SOUTH AFRICA · SALARY IN RANDS

Tapers

What the work involves, the skills employers want, and how to get started in South Africa.

  • Drywall Finisher
  • Drywall Mechanic
  • Drywall Taper
  • Finisher
  • Taper
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What do Tapers do?

Tapers are professionals in the construction and finishing industry who specialize in applying and smoothing joint tape and compounds to seams between drywall panels. Their primary role involves preparing surfaces for painting or finishing by ensuring that the joints are seamlessly blended into the wall, creating a smooth and polished look. Tapers work closely with drywall installers, helping to achieve an even surface while preventing cracks and imperfections. They select the appropriate materials for taping, such as joint compounds and tapes, and use various tools, including knives and trowels, to apply these materials effectively. Additionally, tapers often engage in sanding and touch-up work after the initial application to ensure a flawless finish. Their expertise contributes significantly to the overall quality and appearance of interior spaces, making them an integral part of any construction or remodeling project.

What the work actually is

  • Spread sealing compound between boards or panels or over cracks, holes, nail heads, or screw heads, using trowels, broadknives, or spatulas.
  • Press paper tape over joints to embed tape into sealing compound and to seal joints.
  • Apply additional coats to fill in holes and make surfaces smooth.
  • Seal joints between plasterboard or other wallboard to prepare wall surfaces for painting or papering.
  • Spread and smooth cementing material over tape, using trowels or floating machines to blend joints with wall surfaces.

Skills employers expect

Abilities

  • Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
  • Extent Flexibility The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  • Manual Dexterity The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
  • Multilimb Coordination The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

Knowledge

  • Building and Construction Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
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How people get into it

Education of new hires

High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Less than high school diploma
Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)

A normal week

  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  • Performing General Physical Activities
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  • Getting Information
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

Tools used on the job

Technology

  • Accounting software Applied Computer Systems JOBPOWER · Intuit QuickBooks · Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal
  • Project management software Construction Software Center EasyEst · DevWave Estimate Works · On Center Quick Bid
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software Microsoft Dynamics
  • Office suite software Microsoft Office software

Tools

  • Putty knives Corner knives · Drywall knockdown knives · Joint knives
  • Hand sprayers Hand operated spray guns · Hopper guns · Patch guns
  • Tape guide Automatic taping tools · Banjo drywall tapers
  • Trowels Drywall trowels · Radius trowels
  • Paint rollers Corner rollers · Texture rollers

Who it suits

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

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Questions people ask

How much do Tapers earn in South Africa?

Tapers salaries in South Africa vary by experience, province and employer.

What do Tapers do?

Spread sealing compound between boards or panels or over cracks, holes, nail heads, or screw heads, using trowels, broadknives, or spatulas, Press paper tape over joints to embed tape into sealing compound and to seal joints and Apply additional coats to fill in holes and make surfaces smooth.

How do I know if this career fits me?

Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.