The South East Regional Skills Forum (SERSF) has launched its report ‘The Plastering Trade in Ireland – Demand, Supply and Future Skill Needs 2026-2030’.
The report provides some actionable steps to improve the uptake of plastering apprenticeships in the southeast and further afield. Its recommendations include the need for increased promotion of plastering apprenticeships among second level students, the shortening of the duration of apprenticeship training, and the expansion of training locations for plastering apprentices countrywide. Additionally, the report’s recommendations emphasise the potential benefits of developing a one-year, introductory course for those interested in pursuing the trade, as well as the offer of the Gyproc Ireland ‘Try a Trade’ plastering programme to transition year students at second level.
Paul Cremmins, Chair of SERSF, welcomed the publication of the report which provides a comprehensive analysis of the plastering trade in Ireland. He said “We now have detailed facts about the trade, the trends with apprenticeships and the demand from the construction sector. There is no excuse for inaction, we need to promote and expand plastering training in Ireland so that we have the skills to meet demand, including the growing demand for housing.”
Edmond Connolly, Manager of SERSF, outlined some of the findings in the report which included surveys of plastering contractors, builders, and plastering apprentices. He said “The study clearly identifies an ongoing and growing demand for skilled plasterers. There is a bright future for craft people who pursue plastering as a trade.”
“While there have been many changes in how the plastering trade is carried out, such as increased mechanisation, improved materials, and modern systems of construction, the construction sector sees an ongoing and growing demand for qualified plasterers who are well paid,” he added.
Colin Cummins, Director of Further Education and Training (FET) at Tipperary Education and Training Board (ETB), emphasised the commitment of the FET sector to these important trades. He said, “Plastering is a craft which is highly skilled and needs to be promoted as a craft. Young people need to realise that it is a specialised trade that continues to be in strong demand. The ETBs are keen to increase the numbers of apprentices and learners for courses in the ‘wet’ trades.”
Sean Downey, Director of Education, Training and Safety at the Construction Industry Federation, welcomed the report and its recommendations. He said, “The recommendations outlined in this report fall into two categories. Firstly, the importance of the promotion and growth of the craft apprenticeship pathway, and secondly, the need for a shorter plastering introduction course for school leavers and new entrants who would gain the basic skills to commence in the sector and have the option to progress to the full apprenticeship. Ireland’s construction sector needs a significant increase in the pipeline of talent in the craft of plastering.”
