Plasterers Local No. 3

Plasterers have a rich tradition in St. Louis construction that spans more than 120 years. They contribute a great deal to the architectural significance of a building. They perform work on both the interior and exterior of buildings using exterior insulation and finish systems, stucco, gypsum plaster, ornamental plaster and fireproofing. Much of the work is performed with a hawk and trowel, which requires a certain level of manual dexterity and attention to detail. New plasterers work 90 days as trainees, followed by a three-year, on-the-job apprenticeship. Apprentices must attend class one Saturday per month. Classes cover information relevant to the trade, including math and blueprint reading.