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Want to put some colour into your career and start the journey to becoming a professional skilled Painter in the Construction industry?
Take the first step with this pre-apprenticeship course, which will set you up with the skills you need to start an Apprenticeship with an employer.
Be guided and inspired by our team of lecturers who are industry experts as you learn the tricks of the trade step-by-step, including how to interpret plans, the importance of preparing surfaces, measuring and calculating the right number of materials for the job, working safely and mastering painting techniques to create the perfect finish.
The career of a Painter brings job variety, and you can work in a diverse range of locations both indoors and outdoors; you might decorate new or established homes, restore buildings of historical importance, or work at commercial settings including hospitals, shops, offices or hotels.
Painting and Decorating is known as a finishing trade, and through your work you can harness your creativity and leave a lasting impression on a building or home.
Learn basic prep and hand skills in this entry-level course, then roll into your new career and get workforce ready to start an Apprenticeship.
- painting techniques
- interpreting plans
- preparing surfaces
- measuring
- calculating the right amount of materials for the job
- working with scaffolding safely at heights and
- workplace health and safety
In order to make an informed choice about the suitability of this course, you must take into account the essential skills and knowledge required to undertake this study.
- enjoyment of practical work and working indoors and outdoors
- an eye for detail and good hand-eye coordination
- high stamina and fitness levels
- ability to accurately follow plans, instructions and work to deadlines
- confidence in working from heights
- good colour vision
This qualification is directly aligned with priority industry areas where the jobs are today, and into the future. As part of the state government Lower fees, local skills initiative, from 1 January 2020 through to 31 December 2025 you'll only pay half the course fees, capped for each year at $1,200; or $400 (plus resource fee) if you're aged 15—24 or eligible for a concession. Find out more
| School Leaver | Non-School Leaver | AQF |
|---|---|---|
| OLNA or NAPLAN 9 Band 8 | C Grades in Year 10 English and Maths or equivalent | Certificate I or Certificate II |
Attendance in class
You will need to attend approximately 250 hours of class, over 3 days a week, for 19 weeks.
At-home study
As well as the in-class component, you will need to complete approximately 4 hours of additional study each week outside of class hours, including private study, assignment preparation, and research.
You will need to have the basic technical requirements for at-home study. If you don’t have access to a computer and WiFi at home, we recommend using our library computers during library hours.
Work placement
150 hours of work placement is mandatory for completion of this course. SM TAFE will arrange a suitable work placement within industry for you. This will involve your attendance at a workplace/worksite 1-2 days per week during the program or in a block of weeks at the end of the program depending on the host employer and availability.
Uniforms and workwear requirements: Full PPE is required for the work placement (Hi-vis drill shirt and trousers, approved safety boots). Must have Construction White Card to enter any construction worksite. This accreditation will be achieved in the course.
What you need for your first day of class
On your first day you should bring your SM TAFE confirmation enrolment receipt, your student ID, stationery (pen, pencil, exercise book, eraser, ruler and calculator) and wear enclosed footwear.
In addition, the following uniform is required to be worn at all classes:
- PPE/Uniform – steel cap boots (no volleys permitted) and a T-shirt (singlets and thongs are not permissible).
Participants will be required to work with different types of paints and solvents which may cause health issues for people with sensitive skin, allergies or respiratory issues. Personal protective equipment is available for use during the course.
One of the units of this course will be to obtain a white card which is a requirement to work onsite in the construction industry.
Please note this list should be used as a guide only as job titles and qualification requirements may vary between organisations.
Work placement is mandatory for completion of this course. SM TAFE will arrange a suitable work placement within industry for you which will involve your attendance at a workplace.
To access free career planning and job search assistance, visit the Jobs and Skills Centres page.
Select your preferred campus and apply
Click on your preferred campus and study mode below to get started with your application.
Semester 1, 2023
Mandurah - Full time - On Campus
| Duration | 1 Semester |
| When | Semester 1, 2023 |
| Where | Mandurah |
| How | On Campus |
Thornlie - Full time - On Campus
| Duration | 1 Semester |
| When | Semester 1, 2023 |
| Where | Thornlie |
| How | On Campus |
Semester 2, 2023
Mandurah - Full time - On Campus
| Duration | 1 Semester |
| When | Semester 2, 2023 |
| Where | Mandurah |
| How | On Campus |
Thornlie - Full time - On Campus
| Duration | 1 Semester |
| When | Semester 2, 2023 |
| Where | Thornlie |
| How | On Campus |