Excellence in Painting Training

MPA Skills Painting Division offers a complete range of learning options for the painting industry. At the entry level, we provide school-to-work, pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship and custom designed programs in partnership with the Department of Education and Training.

For those keen to update or extend their existing industry skills there are plenty of options. From the latest architectural techniques of wood graining, marbling and gold leafing to industrial blasting and corrosion control, what ever your needs we have the training.

As well as teaching specialised painting skills, our courses include business administration, customer service and better business practice.

MPA Skills also offers the Painters Registration Course a necessary pre-requisite for painting tradespersons who wish to undertake contract work directly with the client. This program meets the requirements of the Painters Registration Board responsible for the registration of painting contractors under the Painters Registration Act.

To view any information about what MPA Skills has to offer click on the links below.

We have included a great deal of information in this website, but if you would like to talk to us in person, or have more questions, don't hesitate to call or contact us via email.

MPA Skills informative classroom instruction is complemented with hands-on skill development, combining both the practical and theoretical aspects in a manner that maximises learning.

Just what does a Painter actually do?

A painter creates the atmosphere and environment of a room, building or structure. From contemporary finishes to old world charm a painter is responsible for the "feel" and ambiance of the project. A painter can also offer advice on colours and combinations as well as suggest the latest in decorating techniques.

Painters and decorators apply paint, varnish, wallpaper and other finishes to protect, maintain and decorate interior and exterior surfaces of domestic, commercial and industrial buildings and other structures.

There are several categories of painting. These include architectural painting which involves the internal or external painting of domestic homes; and commercial and industrial painting, which is the painting and preservation of industrial structures and equipment. Painters and decorators may work alone or as members of a team.
Painters and Decorators may also perform the following tasks:

* Calculate the quantity of materials and amount of labour required and provide cost estimates
* Advise clients of choice of products and/or finishes required
* Erect support structures and protective tools
* Repair and prepare work surfaces
* Select and prepare paints to match colours by the addition of tinters
* Apply wallpapers, paints, varnishes and protective coatings, including the specialised finishes such as stencils, colour glaze, graining, marbling and lettering
* Work with other professionals including designers, engineers, architects and carpenters to ensure the best possible result.

About Painting Apprenticeships

An Apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training with experienced tradespeople, and classroom instruction.

At MPA Skills we have developed a well-respected apprenticeship-training program for people choosing to work in the painting field. These programs are recommended for those who are highly motivated to enter the painting industry. Comprehensive courses provide a solid understanding of fundamental skills and theory and provide the building blocks to the specialised training that follows. Apprentices learn through both classroom and on-site, hands-on working experience.

MPA Skills is considered by many to provide the best industry training for apprentices and also offer professional recruitment of apprentices and trainees to employers for short and long term periods.

What skills or qualifications do I need?
Applicants usually need to have passes at Year 10 level or better in maths, english & trade subjects or a person who has successfully completed a pre-apprenticeship can approach a licensed painter and ask for an apprenticeship.

Although apprenticeships are 'entry level employment' most employers will prefer candidates to have had some practical exposure to the particular trade.

How to get started
To undertake an apprenticeship, a person must have an employer who is willing to employ him/her as an apprentice. Employment may be through 'direct indenture' where the apprentice is contracted to the employer, or by 'group indenture' where the apprentice works for a Group Training Company and is placed with various employers during their training.

The employer can offer a three month probationary term; during this period the employer and the probationary apprentice assess each other and make up their minds about entering into a four year apprenticeship training agreement together.

Once the apprenticeship papers are signed the apprentice will train on the job with the employer and 'off the job' with a registered training organisation over the duration of the apprenticeship.

What would make you a good painter?

* Reasonable physical fitness
* A good head for heights
* Normal colour vision
* An ability to work individually or as part of a team