Painting and Decorating

Australian painting and decorating qualifications, such as the Certificate III in Painting and Decorating, are part of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). These qualifications are recognized in many countries, particularly Europe and North America, allowing professionals to work overseas in their respective trades.

While these qualifications are generally valid for employment abroad, it is important to verify the specific recognition policies in your home country or the country where you intend to work.
This ensures compliance with local standards and a smoother transition into the workforce. You can learn more about the course and its details here.

International students can’t do a Painter and Decorator or Painting Trades Worker apprenticeship in Australia. Instead, they can study a 12-24-month vocational course to become a qualified Painter and Decorator or Painting Trades Worker. Click here to read more about apprenticeships and vocational courses for international students

Yes, you do not need a degree to get started in this industry.  You can become a qualified Painter and Decorator or Painting Trades Worker in Australia by completing a Certificate III in Painting and Decorating, which takes about 12-24 months to complete.

To start a painting and decorating course, you’ll complete the enrolment form, meet English and visa requirements, and receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) before applying for a subclass 500 student visa.

How to start a Painting & Decorating course in Australia:

• Complete the Pathway to Aus enrolment questionnaire.
• Provide academic transcripts and passport copy.
• Submit English proficiency evidence (IELTS, PTE or equivalent).
• Receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Use the CoE to apply for a Student Visa (subclass 500).

The Certificate III in Painting & Decorating takes around 12-24 months and includes vocational placement (360 hours) for international students who cannot complete an apprenticeship.

According to the Australian Government Your Career, the industry for Painter and Decorator or Painting Trades Worker is predicted to have moderate future demand.

It takes 12-24 months to complete the Certificate III in Painting and Decorating. Durations may vary depending on education institute.

According to the data from the Australian Government Your Career, Painters and Decorators or Painting Trades Workers work an average of 42 hours per week.

According to the Australian Government Your Career, a qualified Painter and Decorator or Painting Trades Worker earns an average of $1400 weekly which amounts to approximately $80,545 annually.

The cost of a Certificate III in Painting and Decorating per year ranges from $ 10,000 to $ 15,000. Prices may vary depending on education institute.

Yes, this occupation is currently in demand. Painting Trades Worker is currently on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) in Australia, meaning that there is currently a shortage in this occupation and therefore a high demand for Painting Trades Workers.

According to the Australian Government Your Career, 80% of Painting Trades Workers are employed full-time, meaning that there is a high rate of employability in this industry.

The difficulty of the course can vary depending on an individual’s skills, experience, and learning style. In general, the Certificate III in Painting and Decorating is considered more physically demanding than academically challenging. The course does not require advanced theoretical knowledge or high-level academic skills, but it does involve practical training, strong attention to detail, and the physical capability to perform manual tasks for extended periods. Success in the course often depends on a student’s willingness to develop hands-on skills and maintain consistent practical performance.

Painter and Decorators 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

Painter and 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.

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 and 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 and Decorator or Painting Trades Worker in the following cities: Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sunshine Coast, Sydney.