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Careers

Painter & Decorator

Applies paint, varnish and wallpaper and industrial coatings to interior and exterior building surfaces, and to other fittings and furnishings.

Who Am I?

Do you have a good colour sense? Are you good with your hands? Could you work in high places and do a precise job? Then, you could train to be a Painter & Decorator!

What do I do?

Painters & Decorators apply paint, wall coverings and other finishes to interior and exterior surfaces of buildings and other structures. As the trade sometimes requires sketching and design work, an artistic ability can prove useful. The ability to visualize a finished job is important, especially with larger jobs.

How do I start?

You can get a jump-start on your future career in the construction trades by checking out construction courses offered at colleges and high schools. These hands-on courses will help you build the basic skills you will use in the construction industry. While you're still in high school, you can begin an apprenticeship program as a Senior Years Apprentice and earn both high school and apprenticeship credits at the same time. After high school graduation, many Senior Years apprentices continue in regular, full-time apprenticeship programs. To enter the Painter & Decorator apprenticeship program full-time, you must be at least 16, be a Senior 4 graduate, or, as a mature student, have an equivalent academic standing. You should have good communication skills and be able to master reading blueprints and other technical written materials.

Length of Program

4 levels including four in-school sessions.

How does apprenticeship training work?

You must have a qualified employer who is willing to train you as an apprentice. To register in the apprenticeship program, you and your employer complete an application form together and submit it to the Apprenticeship Branch. Once the application is approved, apprenticeship training begins under the supervision of a certified journeyperson. The apprenticeship is four levels. Each level consists of on-the-job practical experience and some in-school technical training. (Work hours and school time must total at least 1600 hours per level.) Applicants who have successfully completed related courses of study or work experience may be eligible for advanced standing in the apprenticeship program. The Apprenticeship Branch arranges your classroom technical training. When you go to school, you pay a small portion of the tuition and are responsible for the cost of any required books and supplies. Most apprentices are eligible for employment insurance (EI) when they go to school. When you successfully complete all levels of training, and score at least 70 % on your final examination, you receive a Certificate of Qualification confirming your status as a certified journeyperson. Your certificate also has "Red Seal" endorsement that means your trade qualifications are generally recognized throughout most of Canada. For more detailed information on apprenticeship training in this trade, check the Apprenticeship web site at : http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/aet/apprent/index.htm

How much do I make?

Wage Rate: $23.80 (Base rate, effective Jan. 1, 2010, not including benefits).

Employers provide holiday and vacation pay and may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care, retirement packages, and training benefits. The value of the benefits can range from 20% to 30% over and above the basic hourly pay rate.

Where do I go from here?

Many are employed by contractors involved in new construction, repair, alteration or remodeling work or by organizations that own or manage large building-like apartment complexes or schools.

How do I advance?

Experienced Painters & Decorators can advance to supervisory positions with contractors. With additional training, Painters & Decorators can transfer skills to related occupations like Motor Vehicle Body Painter or Commercial Sign Painter.