Painter and Decorator

Learn more about this trade on the alis website.

Wage and Salary
Job Postings
Duties and Working Conditions
Interests, Abilities, Traits, and Skills
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Painters and decorators apply paint, coatings and other finishes to interior and exterior surfaces of buildings and industrial structures.

In general, painters and decorators:

estimate the quantity of materials required by measuring surfaces, consulting drawings or reviewing a work order,
remove old coatings by stripping with solvents, heat, sanding, wire brushing, or water and abrasive blasting,
prepare surfaces for covering by cleaning, filling nail holes and cracks, and sanding rough spots,
apply an undercoat primer or sealer before painting, or apply sizing before wallpapering,
match specified colours by using premixed paints, or mixing colours and thinning and drying additives,
use brushes, rollers or spray guns to apply liquid coatings such as paint, stain or varnish to surfaces of wood, metal, brick, concrete, plaster, stucco or stone,
abrasive blast and apply industrial coatings,
apply finishes that are sponged, ragged and layered,
apply paper, vinyl or natural and synthetic fabric wallcoverings, and
must be aware of product changes.

Those authorized to perform the restricted activities of this designated trade include:

Sponsored Apprentices,
Certified Journeypersons
Individuals deemed qualified by their employer, and
Self-Employed individuals.

For complete information, see Restricted Activities and Classes of Individuals.

Program Information

Program	Information & Requirements
Apprenticeship	The term of apprenticeship for a painter and decorator is 3 years (three 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1300 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction each year. Classroom instruction for this apprenticeship program is currently suspended. Information about this suspension and how you can continue to progress in your apprenticeship is available here. Apprentices are expected to demonstrate progress in their apprenticeship program within 18 months by engaging in an activity that will lead to the completion of a period of the program. Apprentices may attempt the Interprovincial Exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training and, if successful, be granted a Red Seal. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, the apprentice will receive a journeyperson certificate and an educational credential (Diploma).
Trades Qualifier	You can earn a Journeyperson Certificate based on: Work Experience The requirements for a Painter and Decorator are: A minimum of 54 months AND 5,850 hours of work experience. A successful theory exam. An Employer Declaration Letter (EDL). Recognized Credentials The requirements for a Painter and Decorator are: A recognized credential from another jurisdiction. A successful theory exam.

Program

Information & Requirements

Apprenticeship

The term of apprenticeship for a painter and decorator is 3 years (three 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1300 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction each year.
Classroom instruction for this apprenticeship program is currently suspended. Information about this suspension and how you can continue to progress in your apprenticeship is available here.
Apprentices are expected to demonstrate progress in their apprenticeship program within 18 months by engaging in an activity that will lead to the completion of a period of the program.
Apprentices may attempt the Interprovincial Exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training and, if successful, be granted a Red Seal.
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, the apprentice will receive a journeyperson certificate and an educational credential (Diploma).

Trades Qualifier

You can earn a Journeyperson Certificate based on:

Work Experience

The requirements for a Painter and Decorator are:

A minimum of 54 months AND 5,850 hours of work experience.
A successful theory exam.
An Employer Declaration Letter (EDL).

Recognized Credentials

The requirements for a Painter and Decorator are:

A recognized credential from another jurisdiction.
A successful theory exam.

Program Credit

Category	Information
High School Credit	A high school student can become an apprentice through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) and gain credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time. A student involved in the Career and Technology Studies (CTS) stream in high school may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship first period training.

Supporting Resources

	Description Description / Resources	Resources
Trade Information	Get important information about the duties, working conditions, and skills and abilities needed to work in this trade. (You will be re-directed to the alis website.) Trade Profile	Trade Profile
Job Information	View job postings in this trade, and learn about the current job market, average wage and resources for finding a job. (You will be re-directed to the alis website.) Alberta Job Postings	Alberta Job Postings
Entrance Requirement	You must satisfy the educational requirements or pass the entrance exam to start an apprenticeship program. If you are writing the entrance exam, there are entrance-level competencies to help you prepare, as well as an exam counselling sheet and study guide. Entrance Requirements Entrance Level Competencies Exam Counselling Sheet Entrance Exam Study Guide	Entrance Requirements Entrance Level Competencies Exam Counselling Sheet Entrance Exam Study Guide
Curriculum Guide	Get information on all of the program requirements and what you will learn. Curriculum Guide (PDF)	Curriculum Guide (PDF)
Classroom Instruction	View a list of currently scheduled classes. Apprenticeship Training Catalogue	Apprenticeship Training Catalogue
Financial Assistance	Student loans, grants, scholarships and other financial assistance may be available. For more information visit our Financial Assistance section, visit an Apprenticeship and Industry Training office or call toll-free to 1-800-248-4823. Financial Assistance	Financial Assistance
Examinations	Get exam counselling sheets for your upcoming apprenticeship, interprovincial or qualification exam. Exam Prep Centre - Exam Counselling Sheets	Exam Prep Centre - Exam Counselling Sheets
Legislation	For more information regarding undertakings, activities, and certification requirements, please review the Designated Trades and Restricted Activities Regulation and the Designated Trades’ Activities and Certification Requirements Order. Regulation Board Order	Regulation Board Order