Is becoming a painting, coating & decorating worker right for me?
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How to become a Painting, Coating & Decorating Worker
Most painting, coating & decorating workers need a high school diploma or equivalent. Although training for new workers usually lasts from a few days to several months, those who paint automobiles generally need one to two years of training and experience. Painting, coating & decorating workers in the manufacturing sector usually must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers in other sectors may be willing to hire workers without a high school diploma.
Automobile repair painters often get training in technical school to learn the intricacies of mixing and applying different types of paint. Training for beginning painting and coating machine setters, operators, and tenders and for painting, coating, and decorating workers may last from a few days to a few months. Workers who modify the operation of computer-controlled equipment may require additional training in computer operations and programming.
Transportation equipment painters typically learn their skills on the job or through postsecondary education in painting. Few painting, coating & decorating workers other than automobile painters obtain certification. Some workers make elaborate or decorative designs. For example, some automotive painters specialize in making custom designs for vehicles. Workers must be able to properly blend new paint colours to perfectly match existing colours on a surface. Because workers must operate and maintain sprayers that apply paints and coatings, they should have good mechanical skills.