Drywall Finisher and Plasterer – National Occupational Analysis (NOA)

Table of Contents

• Occupational Analyses Series
• Products
• General Information
• Scope
• Occupational Observations
• Acknowledgements

The Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) recognizes this National Occupational Analysis (NOA) as the national standard for the occupation of Drywall Finisher and Plasterer.

General Information

• NOA History
• Structure of Analysis
• Development and Validation of Analysis
• Safety

Scope

“Drywall Finisher and Plasterer” is this trade’s official Red Seal occupational title approved by the CCDA. This analysis covers tasks performed by drywall finishers and plasterers whose occupational title has been identified by some provinces and territories of Canada under the following names:

Drywall finishers and plasterers surface, tape and finish wallboard (drywall). They apply, maintain and restore plaster and similar materials on interior and exterior walls, ceilings and building partitions to make them more decorative, soundproof and fire-rated. Drywall finishers and plasterers inspect and prepare the surface. They apply tape to fire rate and gas proof walls and prevent drafts. They install beads to protect corners, fill joints and imperfections, mix and apply compound, and sand to create a smooth surface. They texture concrete and prepared walls and ceilings. Drywall finishers and plasterers apply coats of plaster to foundation materials such as concrete and wire mesh. They install, repair and restore mouldings and ornaments.

Drywall finishers and plasterers work in the construction industry, largely in the institutional, commercial and residential sectors and less so in the industrial sector. They may be employed by plastering, drywalling and lathing contractors, or be self-employed.

Drywall finishers and plasterers use a wide variety of hand, power, and layout and measuring tools. They mix compounds and fast-setting materials using electrical mixers. They may apply tape using automatic taping tools or hand tools such as hawks, trowels and taping knives. Drywall finishers and plasterers texture walls and ceilings using power compressors. Measuring tools including lasers, chalk lines and levels are used to lay out the location of mouldings and ornaments on walls and ceilings. Access equipment such as scaffolding, ladders and scissor lifts are used for hard to reach areas.

Drywall finishers and plasterers may practice the full scope of the trade or specialize. Many work indoors on new construction sites while others work on older buildings doing repairs or renovations. They often work at heights, in noisy and dusty conditions, and alongside other trades.

Key attributes for people entering this trade include physical endurance, flexibility and strength as the work requires a lot of standing, bending and lifting. Manual dexterity and good eye-hand coordination are necessary as are good vision and spatial perception. The ability to estimate and calculate size and dimensions is important and an artistic aptitude is helpful in restorative work. Attention to detail, problem solving and job planning skills are also important attributes.

This analysis recognizes similarities or overlaps with the work of bricklayers, painters and decorators, lathers (interior systems mechanics), concrete finishers and carpenters.

Experienced drywall finishers and plasterers may advance to supervisory positions or other related areas such as construction management, instruction and inspection.

Occupational Observations

New styles of trim and corner bead, such as  water activating bead and trim systems which use less filler material and are faster to install are now available. Peel and stick patches are being used to repair wallboard. Self-adhesive fire retardant tape, and dust control and mold resistant compounds have been introduced into the market. Self-primer products in texturing are being used in some jurisdictions. Manufacturers are developing improved styles of paddles to reduce the amount of air that is incorporated when mixing materials. More and more, public institutions require a level 5 finish.

Safety standards and enforcement of safety measures on the jobsite has become stricter. Employers are more accountable for the health, safety and training of employees. Employees are more aware of company safety policies and practices.

Employers and employees are being more environmentally responsible. Many jobs are now Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) projects. There is an increased use of environmentally friendly products.

Acknowledgements

The CCDA and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) wish to express sincere appreciation for the contribution of the many tradespersons, industrial establishments, professional associations, labour organizations, provincial and territorial government departments and agencies, and all others who contributed to this publication.

Special acknowledgement is extended by ESDC and the CCDA to the following representatives from the trade.

• Doug Bath – Newfoundland and Labrador
• Léo Dufour – Manitoba
• Yves Lajoie – New Brunswick
• David MacQueen – Nova Scotia
• Martin Maragno – Ontario
• Angelbert Plourde – New Brunswick
• Raymond Schaller – Nova Scotia
• Sharon Smith – Ontario
• Nelson Stroud – Newfoundland and Labrador

This analysis was prepared by the Labour Market Integration Directorate of ESDC. The coordinating, facilitating and processing of this analysis were undertaken by employees of the NOA development team of the Trades and Apprenticeship Division. The host jurisdiction of Ontario also participated in the development of this NOA.

Comments or questions about National Occupational Analyses may be forwarded to:

Trades and Apprenticeship Division
Labour Market Integration Directorate
Employment and Social Development Canada
140 Promenade du Portage, Phase IV, 6^th Floor
Gatineau, Quebec  K1A 0J9
Email: REDSEAL-SCEAUROUGE@HRSDC-RHDCC.GC.CA