Apprenticeship involves both classroom studies and on-the-job training under the supervision of a certified Painter and Decorator, called a journeyperson.

As an apprentice, you earn while you learn and are paid by the hour while working on the job site. Wages start at about 55 per cent of a journeyperson’s hourly rate and increase during your apprenticeship until you reach the full rate.

Entering an apprenticeship program Requirements for painter and decorator apprenticeship programs vary across Canada. In most provinces and territories, you must have a Grade 9 education or equivalent to enter the program.

Apprenticeship training programs for painters and decorators vary across Canada, but generally involve three 12-month periods, including at least 3,900 hours of on-the-job training, three eight-week blocks of technical training and a final certificate exam.

Related work experience or completion of a painter and decorator program at a college or technical institute can reduce the time required to complete your apprenticeship.

Certification

Certification is required in Quebec, and is available but voluntary in all other provinces and territories. Even where certification is voluntary, it is still recommended as it tells employers and other workers that you are a skilled professional, and it also helps you get jobs.

To be certified as a Painter and Decorator, you usually need to complete a three-year apprenticeship program. Once you successfully complete the required on-the-job training, technical training and exams, you are awarded a journeyperson certificate.

You may be eligible for certification in some provinces and territories if you have more than three years of on-the-job experience and some high school, college or industry courses for painters and decorators.

As a certified Painter and Decorator, you may write the Interprovincial Exam to qualify for the Interprovincial Standards’ Red Seal. With a Red Seal, you can work as a Painter and Decorator anywhere in Canada.

More information:
Careers in Construction
International Union of Painters and Allied Trades
Union Locals
How to become a professional painter