Trades in Alberta

On this page:

  • Apprenticeship Education Program 
  • Trades Qualifier Program 
  • Employment in the Trade 

Trades in Alberta

Painter and Decorator
Trade Profiles
About Designated Trades
    About Restricted Activities
Tradesperson Lookup Tool

Painter and Decorator

Painters and decorators apply paint, coatings and other finishes to interior and exterior surfaces of buildings and industrial structures.

3-Period Apprenticeship Program
Optional Certification

Apprenticeship Education Program

Apprenticeship blends hands-on work experience with classroom learning, so you can build skills, knowledge, and a career all at once.

Credential
Certification
  • Journeyperson Certificate
  • Red Seal Endorsement (optional)
Program Requirements
  • 3 periods (levels) 
  • All periods: 
    • 1300 hours work experience per period 
    • 8 weeks classroom instruction per period 
    • Theory exam required
  • Each period designed to take ~1 year
  • Up to 18 months allowed between each requirement
Classroom Instruction
On-the-Job Instruction
  • 1300 hours in all periods
  • Sponsorship agreement required to earn hours.
  • Must be completed with a qualified mentor.
  • Demonstrate competence in activities outlined in the record book to receive credit.
Exams
  • Theory exam required to complete each period
  • Red Seal exam option in final period
High School Credit
  • Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
  • Career and Technology Studies (CTS)
Recognized Programs

Trades Qualifier Program

If you have experience in the trade without an Alberta Journeyperson Certificate, the Trades Qualifier Program is your pathway to qualify.

Work Experience Program
  1. Complete 54 months and 9180 hours of verifiable Painter and Decorator work experience.
  2. Pass a theory exam.
  3. Provide an Employer Declaration Letter (EDL).
Recognized Credentials Program
  1. Submit a copy of a recognized trade certificate from outside Alberta.
  2. Pass a theory exam.

Employment in the Trade

As a designated trade under the Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act, employed individuals or those employing tradespeople must meet certain regulated standards.

Restricted Activities
  • Specific tasks and function within the trade may only be performed by authorized individuals.
Authorized Individuals
  • To perform restricted activities, you must be:
    • a registered apprentice, or
    • working at a journeyperson level in the opinion of your employer (journeyperson certification optional).
Apprentice-to-Mentor Ratio
  • Employers may employ two apprentices for every one assigned mentor (2:1). 
Wages
  • Apprentices must be paid at least the below percentage of the rate received by the lowest-paid Painter and Decorator journeyperson employed by the same company.
    • Period 1: 55%
    • Period 2: 75%
    • Period 3: 85%
Recognized Credentials
  • If you hold a recognized trade certificate from outside of Alberta, you are authorized to work in the full scope of the trade in Alberta. 
Red Seal Endorsement
  • You may take the Red Seal Exam upon the completion of your apprenticeship in this trade.