Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining (CPC31220) – Learn on the Job as an Apprentice
A plasterer fixes and finishes a range of linings to internal and external protected areas in residential and commercial buildings.
Gain the skills and knowledge required to work as a wall and ceiling plasterer in the building and construction industry with our CPC31220 Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining.
We deliver our plastering training to apprentices based in Queensland and New South Wales.
This course is delivered over 4 years under an Apprenticeship Pathway, meaning you must be employed as an apprentice to train with us. You will combine practical training with on-the-job experience to gain a qualification to work as a plasterer.
Learn how to install and finish plasterboard and fibre cement sheeting to line internal and external walls and ceilings, construct bulkheads and assemble partitions as well as install cornicing in commercial and residential developments including restoration of heritage buildings.
Work with ceiling, decorative products, fire rated systems, partitioning, acoustic material and a range of other wall and ceiling products and services.
To achieve the nationally recognised qualification CPC31220 Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining, you will need to successfully complete 29 units of competency, including 22 core units and 7 elective whilst being employed in an apprenticeship.
Upon successful completion you will be qualified to work as a plasterer in either residential or commercial construction.
On completion of CPC31220 Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining:
- Work as a qualified Trade Plasterer
With further study:
- Trade contractor
- Site supervisor
- Project manager
- Estimator scheduler
- Business owner
This course is offered through an Apprenticeship Pathway. To enrol, you must be employed as an apprentice with an employer who can provide appropriate facilities, range of work, supervision and on-the-job-training. The employer must also hold relevant plastering qualifications.
Due to the physical nature of construction work, apprentices must have the strength, stamina, and coordination to safely perform tasks such as lifting, operating equipment, and working in varied conditions.
Queensland
Refer to the Queensland Government’s eligibility requirements for apprenticeships for more information on entry requirements and eligibility.
New South Wales
Refer to the New South Wales Government’s eligibility requirements for apprenticeships for more information on entry requirements and eligibility.
Looking for an apprentice/ship?
You may be able to reduce the time required to complete your training with Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfers.
Find out if you qualify for RPL
Your CPC31220 Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining combines flexible online learning, on-the-job training with your workplace supervisor, and targeted gap training and support from Inscope Training.
Online Training
You’ll complete theory modules through our easy-to-use online platform, featuring interactive videos, images, and activities.
Practical Training and Assessment
While your employer and supervisor support your day-to-day, hands-on learning on the job, Inscope provides gap training and assessment — either in our purpose-built training centres or during block regional training blocks using our mobile training unit or on site.
We deliver CPC31220 Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining across Queensland and New South Wales including:
South East Queensland
- Brisbane
- Gold Coast
- Ipswich
- Logan - Beaudesert
- Moreton Bay - North & South
- Sunshine Coast
Regional Queensland
- Cairns
- Central Queensland
- Darling Downs - Maranoa
- Mackay - Isaac - Whitsunday
- Queensland - Outback
- Toowoomba
- Townsville
- Wide Bay
Greater Western Sydney
- Bankstown
- Bathurst
- Blacktown
- Blue Mountains
- Campbelltown
- Canterbury
- Fairfield
- Parramatta
- Penrith
- Western Sydney
Greater Sydney and Coasts
- Berowra
- Central Coast
- Central Sydney
- Coffs Harbour
- Eastern Sydney
- Hunter Valley
- Illawarra
- Newcastle
- Northern Beaches
- Nowra
- Port Macquarie
- South Sydney
- Sutherland
- Tahmoor
- Tweed Heads & Tweed Valley
- Wilton
- Wollongong
When undergoing practical training, you are responsible for your own PPE and basic tools. This includes the following:
- safety glasses,
- protective footwear with safety toe cap and non-slip soles to AS2210,
- leather gloves to AS2161,
- hair protection,
- disposable dust masks,
- hi-vis shirt or vest,
- nail bag,
- hammer,
- 8m tape measure.
If you fail to meet these minimum standards of dress, you will not be permitted entry into practical classes.
You will also require access to one of the following devices with internet access to complete your online training:
- computer (laptop/desktop), or
- tablet, or
- mobile.
If you attend in-house training we will provide access to a laptop with internet access to complete your online training.
Government-subsidised funding is available to support eligible students who enrol in this course through an Apprenticeship Pathway. These subsidies reduce the cost of your training. Some programs cover the full cost of training, meaning you won’t pay anything at all, while others require you to pay a co-contribution fee (out of pocket expense) towards your course. Your exact fees will depend on your eligibility and the government program you access. For full details, visit our Funding page.
Queensland Apprenticeship Funding Programs
Inscope Training is a Skills Assure Supplier (SAS) approved by the Queensland Government Department of Trade, Employment, and Training. This means we are trusted to deliver government-subsidised apprenticeship training through the following funding programs:

Career Start
If you’re an apprentice funded under the Career Start program Apprenticeship Pathway, your course fees are significantly reduced. A co-contribution fee applies, which is your share of the subsidised training cost. You can find a full breakdown of fees in our Schedule of Fees. If you choose a different elective unit from the alternative table, your total co-contribution fee will be recalculated.
