Lesson 1Tapes, beads, and reinforcement: paper tape vs fibreglass mesh, metal and vinyl corner beads, flexible trim for revealsCovers tapes, beads, and reinforcement products that protect joints and corners. Learners compare paper and fibreglass mesh tape, select metal or vinyl beads, and use flexible trims to form clean reveals and durable, crack-resistant edges.
Paper tape vs fibreglass mesh performanceInside and outside corner bead selectionMetal vs vinyl beads and corrosion issuesFlexible trims for reveals and archesFastening and embedding corner beadsLesson 2Large tools and equipment list: plasterboard lifts, screw guns, screw setters, taping knives (6", 10", 12", 14"), hawk and trowel, mud pan, mixing drill and paddle, pole sanderDetails large tools that improve productivity and quality in plasterboard work. Learners will identify correct use of lifts, screw guns, taping knives, hawks, pans, mixers, and pole sanders, and learn setup, adjustment, and safe handling procedures.
Plasterboard lifts setup and safe operationScrew guns, collated drivers, and settersTaping knife sizes and proper techniquesUsing hawk, mud pan, and trowel efficientlyMixing drill, paddle, and pole sander useLesson 3Personal protective equipment and site safety gear: NIOSH-rated respirators for dust, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, hard hat, knee padsOutlines personal protective equipment and site safety gear for plasterboard tasks. Learners will choose NIOSH-rated respirators, eye and hearing protection, gloves, hard hats, and knee pads, and organise safe access and housekeeping.
NIOSH-rated respirators and filter choicesEye and face protection for dust and chipsHearing protection for power toolsGloves, hard hats, and safety footwearKnee pads and ergonomic work practicesLesson 4Joint compounds and additives: setting-type compounds (hot mud), ready-mix all-purpose and topping compounds, primers and bond coat optionsExplores joint compounds and additives for taping, filling, and finishing. Learners compare setting-type and ready-mix products, select all-purpose or topping mud, and use primers and bonding coats to improve adhesion and durability.
Setting-type compounds and working timesReady-mix all-purpose vs topping mudLightweight vs conventional compound useAdditives for workability and shrinkagePrimers and bond coats over tricky surfacesLesson 5Fasteners, adhesives, and backing: plasterboard screws (coarse/fine thread), plasterboard nails, construction adhesive, backing clips for ceiling jointsExamines fasteners, adhesives, and backing systems that secure plasterboard. Learners compare screw threads, nails, and construction adhesives, and use backing clips and blocking to support joints, corners, and ceiling transitions.
Coarse vs fine thread plasterboard screwsPlasterboard nails and when to avoid themConstruction adhesive use and spacingBacking clips for unsupported jointsBlocking for fixtures and heavy loadsLesson 6Consumables and sundries: screws, washers, caulk, mesh patches for repair, masking tape, drop clothsReviews consumables and sundries that support plasterboard installation and repair. Learners will select screws, washers, caulk, mesh patches, masking tape, and drop cloths, and plan quantities to reduce waste and maintain jobsite efficiency.
Plasterboard screws, washers, and spacingCaulk types for gaps and movement jointsMesh patches for small hole repairsMasking tape and surface protectionDrop cloths and dust-containment optionsLesson 7Accessory tools and clean-up equipment: utility knives, T-squares, chalk line, laser level or plumb bob, ladders and scaffolding, HEPA vacuum and negative air machine (if available)Describes accessory tools and cleanup equipment that improve accuracy and safety. Learners will use knives, layout tools, ladders, scaffolds, HEPA vacuums, and negative air machines to maintain clean, precise, and compliant work areas.
Utility knives, blades, and safe handlingT-squares, chalk lines, and layout checksLaser levels and plumb bobs for alignmentLadder and scaffold setup and inspectionHEPA vacuums and negative air machinesLesson 8Finishing materials: sanding screens, joint compound mixing tools, surface primers (PVA and plasterboard primer) and block fillersFocuses on finishing materials that prepare surfaces for paint or texture. Learners will select sanding abrasives, use mixing tools correctly, and choose appropriate PVA primers, plasterboard primers, and block fillers for different substrates.
Sanding screens vs sandpaper selectionHand and pole sanding techniquesJoint compound mixing tools and carePVA and plasterboard primer applicationsBlock fillers for porous or damaged wallsLesson 9Plasterboard board types and sizes: gypsum regular, moisture-resistant (green/blue board), fire-rated (Type X), typical thicknesses (1/2", 5/8") and recommended choices for walls and ceilingsExplains common plasterboard board types, core properties, and standard sizes. Learners will match regular, moisture-resistant, and fire-rated boards to locations, and choose suitable thicknesses for walls, ceilings, and special design or code needs.
Regular gypsum board properties and usesMoisture-resistant boards for wet areasFire-rated Type X and code requirementsStandard thicknesses and edge profilesBoard selection for walls vs ceilings
