If you think of trades as a family, plastering would have to be the black sheep. It’s the forgotten child, the one that no-one really likes to talk about, the outsider.

But Kim Allen will have none of it.

“Most plasterers don’t actually choose to enter the industry,” Ms Allen said, “They fall into the role.

“In school they’re introduced to carpenters, plumbers, electricians, but never a plasterer.

“So, out of school they go looking for those roles, and when they don’t succeed, they’ll have someone in their network say go try plastering.

“So off they go to site and give it a go. But what they do is they fall into a job, not a career they actually wanted.

“We have a lot of plasterers that just want to earn their money and go home – there’s no passion.”

That’s something Allen wants to change, starting with her own business CRA Construction which she founded with her husband, Chris, which employs about a dozen plasterers.

She’s trying to create a career path for plasterers who already get similar pay and conditions to carpenters, but none of the recognition within the industry.

“We’re trying to ignite that passion and make them determined to appreciate what they’re entering into, and appreciate the opportunity that’s been given.”

“It’s not just a job, it’s a very rewarding career if they choose to go down that avenue.”

Allen is determined to make a difference beyond her own business, she is taking her message to schools around Queensland.

She is bringing plastering to kids in kindergarten, all the way up to senior students who are making their career choices.

“We’ll talk about what’s an apprenticeship, what to expect, where do you see yourself in five, ten years’ time, and what the different elements of the trade are.

“And then we get the kids hands dirty, they start setting, they screw in sheets, they build a metal frame.

“I call them my artists. If you’re really good at art in school, really enjoy art outside of school, then setting is an art.

“You really have to be a perfectionist in looking at the smooth, fine lines and appreciating how to apply it with what pressure and what strokes.

“Plastering has so many different facets, and there’s so many different avenues that someone can pursue if they’re wanting to challenge themselves.”

And it seems to be working.

“If I go to a school expo and there’s 20 other stall holders, I will get 95 per cent of the kids come and try plastering with me. It’s a draw card. We’re giving them hands on learning. We’re not just giving them a brochure and then a chat. We get them to test fill and give it a crack.

“We have a lot of them come and do work experience with us or just inquire about plastering.”

So, with more kids trying and out and hopefully entering the industry, what is the secret to being a good plasterer?

“They need to be passionate about what they’re doing, want to grow, and have a good mindset. They’re happy to be at the job every single day, wanting to come to work instead of it being just a job, they’re not there just to earn a few bucks and go home. They’re happy. Enjoying it makes a huge difference.”

And maybe, just maybe, they may want to share the limelight with the other trades in that family photo.

Author: Richard O'Leary

Experienced writer, commentator and political advisor, Richard held a raft of journalism and editorial roles before taking executive communication roles for multiple Premiers, Chief Ministers and even NBN Co. He grew up in his father’s construction business and joins The Good Builder as its founding Editor.