Schedule of feesFree Apprenticeships for Under 25s
If you are under 25 and commencing your apprenticeship in Queensland, you may be eligible for the Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s program. This program covers the entire cost of your training, meaning you will not have any co-contribution fees or out-of-pocket expenses.
School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SATs)
Eligible high school students in Years 10, 11, and 12 can kickstart their careers through the School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SATs) program. SATs allow students to begin a paid apprenticeship or traineeship while still at school, combining senior studies with hands-on work experience and training toward a nationally recognised qualification. Funding is available for one SAT at a time. SATs do not pay co-contribution fees but if you continue your apprenticeship or traineeship after school, then you may have to pay these fees.
New South Wales Apprenticeship Funding
Smart and Skilled
Eligible NSW apprentices, including school-based apprentices whose training commenced after 1 July 2018, can access fee-free apprenticeship training under the NSW Smart and Skilled program. This means all your apprenticeship training costs are covered by the NSW Government, with no co-contribution fees.
Prior to applying for enrolment, read through our Apprentice Student Guide for information about apprenticeships, your rights and obligations and how we support you during your apprenticeship.
As part of your enrolment application we will:
- collect personal details to determine your eligibility for enrolment, for subsided training funding and Australian Government incentives,
- ask for your Unique Student Identifier (USI). Don't have a USI? Apply here,
- ask for consent to share personal information with relevant State Government (for subsided training funding) and Apprentice Connect Australia Provider (ACAP) (to facilitate the creation of a training contract),
- provide an email with details pertaining to your apprenticeship training, how we deliver training, and how your training is funded and if you will have any out-of-pocket expenses (see funding information and co-contribution fees below),
Prior to accepting your enrolment we will:
- assess your skills and abilities to ensure you meet the Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) requirements for this course. We recommend skills at ACSF Level 3 or above. If your results fall below this level, we will discuss your course suitability and explore the learning support options available to assist you.
- complete and provide a Notification of Enrolment report (NOE) (NSW only).
Ready to apply? Contact us to start your apprentice training!
Contact Us
delivery
Flexible Blended
duration
4 Years
intake
Anytime
certification
On successful completion a candidate will receive the nationally recognised qualification:
CPC31220 - Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining

LEARNER SUPPORT
We’ve got a range of learning and wellbeing support services available to help you throughout your learning journey. Check out the details in our Student Guides.
If you have learning or physical needs, including difficulties accessing a computer or the internet, or English Language, Literacy or Numeracy (LL&N) needs, please contact us prior to applying and we can discuss suitable support options.
If you are concerned that your language, literacy, numeracy or digital skills will not be sufficient to complete the course, please complete our FREE online interactive LLND assessment. You will need to create an account and log in. Once completed, contact us to discuss your results and any support we can provide or refer you to other suitable support agencies.
Apprenticeships FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much will my apprenticeship cost?
Queensland
The Queensland Government provides funding to reduce the cost training for students in an apprenticeship training pathway through a range of programs. Refer to the cost section above for the funding programs available, and the total cost and break down of fees if a co-contribution fee is required.
For more information refer to our funding page.
New South Wales
NSW apprentices including school-based, receive fee free training under the NSW Government's Smart and Skilled program for apprentices whose training commenced after 1 July 2018
- How long will my apprenticeship take?
Trade based apprenticeships within Queensland and New South Wales are deemed to be competency-based, not time-based. So whilst a full time apprenticeship usually takes four years to complete, it can be completed at any time throughout the apprenticeship. This means that upon achieving an outcome of competency achieved in all units listed in your Training Plan, provided you can demonstrate competence in the workplace to industry standards, regardless of time served as an apprentice, you are able to be signed off on a nationally recognised trade certification.
- What is RPL (Recognition for Prior Learning)?
Recognition for Prior Learning, or RPL, enables you to gain credit for a unit of competency or a full qualification based on previously acquired skills and knowledge that can be acquired through life or work experience.
If you have skills or knowledge previously acquired through work experience, short courses or other qualifications, you may be able to reduce the time required to complete a qualification. To discuss your RPL eligibility call us on 1300 579 808.
Learn from the best, where and when it suits you
Our industry experienced trainers work with your employer to custom-build your training, ensuring you get more time on the job to gain the skills and experience you need for career success.
Flexible Training Options
We blend online learning with practical training onsite or at our purpose-built training centres.
Accessible Online Portal
Access your course resources anywhere, anytime.
Trainers with Industry Experience
Our trainers have run their own successful trade businesses.
Get ready to start your career in the construction industry
Safe Work Australia requires any worker on a construction site to complete a general construction induction training course and have a White Card.
Complete our White Card course - CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry – to get the qualification you need to enter a construction site and be ready to start your apprenticeship.
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Contact Us
- Contact Us
- Address:19-21 Neumann Road Capalaba 4157
- Email: admin@inscope.edu.au
- Phone: 1300 579 808
- Hours: Mon to Fri - 7.30am to 5:00pm AEST
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