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Lathers install metal lath (strips of expanded metal wire mesh) or gypsum lath for support backing on ceilings or walls on which plaster, stucco, concrete materials, fireproofing, or acoustical materials are to be applied.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION  

Lathers may:

Erect a light metal framework (furring) to which laths are fastened

Drill holes in the floor and ceiling and drive the ends of wood or metal studs into the holes to provide anchor for furring or rockboard lath

Wire horizontal strips to furring to stiffen the framework

Cut lath to fit openings and projections

Wire, nail, clip, or staple lath to framework, ceiling joists, and flat concrete surfaces

Bend metal lath to fit corners or attach performed corner reinforcements

Wire plasterers' channels to overhead structural framework to provide support for plaster or acoustical ceiling tile

Watch a brief Drywall and Ceiling Installer video: Click here .

The tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES  

842.361-010  LATHERS install wooden lath, metal lath (strips of expanded metal wire mesh), or gypsum lath for support backing on ceilings or walls on which plaster, stucco, concrete materials, fireproofing, or acoustical materials are to be applied.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Script:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Lathers may be supervised by lather supervisors or independent lathing contractors. They work mostly indoors, although they may also work outside on scaffolding. Their work may be performed inside unheated buildings that are under construction or being repaired. They spend much of their time on scaffolding and frequently work in cramped quarters. Lathers may be injured by falling or by handling tools or materials.

They usually work 40 hours per week. Sometimes they must work overtime to complete projects by a deadline. Their work load is directly related to economic conditions and construction activity. They often travel to different construction sites.

Lathers may be required to purchase some of their own tools.

Some Lathers belong to unions such as the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.  Union members must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities dealing with things and objects

• Activities involving processes, machines, or techniques

You Should Be Able To:

• Attain set limits or standards

• See differences in shapes/widths/lengths of lines to cut laths to fit

• Make decisions based on measurable information  

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If a room is 10 feet by 10 feet with a ceiling height of 8 feet, how many square feet of lath will it take to reinforce the walls?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

A consumer is anyone who buys goods or services for personal use. At one time or another, everyone is a consumer.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report to your supervisor explaining any problems that you may have had on the job.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decide the best way to reinforce any wall or ceiling that may need it.

Applicants for Lather apprenticeships must be at least 16 years old, take an aptitude test to determine mechanical ability and manual dexterity, and meet normal employment standards.  

The State of Michigan requires a license for this occupation.  Click here  for "Michigan Licensed Occupations," see Residential Maintenance and Alteration License for specific licensing information (Unless a Lather is working under a licensed contractor there are situations where he/she must also be licensed.)

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer; a High School diploma or equivalent or an Apprenticeship (Usually Three to Four years of training beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script.

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0500 BUILDING TRADES,  0700 CAREERS, 0900 COMMUNICATIONS, 2200 MATH, 2300 METALS, 2900 SCIENCE, 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING, 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***  

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.

  Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

Although this occupation has apprenticeship programs available in Michigan, they are limited in number. See the Sources of More Information below for name, address and phone number of the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.

***MILITARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.

  E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

You may gain experience in this field through part-time work as a helper to a skilled Lather. Summer work may also be available at a construction site. Formal apprenticeships are available, but limited in number in Michigan.  

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Lather employer

internships  

volunteer work with a Lather employer

community service work with an agency

Methods of finding employment as a Lather include completing an apprenticeship and applying directly to employers.  Assistance in locating a job may be obtained from a local union, a Michigan Works! Local office, or trade publications and newspaper want ads. Individuals might enter this occupation through apprenticeship training. Contact the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training representative in your area for more information. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Jobs.com Michigan Careers, Colleges, Jobs & Training Michigan Talent Bank simplyhired.com Indeed | one search. all jobs. MONSTER.COM Net-Temps   valleyjobs.com USAJOBS - United States Office of Personnel Management

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT  

Lathers' earnings depend on general economic conditions, the current level of activity in the construction industry, union affiliation, and whether or not they are self-employed.

Nationally, basic hourly wage rates for residential construction Lathers averaged about $22.64 in early 2006 and $32.59 for commercial construction. Median weekly earnings of Lathers were $511 or about $12.78 per hour in 2005.  The median hourly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $16.28 in 2005.

  Hourly union wage rates including fringe benefits for construction Lathers in several areas of Michigan were (2006):

Apprentices generally start at 60%-65% of the journey worker rate and receive periodic increases while in training.

Depending on the employer, most Lathers receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, health, and disability insurance; and retirement plans. In some cases, employees and employers may jointly contribute to a union trust fund used to pay for fringe benefits. Self-employed Lathers must pay the full cost of their fringe benefits.

A possible career ladder might include: helper/apprentice, Lather, and supervisor or independent contractor. Advancement from Lather to supervisor or contractor may depend upon experience and/or additional training.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK  

The total number of Lathers in the United States at this time is unknown. While some openings for Lathers are expected because of growth, most openings will become available as experienced Lathers retire or leave the job. Because the total employment of Lathers is small, relatively few annual openings will occur.

Since dry-wall materials are increasingly used instead of lath and plaster, a lower level of employment growth is expected. However, Lathers will be needed to renovate older buildings that have plaster walls, to construct surfaces where dry-wall materials cannot be used, and to work in new buildings where plaster is used.  

The exact number of Lathers working in Michigan is unknown. Most Lathers work in urban areas in Michigan. They work for lathing and plastering contractors on new residential, commercial, or industrial construction. They also work on modernization and alteration jobs. Some Lathers are self-employed.  

Lathers are important in the construction of walls and ceilings where a plaster finish is preferred or on curved surfaces where dry-wall is not a practical substitute. Lathers will also be needed in the renovation and the redecoration of older buildings. Opportunities will be limited for new Lathers who have not completed an apprenticeship program.

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from sources below.

Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries International 803 W. Broad St., Ste. 600 Falls Church,  VA 22046 1-703-534-8300	United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America  101 Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC 20001 1-202-546-6206
U.S. Department of Labor State Director's Office Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training 315 W. Allegan Room 209 Lansing,  MI 48933 1-517-377-1746	Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters 3800 Woodward Ave. Suite 1200 Detroit, MI 48201 1-313-832-3887
A Local Lathing or Plastering Contractor	Michigan, Careers, Colleges, Jobs & Training

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