73112

Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)

TEER 3 — College diploma, shorter apprenticeship or 6+ months training

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Trades, transport & equipment operators

7 › 73 › 731 › 7311

Definition

Painters and decorators apply paint, wallpaper and other finishes to interior and exterior surfaces of buildings and other structures. They are employed by construction companies, painting contractors and building maintenance contractors, or they may be self-employed. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Read specifications to determine quantities of materials required
Prepare and clean surfaces using methods such as scraping, sanding, sandblasting, hydro-blasting and steam-cleaning; remove old wallpaper and loose paint; repair cracks and holes in walls; and sandpaper and apply sealer
Mix and thin paint to obtain desired colour and texture
Apply paint or other materials, such as stains, lacquer, enamel, oil, varnish, fibreglass, metal coating or fire retardant using brushes, rollers or spray equipment
Measure, cut and apply wallpaper or fabric to walls
Assemble and erect scaffolding and swing stages
May advise customer on selection of colour schemes and choice of wall coverings
May provide cost estimates to clients.

Example job titles

•construction painter
•maintenance painter
•painter
•painter and decorator
•painter and decorator apprentice
•paperhanger

Overview

Under Canada's NOC 2021 system, Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) are classified under NOC code 73112. This occupation belongs to TEER 3, which qualifies skilled workers for key Canadian economic immigration streams, including the Express Entry-managed Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and numerous Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Professionals in this category prepare surfaces and apply paint, wallpaper, and other finishes to the interior and exterior of buildings and other structures.

To meet the employment requirements for NOC 73112, candidates typically require the completion of secondary school. Additionally, entry into the occupation usually requires completion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program, or a combination of over three years of work experience in the trade combined with some high school, college, or industry courses in painting and decorating. While trade certification is compulsory in Quebec, it is voluntary but highly beneficial in all other provinces and territories. Qualified painters can also obtain a Red Seal endorsement upon successful completion of the interprovincial exam.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For official, up-to-date immigration programs and requirements, always consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a regulated Canadian immigration professional.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.