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 Language

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 Level 1 Plastering programme is designed as the first year of a two-year study programme, preparing you to progress onto the Level 2 Plastering qualification. While you will achieve a recognised Level 1 qualification, this forms only one part of your overall study programme. The course is designed to develop the fundamental practical skills, technical knowledge, behaviours, and industry awareness needed to successfully progress to Level 2 and begin your journey towards becoming a qualified plasterer. Through practical workshop activities, theoretical learning, digital skills development, and work-related experiences, you will develop the foundations required for a career within the construction industry.

Core Construction Subjects

• Safe Working Practices
• Communication Skills
• Principles of Construction

Trade-Specific Subjects

• Basic Plastering Skills and Techniques
• Surface Preparation
• Application of Plaster Finishes

Maths and English (GCSE) 

You will continue to study Maths and English GCSE qualifications as part of your study programme where required. These subjects are taught in a way that supports your vocational learning and help you develop the numeracy, communication, problem-solving and written skills required within the construction industry. Topics may include measuring, calculating quantities and costs, interpreting information, and communicating effectively in the workplace.

Construction Digital Skills 

As part of your programme, you will develop the digital skills increasingly used throughout the construction industry. This may include:

• Using Microsoft Teams, Word and PowerPoint for communication and coursework
• Researching construction materials, tools and methods using digital resources
• Reading and interpreting digital drawings and plans
• Developing an awareness of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and digital construction technologies
• Using digital measuring equipment and construction-related software
• Producing digital documents such as quotes, job records and portfolio evidence

These skills will help prepare you for further study, apprenticeships and employment within the modern construction sector.

Additional Programme Elements

• Work Experience
• Employability Skills
• Tutorials and Personal Development
• Enrichment Activities and Industry Visits

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 (pens, pencils, ruler, etc.)
• Notebook for taking class notes
• Padlock for securing your locker
• Safety footwear (steel toe-capped boots)
• Work trousers
• Safety glasses
• Separate footwear – to be worn when not in workshop areas.
• Shoe covers– to be worn when not in workshop areas for short periods of time.

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

Please note: Some costs may be subsidised by the College depending on your circumstances. Speak to your tutor or Student Services for more information.

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.

Digital Skills

• You will work through online modules which will be followed by a multiple choice assessment.

Assessment Format

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

Maths and English

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

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