Plastering & Tiling

Plastering and tiling are essential trades in the construction industry, requiring precision and attention to detail. If you decide to study Plastering or Tiling at South Eastern Regional College, you’ll develop the skills and knowledge required to work in construction, renovation, and self-employment.

The plastering programme provides hands-on training in preparing surfaces, mixing and applying plaster, trowel techniques, and fixing plasterboards. Students learn skimming, decorative plastering (coving, cornices), external rendering, restoring old plasterwork, and laying sand and cement floor screeds. Safety practices, tool handling, and working at heights are also covered.

The tiling programme teaches surface preparation (plaster, wood, concrete), tile cutting, adhesive and grout application, and achieving a professional finish. Students work with various tile materials (ceramic, porcelain, natural stone), create decorative patterns (mosaics, borders), and tackle wet area tiling (showers). Problem-solving for uneven spaces, safe handling of tools, and minimising waste are also key components.

Successful student find opportunities in construction companies, residential and commercial projects, or self-employment. Plastering and tiling offer good earnings, job versatility, and the ability to create aesthetically pleasing, durable surfaces. These practical skills ensure a rewarding career in an industry where quality craftsmanship is always in demand.

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Why study Plastering & Tiling at SERC

Build practical skills for the construction industry with hands-on training in plastering, dry lining and tiling. You’ll learn surface preparation, safe tool use and professional finishing techniques — preparing you for employment, apprenticeships or further study in the built environment.

Surface Preparation

Learn how to prepare walls and ceilings correctly — including cleaning, bonding, levelling and setting out.

Plastering Techniques

Develop skills in mixing, applying and finishing plaster, including skimming and patch repairs for a smooth finish.

Dry Lining & Boarding

Learn to fix plasterboard, tape and joint, and build clean internal finishes ready for decoration.

Wall & Floor Tiling

Practise cutting, fixing and grouting tiles to a professional standard, including wet-area and decorative layouts.

Progression & Careers

Prepare for roles such as Plasterer, Dry Liner or Wall & Floor Tiler — with routes into apprenticeships and further construction study.

Available Courses

Explore our diverse range of courses designed to ignite your passion and enhance your skills, offering a dynamic learning experience tailored to your interests and goals.

Part Time

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Higher Education

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What our students say

Hear from recent students about their experience at SERC — teaching, support, and progression opportunities.

Photo of Philip Robinson.

Philip Robinson

Plastering - Apprenticeship NI (Level 2)
“I wanted to come to SERC because it has a good reputation for training and supporting apprentices. The course work is portfolio based which means that you don’t have the pressure of exams which better suits my learning style.”

Important Dates

Key milestones to help you plan your next steps.

Anytime

Apply Online

5 Mar

Full-Time Open Evening

4 Jun

Full-Time & Part-Time Open Evening

1 Sept

Term Starts