Painting and Decorating

Are you looking for a career that lets you express your creativity while offering promising job opportunities? Well, a career in Painting and Decorating might be just the thing for you.

The painting and decorating industry employs almost 50,000 Australians in mostly small to medium sized businesses. This sector includes key areas such as: residential painting (homes), commercial (corporate offices) and hospitality (hotels, restaurants & more).

Let's explore why this field can be a great choice as a career option: 

Creative Satisfaction - Painting and Decorating is all about bringing life and vibrancy to spaces. Whether it's homes, offices, or public buildings, your job as a painter and decorator is to make them look beautiful and welcoming. You get to enjoy working with colors and designs and see the finished result as a source of pride and accomplishment.

High Demand for Skilled Professionals: In Australia, there is a constant need for skilled painters and decorators. As buildings and homes are constructed and renovated, the demand for professionals who can make them look stunning is always on the rise. This means a secure job market and plenty of opportunities for you to grow in your career.

Practical hands on job -  Every painter and decorator should possess a number of important skills. One is practical skills. With practical skills, it means they can carry out tasks like precise measurement of area that requires painting and effective use of painting tools and equipment. 

The demand for commercial painters and decorators tends to be fairly constant, as there is always a need for someone to maintain and improve the appearance of homes and businesses and makes a great career choice if you are interest in an career that blends design, creativity and practical skills.

What a typical day looks like

• erecting scaffolding and ladders, and placing drop sheets to protect adjacent areas from paint splattering

• preparing surfaces by removing old paint and wallpaper, fixing woodwork, filling holes and cracks, and smoothing and sealing surfaces

• selecting and preparing paints to required colours by mixing portions of pigment, oil, and thinning and drying additives

• applying paints, varnishes and stains to surfaces using brushes, rollers and sprays

• hanging wallpaper, matching patterns and trimming edges

• cleaning equipment and work areas

• may repair windows and replace glass in wooden and metal frames

• may lay and repair wall and floor tiles

How to become a Painter and Decorator

In Australia, becoming a painter and decorator  typically starts with an apprenticeship that combines formal training and practical experience as part of a paid job. This apprenticeship allows you to gain hands-on experience in the field, while also earning an income. 

A certificate III in painting and decorating is usually needed to work as a Painting Trades Worker. This course is often completed as part of an apprenticeship. You could also consider studying for a Diploma of Painting and Decorating. This is a higher level qualification that will give you the skills and knowledge required to work as a supervisor or manager in this field.

Additionally, joining a relevant industry association, such as the Master Painters Association or Master Painters and Decorators Australia, can be beneficial. These associations offer networking opportunities, resources, and support for painters. Being a member not only keeps you informed about industry developments but also helps you establish credibility in the field.

Is this career for me?

When considering a career in painting and decorating in Australia, it's essential to reflect on whether it's the right fit for you. Here are ten questions to ask yourself:

1. Do I enjoy working with colors and design? A passion for aesthetics is crucial in this field.

2. Am I patient and detail-oriented? Precision and attention to detail are key qualities for a painter and decorator.

3. Can I work comfortably with various tools and equipment? Painting and decorating often require the use of different tools and machinery.

4. Am I physically fit? The job can be physically demanding, involving climbing ladders and prolonged periods of standing.

5. Am I willing to work in different environments? You might work indoors, outdoors, or in various locations, so adaptability is important.

6. Do I have good communication skills? You'll often need to understand clients' preferences and discuss your ideas with them.

7. Am I good at problem-solving? Issues with surfaces, paint selection, or design choices will arise, so problem-solving skills are handy.

8. Am I okay with working independently or in a team? Some projects might require you to work alone, while others may involve collaborating with a team.

9. Am I prepared to stay updated with industry trends and safety regulations? Continuing education is important to stay current in the field.

10. Can I handle irregular hours and tight deadlines? Flexibility in your schedule and the ability to meet deadlines are vital in painting and decorating.

By honestly assessing your compatibility with these aspects of a painting and decorating career, you can better determine if it's the right path for you.

Want to Learn More?

To continue your exploring this as a career path visit the follow career and training websites and related links:

• yourcareer.gov.au
• Master Painters Association
• Master Painters and Decorators Australia
• National Institute of Painting and Decorating
• Master Builders Association

ARTICLE SOURCES

LabourMarketinsights.gov.au

Yourcareer.gov.au

Note salary information source taken from ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021, Customised Report. Median weekly total cash earnings for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. Earnings are before tax and include amounts salary sacrificed. Earnings can vary greatly depending on the skills and experience of the worker and the demands of the role. These figures should be used as a guide only, not to determine a wage rate.