This qualification provides a trade outcome in Painting and Decorating for residential and commercial construction work.

Occupational titles may include:

•  Painter and Decorator.

The qualification has compulsory requirements that cover common skills for the construction industry, as well as two specialist fields of work.

Education/Training

To become a painter and decorator you usually have to complete an apprenticeship in painting and decorating. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Training is usually both on and off the job. The off-the-job training is provided through Registered Training Organisations.

Duties and Tasks

Painters and decorators may perform the following tasks:

• Work out the quantity of materials needed for the job by taking surface measurements or by looking at job specifications or drawings. 
• Erect scaffolding, cradles and ladders and place drop sheets to protect areas from dripping paint. 
• Remove old paint or paper using sanders, scrapers, blowtorches, liquid paint removers and steam strippers as appropriate. 
• Prepare surfaces by fixing woodwork, filling or sealing holes, cracks and joints, and washing them down to remove dust and grease. 
• Select and prepare paints to match colours by the addition of tints. 
• Brush, roll or spray paints, stains, varnishes and other finishes. 
• When wallpapering, set out the area according to the pattern match and starting point in the room, cut the paper to the appropriate length, apply paste to the back of each strip and hang the paper on the wall, smoothing out any wrinkles or bubbles. 
• Spray paint surfaces using a spray gun or specialised equipment. 
• Apply decorative paint finishes such as stencils, colour glaze, graining, marbling and lettering.
• Wash equipment and clean work areas.

Work Conditions

Painters and decorators may concentrate on a specific area of work, such as the internal or external painting of domestic homes, commercial buildings or industrial structures and equipment.  They often work from ladders and scaffolding and do a lot of bending and stretching. 

Personal Requirements

• Physically fit
• Able to work at heights
• Enjoy practical work
• Good hand-eye coordination
• Normal colour vision
• Good sense of balance
• Able to work independently or as part of a team 

During the nominal duration of a Painting & Decorating Apprenticeship each apprentice will need to complete the following: 

• 27 units of competency are required for award of this qualification:

                                                - 23 compulsory units

                                                - 4 elective units

A maximum of two of the four required elective units may be substituted by selecting relevant units of competency from any Certificate III or IV construction qualification or qualification in another endorsed Training Package.

Compulsory units:  

Painting and decorating preparation field of work  

Painting and decorating operations field of work

Elective units  

Specialist painting and decorating field of work  

General electives