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

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.

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.

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

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 $25.20 in early 2009 and $33.59 for commercial construction. Median weekly earnings of Lathers were $559 or about $13.98 per hour in 2008. The median hourly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $18.05 in 2008.

Hourly union wage rates including fringe benefits for construction Lathers in several areas of Michigan were (mid 2009):

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.

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.