What is needed to start a solid plastering course in Australia?
Starting a plastering course in Australia requires minimal prerequisites and offers excellent career prospects with average salaries of $74,000-$86,500 annually and strong job security due to persistent skills shortages.
Prerequisites and Entry Requirements
To enroll in a Certificate III in Solid Plastering (CPC31020), you need:
- Minimum education: Australian Year 10 completion (or overseas equivalent)
- Age requirement: Typically 15-18 years depending on provider
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.0 overall (no band less than 5.5) for international students
- Language, Literacy and Numeracy assessment: Required by most training providers
- No previous experience required – the course welcomes complete beginners
- Physical fitness: Ability to work at heights and perform manual labor
Course Structure and Duration
The primary qualification is Certificate III in Solid Plastering, comprising:
- Duration: 24 months full-time or 3-4 years as an apprenticeship
- Structure: 20 units (15 core + 5 electives)
- Class time: 15-20 hours per week with hands-on workshop training
- Work placement: 360 hours mandatory vocational placement
- Core skills: Surface preparation, applying render and texture finishes, safety procedures, plan reading
Costs and Funding
Course fees vary significantly:
- TAFE institutes: $400-$1,200 per year (subsidised for eligible domestic students)
- International students: Approximately $8,000 per year
- Private providers: $8,000-$15,000 per year
- Apprenticeships: Employer-funded with government support
Additional costs include:
- Essential tools: $500-$800 starter kit (trowels, floats, hawk, safety equipment)
- Full tool setup: $2,000-$4,000 total
- White Card certification: $150-$200
- Personal protective equipment: $400-$700
Government funding is available through JobTrainer Fund, Construction Skills Queensland (fully subsidised in QLD), and VET Student Loans.
Licensing Requirements by State
Licensing varies significantly across Australia:
- Queensland: Lowest threshold at $3,300 (most restrictive)
- NSW & Victoria: $5,000 threshold
- Western Australia: Highest threshold at $20,000
- All states require: White Card (Construction Induction), public liability insurance ($5-20 million), and National Police Certificate
Finding Training Providers
Use official resources:
- training.gov.au: National register of accredited providers
- pathwaytoaus.com: Comprehensive course information
- Major TAFE institutes: TAFE NSW, TAFE Queensland, North Metropolitan TAFE (WA)
Verify providers have:
- Current RTO registration with ASQA
- Scope for CPC31020 Certificate III in Solid Plastering
- Modern facilities and qualified trainers
- Strong industry connections
Tools and Equipment Needed
Essential starter kit ($500-$800):
- 14″ stainless steel plastering trowel ($80-$150)
- Bucket trowel and hawk/hand board
- Multiple floats and joint knives
- Measuring tools and corner tools
- Safety equipment (boots, hi-vis clothing, hard hat)
Career Prospects
Excellent employment outlook:
- Current employment: 29,600 plasterers nationally
- Skills shortage: Listed on Strategic Skills Lists
- Vacancy fill rate: Only 22% (high demand indicator)
- Salary range: Entry $63,375-$70,000, experienced up to $105,401
- Career progression: Specialization, supervision, self-employment, project management
State-Specific Opportunities
- Queensland: Fully subsidised training, 19,000 new construction jobs expected
- NSW: Highest demand in Sydney metropolitan areas
- WA: Low-fee training ($400-$1,200 caps), mining industry opportunities
- Victoria: Strong residential construction market
Migration Pathways
International students can pursue permanent residence through:
- Skilled Independent Visa (189): Points-based system
- State nomination programs (190/491)
- Job Ready Program: 2-year pathway including work experience
- Requirements: Skills assessment through TRA, IELTS 6.0, age under 45
Next Steps
Reach out to our Education agents and we will help you find the right course for you.
Australia’s construction boom and persistent skills shortages make plastering an excellent career choice, offering job security, competitive wages, and multiple progression pathways in a growing industry.
