In Summary - Painter / Decorator
Videos & Interviews
Fergal Feehely, Apprentice Painter Decorator
Fergal Feehely is a Painter Decorator who took over the family business in 2008. After his Leaving Cert Fergal went on to complete a four year apprenticeship course in conjuntion with CIT, as well as a certificate in AutoCAD and a correspondence course in Robotics.
Videos on the Web
- Painter / Decorator- from: Youtube Search
- Paint Mixing Operator - from: icould [UK] Video
Further Information
- Paint Sprayer - from: N.C.S. [UK]
- Painter and Decorator - from: N.C.S. [UK]
The Work - Painter / Decorator
The work of the Painter/Decorator includes:
- decoration and preservation of new and existing private dwellings, public buildings and structures;
- renovation and restoration of period buildings;
- application of wall hangings and decorative paint coatings in the home and in commercial and industrial locations;
- designing and producing sign work and displays and advising on colour selection and interior design.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Apply coatings, such as paint, ink, or lacquer, to protect or decorate workpiece surfaces, using spray guns, pens, or brushes.
- Examine finished surfaces of workpieces to verify conformance to specifications and retouch any defective areas.
- Clean and maintain tools and equipment, using solvents, brushes, and rags.
- Read job orders and inspect workpieces to determine work procedures and materials required.
- Clean surfaces of workpieces in preparation for coating, using cleaning fluids, solvents, brushes, scrapers, steam, sandpaper, or cloth.
- Rinse, drain, or wipe coated workpieces to remove excess coating material or to facilitate setting of finish coats on workpieces.
- Place coated workpieces in ovens or dryers for specified times to dry or harden finishes.
- Select and mix ingredients to prepare coating substances according to specifications, using paddles or mechanical mixers.
- Melt or heat coating materials to specified temperatures.
- Conceal blemishes in workpieces, such as nicks and dents, using fillers such as putty.
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
- Training and Teaching Others Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
- Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Interests - Painter / Decorator
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Qualities
As a painter and decorator you will need good practical skills and be able to work carefully and methodically.
You also need to be physically fit and able to work at heights. Good interpersonal skills are required.
If you suffer from an allergy or skin complaint, the chemicals that you use may affect you.
Entry Requirements - Painter / Decorator
Apprenticeship Route
The official entry route for a Painter / Decorator is through undertaking an apprenticeship.
Click here to find information on the Painter / Decorator apprenticeship
Pay & Salary - Painter / Decorator
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €13k - €38k
Apprentice Rates: 13 - 16
Qualified / Experienced: 20 - 40
The Construction Industry is governed by a Registered Employment Agreement (REA). The REA is a nationally negotiated deal which sets legally binding minimum rates of pay and conditions. All building workers are entitled to these benefits. It is unlawful to be paid less.
Rates for the Construction Industry
CRAFTSMEN:
01-Jan-08 €18.60
04-Feb-11 €17.21
CONSTRUCTION OPERATIVES (% of craft rate)
Grade A (Technical Operative) 97% €18.04 €16.69
Grade B (Skilled Operative) 91% €16.93 €15.66
Grade C (Semi-Skilled) 88% €16.37 €15.14
Grade D (Basic Operative) 80% €14.88 €13.77
Grade A:
Technical Operative Grade (97% of craft rate): this grade includes skilled operatives with four years’ experience and certification-such as banksmen, crane drivers, scaffolders, steel fixers. It also includes Heavy Plant Operatives.
Grade B:
Skilled Operatives (91% of craft rate): includes medium plant operatives, teleport drivers, pipe layers, basic ticket scaffolders and craft-persons attendants.
Grade C:
Semi-skilled Operative (88% of craft rate): construction operatives with a minimum of one year’s experience.
Grade D:
Basic Operative (80% of craft rate): construction operatives with less than one year’s experience who are capable of carrying out basic general labouring requirements, including occasional operation of small plant items.
Data Source(s):
SOLAS / REA Rates / Payscale.com
Last Updated: March, 2017
* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.
Labour Market Updates - Painter / Decorator
While this occupation has experienced employment growth, there is no evidence of shortages, with a large number of job ready jobseekers who were previously employed as painters.
National Skills Bulletin 2018
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