Painters and Decorators
What they do?
Painters and decorators perform some or all of the following duties:
A. Read specifications to determine quantities of materials required
B. Prepare and clean surfaces using methods such as scraping, sanding, sandblasting, hydro-blasting and steam-cleaning; remove old wallpaper and loose paint; repair cracks and holes in walls; and sandpaper and apply sealer
C. Mix and thin paint to obtain desired colour and texture
D. Apply paint or other materials, such as stains, lacquer, enamel, oil, varnish, fibreglass, metal coating or fire retardant using brushes, rollers or spray equipment
E. Measure, cut and apply wallpaper or fabric to walls
F. Assemble and erect scaffolding and swing stages
G. Advise customer on selection of colour schemes and choice of wall coverings
Where they find work?
1. Construction - 80.0%
2. Administrative and support waste management and remediation services - 3.0%
3. Specialized design services - 2.0%
4. Retail trade - 2.0%
5. Educational services - 2.0%
6. Health care and social assistance - 2.0%
7. Public administration - 1.0%
What education do I need?
1. Completion of secondary school is usually required.
2. Completion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program or Over three years of work experience in the trade is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
3. Trade certification is compulsory in Quebec and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
4. Red Seal, an interprovincial trade certification, is also available to qualified painters and decorators.
5. Most recent entrants have a community college diploma.
High School Subject that will help:
1. Math
2. Industrial Arts
3. Business English
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Painters and Decorators is $15.58/HR, which is below average for occupations in the trades, transport and equipment operators sector and below average for all technical, professional, and skilled occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
11% of Painters and Decorators are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for technical, professional, and skilled occupations.
Unemployment
Trends in Unemployment
Current Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Painters and Decorators is considered Average because:
1. Employment grew at an average rate.
2. Hourly wages ($15.58) are close to the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is close to the average.
3. The unemployment rate (11%) is above the 2004 average (7%).
Future Job Prospects:
Your job outlook will continue to be Average because:
1. The employment growth rate will likely be below average because of an expected decline in the residential construction industry.
2. The number of persons leaving for retirement will be insufficient to counterbalance weak job creation performance leaving, thus leaving few foreseeable openings.
3. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.
Highest Concetration:
The highest concentrations are found in Alberta and Prince Edward Island while the lowest concentrations are in New Brunswick and Newfoundland.
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (28%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations.
Useful Experience:
1. Customer service
2. Working to schedule
3. Physical work
