Venetian Plastering Training for St Davids

For Venetian plastering training in St Davids, you will be heading to the Zavoré Academy in Birmingham, where all of our courses are taught. We say this plainly because St Davids sits at the far western edge of Wales, and anyone planning to come should know the trip is part of the commitment.

The courses are for Pembrokeshire decorators, builders and plasterers, people who want a change of career, and owners of guest houses, cottages and second homes who would like to learn a lasting craft.

Decorative plaster and the Pembrokeshire coast

St Davids is the smallest city in the UK, built around its cathedral and the ruins of the Bishop's Palace. It lies inside the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, and a large part of the local economy is visitors, so the demand for decorating is connected to guest houses, holiday cottages, cafes, galleries and small hotels.

The older buildings in and around the city are largely stone, and stone walls need finishes that can handle moisture moving through them. Lime based Marmorino and similar plasters suit them better than a sealed, plastic feeling paint. On a stormy coast, that breathability is more than a nice idea.

Holiday properties turn over guests regularly, and owners like walls that stand up to use and still look special. A polished plaster feature wall in a living room, or a tadelakt shower in a coastal cottage, is exactly the sort of detail that makes a listing look different.

Because the area is rural and the population is small, work is spread out. A decorator who can offer decorative plaster adds a service that visitors and second home owners notice, though it does mean travelling to jobs across the county.

Beginner, Advanced or 1 to 1 for St Davids students

All three courses are taught from 10am to 5pm. Class sizes never go above six, so there is real time with the tutor.

• Beginner Course runs for 3 days at £750 per person and needs no experience.
• Advanced Course runs for 4 days at £1,200 per person and suits graduates of the first course or people from site.
• 1 to 1 Training runs for 3 days at £1,500 and is designed around the student, at any level.

Given the distance, someone from far west Wales may prefer the 1 to 1 Training to be sure the days cover exactly what their business needs. Others take the Beginner Course first and return for the Advanced Course when they have used the skills on real work.

Dates sit on the training page, and you can register interest there if you cannot see one yet. Our guide to group course vs 1 to 1 training compares the options in more depth.

Reaching Birmingham from St Davids

You can travel by train or by car. Birmingham is central in England, so students arrive from all over the UK, and from far west Wales the journey is worth planning carefully.

With a three or four day course you will need somewhere to stay each night. Zavoré holds a partner rate at a hotel near the Academy, available if you quote Zavoré when booking. Station or airport pickup can be arranged with your booking, at a price that depends on where you arrive.

It may help to arrive the evening before the first day so that you start at 10am rested and ready.

Returning to St Davids with a new skill

You go home with your finished panels, a Zavoré certificate and trade pricing on Zavoré materials. The private course group and helpline for life matter more than ever when the nearest fellow student is a long way off, because help is a message away.

For a small business in Pembrokeshire, adding Venetian plaster can set you apart from other decorators. Advanced students are also helped to find, price and win a first paid decorative job.

If you want a finished wall without learning the craft yourself, see Venetian plastering in St Davids. Supplies can be ordered from the shop with tracked UK delivery.

Questions about Venetian plastering training for St Davids

Is there Venetian plastering training in St Davids?

No. The courses are taught at the Zavoré Academy in Birmingham, so students from St Davids and Pembrokeshire travel there and plan a stay for the three or four days.

Which course suits a Pembrokeshire holiday let owner?

The 3 day Beginner Course at £750 gives owners a thorough grounding. Those who want to finish a specific wall may prefer 1 to 1 Training.

Is accommodation included?

Accommodation is not included, but Zavoré has a partner rate at a hotel near the Academy. Quote Zavoré when you book.

Can I get help once I am back in Pembrokeshire?

Yes. Every student joins a private course group with a helpline for life, so you can ask for advice from home.

To book, ring 07592 929191 or email sales@zavore.co.uk. Half the price holds a bench and the rest is paid on the day, or you can book online and pay in full. Dates are on the training page.