Painter and Decorator

Painter and Decorator – Branch 1, Residential & Commercial Trades Qualification and Apprenticeship Act
Voluntary Trade

Designated Red Seal Trade Trade Code 404C
NOC 7294

Description

  • Read and interpret blueprints, specifications and other instructions to determine quantities of the materials required
  • Prepare and clean surfaces using methods such as scraping, sanding, sand-blasting, hydro-blasting and steam-cleaning; remove old wallpaper and loose paint; repair cracks and holes in walls, apply sealer
  • Mix and thin paint to obtain desired colour and texture
  • Apply paint or other materials, such as stains, lacquer, enamel, oil, varnish, fiberglass, metal coating or fire retardant using brushes, rollers or spray equipment
  • Measure, cut and apply wallpaper or fabric to walls
  • Assemble and erect scaffolding and swing gates
  • Advise customer on selection of colour schemes and choice of wall coverings
  • Be able to prepare surfaces in industrial applications
  • Provide cost estimates to clients

Personal Qualities

  • You are comfortable working on ladders much of the time
  • You may be required to work in cramped areas or at considerable heights
  • You may work outside at various times of the year and experience a considerable range of environmental conditions
  • You can work bending down, stretching from side to side and often with your arms over your head
  • You have the stamina to be on your feet for long periods of time
  • You work with attention to detail
  • You are in good physical condition
  • Review the Essential Skills profile for additional qualities required http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/essential_skills/general/home.shtml

Career Opportunities

  • Journeypersons work for small, medium and large companies in the residential, industrial, commercial and institutional sectors or indirectly for those companies through contractors
  • Many painters own their own business
  • Painters work in union and non-union environments

Educational/Training Requirements

  • The minimum entry for apprenticeship is Grade 10; however, Grade 12 is recommended with courses in Visual Arts, Mathematics and Entrepreneurship
  • Several colleges offer two year co-op programs in Interior Decorating, continuing education (certificate) programs which may be beneficial
  • Completion of a 3 year apprenticeship program at 2,000 hours per year is required
  • If you have completed 6,000 hours of on the job experience/training but have not completed the apprenticeship program you may be eligible to challenge the Certificate of Qualification

Training Availability

Trade Related Programs

Humber College – North Campus
Etobicoke ON www.humber.ca

Apprenticeship Training

Ontario Industrial & Finishing Skills Centre
130 Toro Road
Toronto ON M3J 3M9
416-635-7300 www.oifsc.com/

Potential Earnings

  • Apprentices will be paid at least the Employment Standards Act (ESA) with wages increasing from 30% to 60% of that of a journeyperson
  • Wages 1 range from $12 – $14 for junior apprentices and $25 – $30 for journeypeople, excluding overtime

Prospects For Employment

  • Ratio journeyperson/apprentice is 1:1, 2:2, 3:2,4:2 or 5:3
  • Employment 1 is expected to be balanced until 2018
  • Employment opportunities are linked to the economy

Financial Incentives

  • Employers who employ first, second and third year apprentices can apply for the Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit
  • Employers who employ first and second year apprentices can apply for the Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit
  • Apprentices are able to apply for the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant
  • Apprentices may also be able to apply for the Tradesperson’s Tools Tax Deduction
  • Apprentices who complete their apprenticeship and earn their Certificate of Qualification are eligible for the Apprenticeship Completion Grant