Simply follow these steps:

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Step 1: Obtaining a painting qualification

Before you can begin any kind of work in painting, you must first obtain a painting qualification. Under Western Australian law, this must be a Certificate II or higher (Building Services Registration Act 2011). The 52824WA Certificate II in Building and Construction (Pathway – Trades) is the first qualification needed in the journey to becoming a painter. The Certificate II in Building and Construction is offered at Registered Training Organizations (RTOs) such as MPA Skills. MPA Skills offer the Certificate II as a 10-week course (full time), which includes four weeks of work experience. Alternatively, this course can be done by school students part time in a 1-2 year School-based Pre-Apprenticeship. This course prepares students for the workforce with training from industry leaders and is offered at MPA Skills Maylands Campus.

Step 2: Starting an apprenticeship

Once you have completed your initial training, potential painters must undertake an apprenticeship with a licensed painter, as part of the CPC30611 Certificate III in Painting and Decorating. The Certificate III is a key practical component of the educational experience and provides painters with the real-world understanding that they will need throughout their career.

Apprenticeships are paid and last 4 years. Apprenticeships can be undertaken by directly contacting a painting business or through a Group Training provider. MPA Skills provide apprentices with the opportunity to work with ‘Host Employers’, whilst still working out of MPA Skills Training Campuses. MPA Skills is the leading employer for painting and plumbing apprentices in WA. Successful completion of an apprenticeship enables students to then apply for a Western Australian Registered Painting Practitioner’s license.

If you follow these steps, you too can become a painter in Western Australia. Advanced training courses are also offered at MPA Skills in a variety of specialized painting disciplines that will help give students the keys to stand out and thrive in the industry. These courses not only teach different skills in the painting field, but also provide students with business knowledge and the ability to help build their own brand and works. These advanced training courses give students the competitive edge in the painting industry and the ability to specialize into niche markets, however, the first two steps are crucial before you can undertake any further training.

Registered Painting Contractor

Should you wish to start your own business, the next step is obtaining the license of Registered Painting Contractor (Building Services Registration Act 2011). Licenses must be applied for and are awarded upon the successful completion of a series of classes and tests. The classes to become a Registered Painting Contractor are offered at MPA Skills as part of 52784WA Painters Registration. The course includes study across three units in Business, Estimating and Preparing Surfaces.

Following completion of the relevant qualifications and licensing requirements, you will start looking at finding employment. There are many specialized and general painting and decorating practices in Western Australia that are always looking for new painters and MPA Skills’ connections and industry support can help make the transition into employment.

Alternatively, you can seek employment, directly through MPA Skills as part of their Labour Force. The Labour Force is an employment opportunity offered by MPA Skills, which will employ you as a licensed painter. The opportunity includes competitive pay rates, ongoing and established support by MPA Skills and the chance to continue building and honing your skills in a dedicated environment. MPA Skills Labour Force is a great next steppingstone for prospective painters in their journey from education to employment.

MPA Skills not only provides students with high quality education but helps them kick start their career with job opportunities, options for further education and a bedrock of industry support and connections.

MPA Skills – Creating Career Opportunities For Life