Red Seal

Painters apply a range of coatings to beautify, identify and protect interior and exterior surfaces and structures from weather, UV, chemicals, abrasion and fire. From office towers and retail stores to bridges and pipelines, a Red Seal painter does it all.

You are creative.

You are detail oriented.

You are comfortable working at heights.

Responsibilities

  • Repair, clean and prepare wood, plaster, stucco, stone, concrete, brick, steel and other materials.
  • Apply paint and other materials using brushes, rollers or spray equipment.
  • Read specifications and calculate the area to be painted and the amount of paint needed.
  • Select, mix and thin paints and stains to produce the desired colour and appearance.
  • Prepare surfaces by scraping, wire brushing, or sanding to a smooth finish.
  • Put up scaffolding and set up ladders.
  • Provide cost estimates and requisition or order materials, equipment and supplies.

Key Skills & Attributes

  • Strong communication skills, reading and numeracy.
  • Strong problem-solving and planning skills.
  • Creativity and an eye for detail.
  • Physical strength and balance.
  • Ability to work in high places.
  • Ability to work outdoors in diverse weather.
  • Ability to work in a collaborative environment.
  • Experience using precision tools.

Entering the Trade

  • Is there a training pathway for this trade?: Yes
  • Number of Levels: 3 (technical training in development)
  • Total Required Apprenticeship Hours: 5,400
  • Total Hours Required to Challenge Exam as a Trade Qualifier: 8,100

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Hourly Pay

$38.53 – $40.32/hr

*Based on 2023 collective agreement Journeyperson hourly rate

Projected Construction Worker Retirements

~7,800 by 2032*

*BuildForce Canada 10-Year Workforce Outlook for NS

Did You Know?

Industrial painters often work outdoors but may work in confined spaces like the inside of a large storage tank. Those who paint building infrastructure may need to be suspended with ropes or cables.