Painter and 

Decorator

Painter and Decorators colour our world, bringing creativity to the structures around us. They turn drab surfaces into brilliant tapestries that serve all sorts of purposes for everyone to enjoy

Industrial Painter Decorator

As a Painter and Decorator, you’ll use your creative and attentive skills every day as you apply paintbrushes and rollers to surfaces. Your projects will come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from the beams of a bridge to painting a house interior.  

You’ll enjoy the variety of this career, where you apply both artistry and precision with your eye for detail, good sense of colour and steady hand.  

What You'll Learn

  • How to read specifications and estimate materials
  • How to set up scaffolding and prepare surfaces
  • How to repair cracks and holes in walls
  • How to mix and thin paint to achieve different colours and textures
  • How to apply paint, stain, lacquer, enamel, metal coating, wallpaper, and fabric  

Key Job Skills

  • Project planning and business management
  • Workplace hazard management
  • Surface preparation and painting
  • Colour theory application
  • Application of wall coverings and finishes 

Start Your Apprenticeship

Interested in this trade? Learn how to start your apprenticeship.

Technical Training 18 weeks over 3 years
Work-Based Training
4860 HOURS
General Skills
Creative Expressive Precise Visual

Technical Training

The classroom is where you learn the technical knowledge to complement your work-based training. Make sure to register as early as possible to secure a seat for technical training with a SkilledTradesBC-designated training provider. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC to find where this program is being offered across the province. 

Harmonized Program Information and Resources

Exam Information and Resources

Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below. Looking for more exam tips? Visit the Exam and Study Support page. 

 

 

 

Program and Exam Updates

  • August 2024: OPSN 2024 020 (Harmonized Level 1&2 SLE Launch)

  • September 2024: Program Update (IP Exams aligned to 2021 Red Seal Occupational Standards (RSOS)). A Comparative Analysis detailing changes between the 2011 NOA and 2021 RSOS can be found here. 

Challenge the Certification Exam

If you have work experience in the trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may be eligible to challenge the certification exam as a Trade Qualifier to become certified without going through an apprenticeship program. 

If you have some practical experience but do not yet qualify for the certification exam, you may be eligible to challenge a level exam to enter the program at the appropriate level. 

Check the Program Profile on this page for the available pathway options and eligibility details.