HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
A high school diploma is common, but people enter this occupation from different pathways. Some learn through a trade-related training route or by gaining experience on the job. In some places, employers may prefer people who have completed a painter and decorator trade route, while other jobs may focus more on practical experience and willingness to learn. Students interested in this field can build useful skills through shop classes, visual arts, or part-time work that involves tools and manual tasks. Since work can be seasonal and job sites may vary, being reliable and flexible can help. In some positions, a driver’s licence or access to a vehicle may be useful because workers travel to different sites.
THE WORK
What you may do
Painters, transportation equipment clean, sand, mask, and prepare surfaces before painting. They mix and match coatings, apply primers and finish coats, and use spray guns, brushes, rollers, or other tools as needed. They inspect surfaces for flaws, correct small defects, and make sure the finish is even and durable. They may remove old paint, protect nearby parts from overspray, and follow instructions for colour, texture, and finish quality. Work often includes keeping tools and equipment clean, handling materials safely, and meeting job specifications. Depending on the workplace, they may paint trucks, buses, trailers, railway cars, or other transport equipment.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
What a day can include
A typical day may start with checking the job plan, gathering materials, and setting up a safe work area. The painter might clean and prepare a vehicle or piece of equipment, then cover parts that should not be painted. After that, they mix coatings, test colour or finish if needed, and apply paint in layers. During the day, they may move between preparation, spraying, drying, and inspection. If the finish is uneven or damaged, they correct it before moving on. They also clean tools, organize supplies, and make sure the final result meets the job’s standards. Some days are indoors in a shop, while other days may involve travelling to a different work site.
SKILLS TO BUILD