How to work as a Painter and Decorator in Australia?

International students can’t do a Painter & Decorator or Painting Trades Worker apprenticeship in Australia. Instead, they can study a 24-month vocational course to become a qualified Painter & Decorator or Painting Trades Worker. Click here to read more about apprenticeships and vocational courses for international students

Yes, you can become a qualified Painter & Decorator or Painting Trades Worker in Australia with a Certificate III in Painting and Decorating

If you complete this questionnaire we’ll be able to send you some detailed information on the course and explain what documents you’ll need for enrolment

As per Job OutLook, the industry for Painter & Decorator or Painting Trades Worker is predicted to have strong future growth

It takes 24 months to complete the Certificate III in Painting and Decorating. Durations may vary depending on education institute

As per Job OutLook, Painter & Decorators or Painting Trades Workers work an average of 43 hours per week.

As per Job Outlook, a qualified Painter & Decorator or Painting Trades Workers earns $1,371 a week, on average

Certificate III in Painting and Decorating cost $8,000 per year. Prices may vary depending on education institute

Painter & Decorator or Painting Trades Worker is currently on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) in Australia

As per Job Outlook, 76 % of Painter & Decorator or Painting Trades Worker are employed full time

The Certificate III in Painting and Decorating requires students to have a completed the equivalent of Australian Year 10

Painter & Decorator’s or Painting Trades Workers use a range of tools, including the following:

• Decorators Edges
• Dust-Sheets
• Extension Poles.
• Ladders and Platforms.
• Paint Kettles and Scuttles.
• Paint Rollers, Roller Sleeves and Trays.
• Paint Stirrers and Mixing.
• Paint Stripping and Prepping.

Painter & Decorator’s or Painting Trades Workers apply paint, varnish, wallpaper and other finishes to protect, maintain and decorate surfaces of buildings and structures. A Painter & Decorator or Painting Trades Worker may also does the following in a normal day:

• erecting scaffolding and ladders, and placing drop sheets to protect adjacent areas from paint splattering
• preparing surfaces by removing old paint and wallpaper, fixing woodwork, filling holes and cracks, and smoothing and sealing surfaces
• selecting and preparing paints to required colours by mixing portions of pigment, oil, and thinning and drying additives
• applying paints, varnishes and stains to surfaces using brushes, rollers and sprays
• hanging wallpaper, matching patterns and trimming edges
• cleaning equipment and work areas
• may repair windows and replace glass in wooden and metal frames
• may lay and repair wall and floor tiles

The Certificate III in Painting and Decorating is generally 15-20 hours per week, spread over 2-3 days. Timetables vary depending on education institute.

To be a qualified Painter & Decorator or Painting Trades Worker in Australia you need to have successfully completed a Certificate III in Painting and Decorating

You can study to be a Painter & Decorator or Painting Trades Worker in Melbourne or on the Gold Coast.

These qualifications are part of the Australian Qualification Framework. Most countries, specifically European or North American countries, accept qualifications issued by Australia. So yes, generally speaking, the qualifications will be accepted and allow you to work in your home country. Please note, we would always advise you check specifically with your home country.