Painting
- Apr 5, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 7, 2024
Painting is a valuable trade skill that involves applying paint, stains, or other coatings to surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and furniture. A skilled painter can transform the look and feel of a space with the right color and finish, and can also repair and restore damaged or worn surfaces. From preparing surfaces for painting to selecting the right materials and tools, painting requires attention to detail and a steady hand. If you have an eye for color and a passion for working with your hands, painting can be a rewarding and in-demand trade skill to master.

1. Admissions Guide for Painting Courses in Australia
This diagram provides a brief guide to the admission process for high school and university graduates who wish to study painting in Australia.
2. Entry Requirements for Painting Studies in Australia
The table below outlines the minimum entry requirements for international students who are interested in pursuing studies in Painting in Australia. Entry requirements are categorized into academic and English language requirements. For detailed admission requirements, please consult with an Australian Study Abroad Counselor (QEAC).
Note: These requirements may vary depending on the institution.
Qualification | IELTS | Academic Requirement |
Certificates | 5.5 (no band less than 5.0) | Year 11 |
Diploma | 5.5 (no band less than 5.0) | Year 12 with ATAR |
3. Structure of Painting Courses in Australia
The following table provides an overview of the structure of a Painting course for international students in Australia. It outlines the key components of the course and briefly describes what each component covers. This information can be useful for students who are interested in pursuing a career in painting and want to gain a better understanding of the different areas of knowledge and skills that they will acquire through the course.
Note: The components and course structure may vary depending on the institution and specific course.
Component | Description |
Health and Safety | Overview of health and safety regulations in the trade painting industry, including identification and management of risks, handling of hazardous materials, and use of personal protective equipment. |
Surface Preparation | Understanding of surface types and preparation techniques, including cleaning, sanding, filling, and priming. |
Paints and Coatings | Overview of different types of paints and coatings, their properties, and appropriate application methods. |
Colour Theory | Understanding of the principles of colour and its use in design and decorating, including colour selection, coordination, and matching. |
Decorative Techniques | Overview of decorative techniques such as stenciling, faux finishing, and texturing. |
Business Practices | Introduction to business practices and project management in the trade painting industry, including estimating and bidding, contract negotiation, and customer service. |

4. List of Painting Schools in Australia
This table provides a comprehensive list of painting schools located in various states and territories across Australia. The schools listed offer a range of courses and programs related to painting, including surface preparation, paint application, colour theory, and industry placement. Prospective students and individuals interested in pursuing a career in painting can use this table as a resource to explore available options for painting education in Australia.
State/Territory | Institution |
NSW | TAFE NSW Australian Health and Management Institute (AHMI) The Peach Institute Norwest Pacific Training Group |
VIC | Oceania Polytechnic Institute of Education (OPIE) Nova Institute of Technology (NIT) Orange College Gen Institute NSMT College Vocational Training Institute |
QLD | Elston Education and Training (EET) Academique The Peach Institute Entrepreneur Education (EE) Everthought |
SA | Nova Institute of Technology (NIT) Norwest |
WA | Everthought |

5. Hierarchy of Painting Positions and Descriptions
The table outlines the positions in the painting hierarchy in Australia, from Painting Apprentice to Painting Project Manager. Responsibilities and required skills increase with each position, with higher positions requiring experience in managing a team and providing advanced painting services.
Note: the positions and descriptions may vary depending on the painting institution or organization.
Position | Description |
Painting Apprentice | An entry-level position for those undergoing an apprenticeship program, with no formal qualifications required. Responsibilities may include assisting experienced painters, preparing surfaces for painting, and learning basic painting techniques. |
Painting Assistant | A support position for experienced trade painters, responsible for assisting in painting and decorating tasks, handling equipment, and ensuring the cleanliness and organization of the worksite. |
Painter | A skilled position responsible for painting and decorating surfaces, including selection and application of paints and coatings, surface preparation, and finishing. May also be responsible for managing a small team of assistants. |
Lead Painter | A supervisory position responsible for managing a team of trade painters, providing guidance and direction, and ensuring that projects are completed on time and to a high standard. May also be responsible for estimating and bidding on painting projects. |
Painting Manager | A managerial position responsible for overseeing all aspects of trade painting projects, including customer service, project planning and scheduling, budgeting, and personnel management. |
Painting Project Manager | An executive position requiring at least 5 years of experience and a comprehensive understanding of trade painting project management. Responsibilities may include managing large-scale painting projects, overseeing project budgets, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. |

6. Career Information for Painting in Australia
The table below provides an overview of the career path and future prospects for becoming a professional in the field of painting in Australia. It includes information on the job outlook, employment size, future job growth rate, average salary, employee percentage, female employment rate, and the average age of the workforce in this field. This information can be helpful for students who are considering pursuing a career in painting and want to understand the potential opportunities and challenges in this industry.
Occupation | Painting Trades Workers (ANZSCO ID 3322) |
Job Type | Technicians And Trades Workers |
Skill Level | Medium skill |
Unemployment Rate | Above average |
Employed | 58,500 |
Future Growth | 0.2% |
Weekly Earnings | A$1,237 |
Full - Time Share | 71% |
Female Share | 4% |
Average Age | 42 |

7. Immigrating to Australia through Painting
The diagram below provides an overview of the general process for immigrating to Australia through the Australian Automotive Painting Program, including available visa options and the painting occupation information.
Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) | Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491) | Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482) | Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494) |
O | O | O | O | O |
Occupation | ANZSCO | List | Visa | Accessing Authority |
Painting Trades Worker | 332211 | MLTSSL | Subclass 189 Subclass 190 Subclass 482 Subclass 494 Subclass 491 | TRA |




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