The trade qualified painter has greater career options and stability than those who have undertaken their training informally or unqualified.
Why become a trade qualified painter?
If you’re an experienced painter, you probably already know that painting is an important trade that’s always in demand. But what you may not know is that being trade qualified as a painter can open up a world of opportunities and help take your career to the next level.
Painters can generally work anywhere in Australia, across a huge variety of industries. As a qualified painter, you could find yourself in a dynamic role working on large-scale engineering projects, or for more artistic avenues such as decorative feature walls and faux finishes.
Why you should have a trade licence if you’re a painter
Qualified painters usually have greater job security and are likely to receive higher wages than unqualified painters. There is also the potential for further study in painting, including courses such as lead paint removal and spray painting that could become part of your skill set.
States and territories in Australia have strict regulations in place, requiring painters to be licensed or registered before advertising, contracting or subcontracting painting jobs. Registration as a trade qualified painter is a way of identifying your business and holding you accountable for your work and to protect consumers.
Whereas unlicensed painters who contract a painting project may be fined, prosecuted or otherwise penalised. Individuals who flout the regulations may even be banned from obtaining a licence in the future.
To be a trade qualified painter, in some states, you’ll need to undertake a Certificate III in Painting and Decorating – CPC30620 awarded by Construction Trades College (RTO: 40250). This will give you the skills and knowledge needed to carry out painting tasks competently and within industry standards. Once you are trade qualified, you can apply for jobs that require this qualification, as well as any additional
How to get your trade licence as a painter
A painting licence permits you to run your painting and decorating business in the state or territory in which you are registered. Only properly qualified painters will be granted a trades licence, and each state in Australia has different painter licence requirements. But with the right qualifications, you can apply for a trade licence in your local state.
Once you have obtained your trade licence as a painter, you will be able to pursue further career opportunities or start up your own business. Becoming a trade qualified painter gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your expertise in the field and gain recognition for the quality of your work.
Get qualified with a Certificate III in Painting and Decorating – CPC30620
To get your trades licence, you’ll need formal qualifications in certain states, like a Certificate III in Painting and Decorating – CPC30620. If you have industry experience as a painter, you can fast track your qualifications through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). RPL recognises learning achieved through life experiences, which may be outside formal education or training. It helps assess whether skills and knowledge gained over time meet industry standards for certain occupations and job roles.
RPL can assess your existing specialised painting work, such as
- creating unique texture effects,
- applying wallpaper and ornamental finishing touches,
- matching colours, and
- safely managing lead paint and asbestos.
Fast track your painting qualifications with the help of Skills Certified Australia
Our partner Registered Training Organisation (RTO) can assess your skills and could get you qualified in painting and decorating.
By taking the 60 seconds skills test, you will be able to quickly identify if you are eligible for obtaining a professional painting qualification against prior work experience.
With these qualifications behind you, being registered as a trade qualified painter opens up many exciting possibilities where your career can take you – from small businesses to larger organisations.
Take our 60 seconds skills test and find out how easy it is to become officially recognised as a trade qualified painter.
