Education · 1 of 4

The path

One of the shorter apprenticeships in construction. Mostly on the job.

  1. 1

    High school diploma

    Grade 12

    Grade 12 with math and a shop class. Some provinces let you start through a high school apprenticeship program.

  2. 2

    Find a sponsor

    Weeks to months

    A drywall and plaster contractor, a stucco company or a union hiring hall. Starting as a taper's helper is the usual way in.

  3. 3

    Register the apprenticeship

    Days

    The trade is called Drywall Finisher and Plasterer in Ontario, BC and the Atlantic provinces, and Plasterer in Quebec.

  4. 4

    Work and study

    About 3 years

    About 5,400 hours in Ontario: roughly 4,920 on the job plus one in-school level of 480 hours.

  5. 5

    Certificate of Qualification and Red Seal

    After your hours

    Pass the provincial exam. Add the Red Seal endorsement to work anywhere in Canada.