Education
Most occupations in this zone require job specific training (vocational training) related to the occupation (NFQ Levels 5 and 6 or higher), related on-the-job experience, or a relevant professional award.
Related Experience
Previous work-related skills, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, several years of full or part-time employment in the area may suffice.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognised apprenticeship or training program may be associated with these occupations.
Job Zone Examples
These occupations usually involve using communication and organisational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include restaurant managers, electricians, agricultural technicians, legal secretaries, hairdressers, and web developers.
Painter/Decorator | |
Salary Range (thousands per year)* |
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13 - 38
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Related Information: | |
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. |
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Data Source(s): | |
SOLAS / REA Rates / Payscale.com
Last Updated: March, 2017 |
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* 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. |
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
Occupational Category |
Painters & Decorators |
Also included in this category:
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Number Employed: |
8,100 |
Part time workers: | 11% |
Non-Nationals: | 31% |
Prepares, paints and decorates walls, windows and doors in all kinds of buildings.
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The work of the Painter/Decorator includes:
The following is a list of the most commonly reported tasks and activities for this occupation
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Apply coatings, such as paint, ink, or lacquer, to protect or decorate workpiece surfaces, using spray guns, pens, or brushes. |
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Examine finished surfaces of workpieces to verify conformance to specifications and retouch any defective areas. |
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Clean and maintain tools and equipment, using solvents, brushes, and rags. |
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Read job orders and inspect workpieces to determine work procedures and materials required. |
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Clean surfaces of workpieces in preparation for coating, using cleaning fluids, solvents, brushes, scrapers, steam, sandpaper, or cloth. |
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Rinse, drain, or wipe coated workpieces to remove excess coating material or to facilitate setting of finish coats on workpieces. |
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Place coated workpieces in ovens or dryers for specified times to dry or harden finishes. |
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Select and mix ingredients to prepare coating substances according to specifications, using paddles or mechanical mixers. |
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Melt or heat coating materials to specified temperatures. |
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Conceal blemishes in workpieces, such as nicks and dents, using fillers such as putty. |
The following is a list of the most commonly reported work activities in this occupation.
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Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. |
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
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Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles). |
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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. |
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. |
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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
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Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
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Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
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Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
The following is a list of the five most commonly reported knowledge areas for this occupation.
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Production and Processing: Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. |
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Sales and Marketing: Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems. |
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Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. |
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Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. |
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Transportation: Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits. |
The following is a list of the most commonly reported skills used in this occupation.
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Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. |
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Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do. |
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Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions. |
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Time Management: Managing one's own time and the time of others. |
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Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
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Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. |
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Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. |
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Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. |
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Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. |
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Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
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.
A detailed description of this occupation can be found on a number of online databases. Follow the link(s) below to access this information:
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This occupation is popular with people who have the following Career Interests... |
...and for people who like working in the following Career Sectors: |
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Architecture, Construction & Property |
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Further Ed & PLC Course Suggestions |
If you are interested in this occupation, then the following courses may also be of interest. Note that these course suggestions are not intended to indicate that they lead directly to this occupation, only that they are related in some way and may be worth exploring. |
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