73102

Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers

TEER 3 — College diploma, shorter apprenticeship or 6+ months training

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Trades, transport & equipment operators

7 › 73 › 731 › 7310

Definition

Plasterers apply finish, and maintain and restore plaster or similar materials, on interior and exterior walls, ceilings and building partitions to produce plain or decorative surfaces. Drywall installers and finishers install and finish drywall sheets and various types of ceiling systems. Lathers install support framework for ceiling systems, interior and exterior walls and building partitions. They are employed by construction companies and by plastering, drywalling and lathing contractors, or they may be self-employed. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Plasterers
Clean and prepare surfaces
Mix plaster ingredients in trough to desired consistency
Apply, level and smooth coats of plaster using trowels, floats, brushes and spraying equipment
Trowel or spray coats of stucco over exteriors of buildings to form weatherproof surfaces
Finish corners and angles and create decorative designs in finish coat, if required
Cure freshly plastered surfaces
Mould and install ornamental plaster panels, cornices and trim
Spray acoustic materials or texture finish over walls and ceilings.
Drywall installers and finishers
Measure, cut and fit drywall sheets for installation on walls and ceilings
Position and secure sheets to metal or wooden studs or joists
Cut and install metal corner beads to protect exterior corners
Fill joints, nail indentations, holes and cracks with joint compound using trowel and broad knife
Tape over joints using taping machine and embed tape in compound
Smooth out excess compound and allow coat to dry
Apply successive coats of compound and sand seams and joints
Fabricate and install suspended metal ceiling grids and place in panels to form acoustical and coffered ceilings.
Lathers
Prepare wall and ceiling layouts
Install metal stud framing and furring for interior drywall or plaster walls and ceilings, using hand and power tools
Attach metal or gypsum lath to studs or furring using nails, screws, clips or wire ties
Cut openings in lath for heating and ventilation piping, ducts and electrical outlets
Install corner beads and wire mesh around beams to which plaster is to be applied
May install acoustic tile, hangers for suspended ceilings and metal studs for composition wallboard or lath.

Example job titles

•acoustical ceiling installer
•ceiling installer
•drywall applicator
•drywall finisher
•drywall installer and finisher apprentice
•drywall taper
•lather
•lather (interior systems mechanic)

Overview

National Occupational Classification (NOC) code 73102 encompasses plasterers, drywall installers and finishers, and lathers. These skilled tradespersons apply plaster, install drywall, and erect lathing systems in residential, commercial, and industrial structures. Under the NOC 2021 system, this occupation is classified under TEER 3, making experienced candidates eligible for key Canadian economic immigration pathways, including the Express Entry system.

To qualify for immigration under NOC 73102, applicants must meet specific employment standards. Typically, a secondary school diploma and either a three- to four-year apprenticeship or over three years of work experience in the trade are required. Trade certification is compulsory in Quebec and voluntary in other provinces and territories. Eligible candidates can pursue Canadian permanent residency through the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) targeting skilled construction workers.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For official immigration guidance, consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a regulated Canadian immigration consultant.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.