PAINTERS
& WALL COVERERS
Job Description:
PAINTERS, INDUSTRIAL PAINTERS and
WALLCOVERERS first priority is to prepare surfaces for the finishes to
be applied. Some of the processes that are used are: wash, scrape, wire
brush or sand the surface and, in some cases, use chemicals, electric scrapers,
sandblasters or blow torches to remove old paint. It is the job of
the applicator to sand any irregularities, fill cracks and holes, and remove
excess dirt and grease.
The PAINTER uses three major
tools to apply paints and coatings: The spray gun, the roller, and the
brush. The skilled PAINTER knows and uses what is best for each job. Although
some PAINTERS do all types of painting, most specialize in one type, such
as: interior or exterior work, new
construction, signs, remodeling, particular structures and buildings (apartments,
homes, bridges, water tanks, structural steel), special effects and decorative
designs, metal surfaces, or transportation equipment.
It is the task of the INDUSTRIAL
PAINTER to remove previous coatings and prepare substrates and surfaces
for application of coatings and to apply those coatings where necessary
on industrial structures. The INDUSTRIAL PAINTER must possess an
interprovincial trade qualification seal or a provincial certificate of
trade qualification and certificates of apprenticeship as required.
The INDUSTRIAL PAINTER must
be skilled in surface preparation and coating application techniques. He
or she must also be familiar with safety requirements of the job site,
with the equipment associated with industrial painting, with personal and
environmental hygiene practices and requirements of the trade. Due to the
risks associated with this work, the industrial painter must be physically
fit and not intimidated with the height of the work
The WALL COVERER measures
the surface he is to cover and cuts the covering to fit. Next he mixes
the adhesive, applies it to the back of the strip of the covering, places
the strip in correct position on the wall and smooths it with a smoothing
brush or knife. He is very careful to match the paper's pattern, making
sure the design continues from strip to strip without a visible break.
PAINTERS, INDUSTRIAL PAINTERS and
WALLCOVERERS may also estimate material, time and cost of each job, produce
decorative designs, restore natural wood color by bleaching or refinishing,
or apply special coatings. Working Conditions: Painting is strenuous work,
requiring much walking, standing, reaching, kneeling, stooping, climbing
and carrying. Occupational hazards include falls from ladder or scaffolds,
and skin or throat irritations from paint fumes and thinners. Exterior
painters lose some work time each year due to bad weather. Interior painters
who work primarily on new construction may lose work time during slowdowns
in construction activity.
Working Conditions:
Painting is strenuous work, requiring
much walking, standing, reaching, kneeling, stooping, climbing and carrying.
Occupational hazards include falls from ladder or scaffolds, and skin or
throat irritations from paint fumes and thinners. Exterior painters lose
some worktime each year due to bad weather. Interior painters who work
primarily on new construction may lose worktime during slowdowns in construction
activity.
Interest and Temperament:
PAINTERS must have manual dexterity
as well as steady nerves to work in high places. They should not be allergic
to paint fumes, toxic materials, or spray dust. An artistic sense, good
eyesight, and a sense of color are necessary to do a first class job.
Application and Testing:
Applications will be accepted on
the second Monday of every month; testing and interviews will be arranged
by the Apprentice coordinator shortly there after. The qualifying test
is administered by the Pennsylvania Employment Service, and may require
a visit to their facility.
Recommended High School Courses:
General Science, General Math, Mechanical
Drawing, Chemistry will help.
Terms of Apprenticeship:
Terms of Apprenticeship: 4 years
of on the job training, related class room instruction, classes a minimum
of 160 hours per year.
General Qualifications:
18 years of Age.
Possess a valid driver’s license.
High School Graduate or GED.
Personal interview.
$10.00 application processing fee.
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