at GCSE, or completing Functional Skills qualifications, depending on your current level.

This course is ideal for learners who are:

• Practical and motivated
• Hardworking and reliable
• Keen to build a career in the construction industry

To join this course, you will need to meet the following entry criteria:

Academic Requirements

• A minimum of GCSE Grade 2 (or equivalent) in Mathematics
• A minimum of GCSE Grade 2 (or equivalent) in English

Interview and Selection

• You will be required to attend an interview with a member of the Construction team.
• This may include a short aptitude activity to assess your suitability for the course.

Desirable Attributes

• We are looking for applicants who are:
• Hardworking and committed to learning
• Punctual and reliable
• Willing to work as part of a team
• Motivated to develop practical skills and progress in the construction industry

Additional Considerations

• Previous work experience in a construction-related environment is beneficial but not essential.
• A genuine interest in the construction sector and a positive attitude towards learning are key to success on this course.

This course will introduce you to the essential skills and knowledge required for a career in plastering. You’ll develop both practical abilities and theoretical understanding through a range of structured units.

Safe Working Practices
Learn how to work safely on-site, understanding health and safety regulations and your responsibilities in a construction environment.

Communication Skills
Develop effective communication techniques for working with colleagues, supervisors, and clients in a professional setting.

Basic Plastering Skills and Techniques
Gain hands-on experience in applying plaster to walls and ceilings, preparing surfaces, and using tools correctly.

Principles of Construction
Understand how buildings are constructed, including materials, structural elements, and sustainability considerations.

Maths and English

You will continue to study Maths and English as part of your programme.
This may involve working towards achieving a Grade 4 or higher at GCSE, or completing Functional Skills qualifications, depending on your current level.

Work Experience

You will be expected to complete a minimum number of work experience hours, giving you valuable insight into real-world construction environments.

Essential Employability Skills

These sessions are designed to help you develop the skills needed to succeed in the workplace — not just as an employee, but also as a potential self-employed professional.

Tutorial Support

You will meet regularly with your tutor to cover topics that support your personal and professional development.
You’ll also benefit from 1-to-1 sessions to help you achieve your full potential.

You will learn through a combination of the following methods:

• On-site learning: Most of your learning will take place at college, giving you access to industry-standard facilities and equipment.
• Classroom sessions: These will cover the theory and knowledge needed for your qualification.
• Practical workshops: Hands-on training in our fully equipped workshops will help you develop your trade skills.
• Online learning: There may be some online tasks or assignments, but these will be kept to a minimum.

We aim to deliver all programmes as advertised. However, we reserve the right to cancel or amend courses that do not recruit sufficient numbers to remain viable.

To take part in this course, you will need to provide the following items:

• Basic stationery – including pens, pencils, ruler, and a notebook
• Padlock – to secure your personal locker
• Safety footwear – steel-toe capped boots are essential for workshop activities
• Separate footwear – to be worn when not in workshop areas

Once enrolled, you will also be required to purchase a Derby College Group sweatshirt and polo shirt, which form part of your course uniform.

You will be assessed through a combination of practical and written methods. These may include:

• Unit-based assessments: Observation of practical work and judgement against minimum standards.
• Written projects and exam questions: These assess your understanding of theoretical knowledge.
• Real trade projects: You may be required to complete real or simulated trade tasks, which will also be assessed.

Level 1 Qualification

• Assessment is primarily through practical observation and written tasks.
• You may also complete real-world projects as part of your assessment.

Progression to Level 2

• You will receive further training and be assessed on both:
  • Skills (practical ability)
  • Knowledge (theoretical understanding)
• You must pass both assessments to progress to Level 2.

Maths and English

• Functional Skills: Assessed through controlled assessments and mock exams.
• GCSE: Assessed through a final exam.

Assessment Format

• Where applicable, exams may be online or multiple choice. Please check with your tutor for specific formats.

Further Study

Upon successful completion of the Level 1 qualification, and provided you meet the progression criteria (including passing both skills and knowledge assessments), you will be eligible to progress to a Level 2 course in the same trade at Derby College.

If you secure an employer, you may also have the opportunity to progress onto a Level 2 Apprenticeship in your chosen trade.

Maths and English

You will continue to develop your skills in Maths and English as part of your study programme.
Depending on your grades, you may be required to continue working towards a Functional Skills qualification or GCSE in Maths and/or English.

Higher Education Opportunities

In the longer term, and depending on your chosen pathway, you could progress to Level 3 qualifications and eventually to Higher Education. Degree options may include subjects such as:

• Construction Management
• Civil Engineering
• Architecture
• Quantity Surveying
• Building Services Engineering

Career Opportunities

This course can lead to a range of entry-level roles in the construction and built environment sector, such as:

• Site Labourer
• Trainee trades person
• Apprentice trades person
• Property Maintenance Operative
• Groundworker

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk