Wages vary depending on experience, union affiliation, and location. Apprentices earn a percentage of the journeyperson’s wage. The percentage is based on hours that are accumulated as you pass each level and work in the respective trade. For details on wage rates, please consult your employer or your local Union Business Agent.
Finding a job as a painter apprentice is the first step in your career. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Join a Union: Many painting apprenticeships are offered through unions, which can also help with job placement.
- Contact Contractors: Reach out directly to painting contractors in your area to inquire about apprenticeship opportunities.
- Use Online Resources: Websites like Job Bank, Indeed, and LinkedIn can be great resources for finding apprenticeship openings.
Upon successful completion of all 3 levels of schooling and accumulating a minimum total of 6,000 hours necessary under the terms of your Training Agreement, your sponsor/employer must report your completion to the MLTSD. Once the Ministry has recorded the results in their system, your membership with Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) will change to that of a “Journeyperson Candidate” membership class. Once you are a Journeyperson Candidate with STO, you are eligible to write the Certificate of Qualification (CofQ) exam. The exam is written at Ministry Apprenticeship exam centres, and a minimum grade of 70% is required to pass. This will give you your Interprovincial Red Seal License (for Red Seal trades).
Apprentices must complete three levels of schooling, each lasting 8 weeks:
- Basic Level: Focuses on introductory painting techniques, health and safety protocols, and basic color theory.
- Intermediate Level: Covers more advanced techniques such as spray painting and surface preparation.
- Advanced Level: Delves into specialized areas like faux finishes, industrial coatings, and blueprint reading.
Classes are held Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., at our facilities at 130 Toro Road, Toronto (for Commercial and Residential Painter) or at 1430 Osprey Dr., Ancaster (for Industrial Painter).
FTI is the Training Delivery Agent for the Painter Decorator apprenticeship programs for all of Ontario. Classes predominantly address painting theory and Health & Safety issues (e.g. CPR, First Aid, Fall Protection, and WHMIS). There are over 50 topics addressed in school. They cover everything painters do from blueprints, brush and roll, spray painting to faux finish, surface preparation, and coating application. The minimum passing grade for each level of apprenticeship training is 70%.
Apprentices are invited to school by FTI and the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) approximately 6-8 weeks prior to the start date of a course. Invitation is by email predominately and apprentices are required to contact the FTI as soon as possible to reserve their seat as seating is limited and on a “first come, first served” basis.
The program typically takes 3-4 years to complete, depending on how quickly you accumulate the required hours. You’ll need:
- 720 hours of in-school training
- 5,280 hours of on-the-job training as a painter apprentice
To apply for an apprenticeship, you’ll need to register with the Ontario College of Trades and find an employer willing to take you on as an apprentice.
To be successful as a painter, you’ll need strong hand-eye coordination, attention to detail, and good problem-solving skills. Physical fitness is also important, as the job requires standing for lengthy periods and working in awkward positions.
As a glazier or glazier apprentice, the job outlook is positive, with a steady demand for new construction, renovations, and repairs. Workers will also be needed to replace the glaziers who retire each year.
Glaziers and glazier apprentices work on a variety of different types of projects including installing windows and doors for residential units, installing storefronts and glass facades in commercial buildings, and repairing specialized glass for industrial structures.
To be a glazier, you’ll need strong communication skills, great hand-eye coordination, physical strength, ability to work independently and with a team, knowledge of basic math, and being comfortable working at heights.
Being a glazier involves installing, repairing, and maintaining glass in various settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The job can be physically demanding, requiring the handling of heavy glass, and working on ladders or scaffolding. Precision, attention to detail, and good problem-solving skills are essential. Glaziers work with a range of glass types and often enjoy the immediate satisfaction of seeing their work.
Becoming a glazier means you’ll first need to be a glazier apprentice. The minimum entry for apprenticeship is grade 10. Apprenticeship includes hands-on and classroom training, with the opportunity for a paid job placement. Upon completing their apprenticeship, some glazier apprentices may be offered employment depending on their performance during the program and the current demands of the industry.
Upon successful completion of all 3 levels of schooling and accumulating a minimum total of 6,000 hours necessary under the terms of your Training Agreement, your sponsor/employer must report your completion to the MLTSD. Once the Ministry has recorded the results in their system, your membership with the Ontario College of Trades will change to that of a “Journeyperson Candidate” membership class (please note: after April 8, 2013, you must be a member of the OCOT in order to write the CofQ). Once you are a Journeyperson Candidate with the OCOT, you are eligible to write the Certificate of Qualification (CofQ) exam.
An examination fee of $150 +HST must be paid to the OCOT in advance for each attempt at writing. The exam is written at Ministry Apprenticeship exam centres, and a minimum grade of 70% is required to pass. This will give you your Interprovincial Red Seal License (for Red Seal trades).
Yes, there is.
- The Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development will provide qualified registered apprentices with information regarding a non-repayable grant of up to $400 to purchase your tools. If you believe you qualify, you can apply online at: https://www.eoss.tcu.gov.on.ca/AOL/grants/tools_grant/start?lang=en
- There are also various grants available: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/apprentices/grants.html
- Apprentices attending Apprenticeship training at FTI Ontario may collect Employment Insurance while in school if they are able to meet the qualification for a regular Employment Insurance claim.
- Minimum age is 16 years old.
- A valid Social Insurance Number (if your SIN begins with “9” you must provide an expiry date).
- Minimum grade 10 Canadian education or equivalent proven by a copy of your high school transcript showing credits in Math, English and Science. A copy of your Canadian high school diploma will give you 300 hours credit towards the 6,000 contract. If your documentation is in a language other than English, you will need to have this translated by a certified translator.
- Membership in the Ontario College of Trades is mandatory for apprentices, and membership must be maintained annually. If membership lapses, apprentices will not be eligible to attend training, and may have their apprenticeship contracts cancelled by the Ministry.
- Effective August 1, 2002, the Government introduced a $400 tuition fee. If you are non-unionyou will have to pay this fee for each level of schooling.
- If you have Work Experiencein the trade, you could get some of those hours credited towards your apprenticeship. They must be proven by a letter on company letterhead stating the following:
- Dates of employment
- Total hours worked during these dates
- Skills and tasks performed
- Description of the types of painting jobs you were doing
- Basic Level – 8 week duration
- Intermediate Level – 8 week duration
- Advanced Level – 8 week duration
Schooling is 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday at our facility at 1430 Osprey Dr., Ancaster. FTI is the Training Delivery Agent for the Industrial Painter apprenticeship program for all of Ontario. Classes predominantly address painting theory and Health & Safety issues (e.g., CPR, First Aid, Working at Heights, and WHMIS). There are over 50 topics addressed in school. They cover everything painters do from blueprints, brush and roll, spray painting, surface preparation, and coating application. The minimum passing grade for each level of apprenticeship training is 70%.
Apprentices are invited to school by FTI and the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) approximately 6-8 weeks prior to the start date of a course. Invitations are sent by mail and email and apprentices are required to contact the FTI as soon as possible to reserve their seat as seating is limited and on a “first come, first served” basis.
FTI does not offer job placement. The apprentice must find a job on their own either through the local union or by contacting Industrial Painting Contractors directly. The Union or employment agencies may be able to provide assistance with job searching.
You will be paid a percentage of a full journeyman’s wages while you are working as an apprentice. The percentage is based on hours that are accumulated as you pass each level and work in the respective trade. For details on wage rates, please consult your employer or your local Union Business Agent.
- 6,000 hour program; it takes 3-4 years to complete
- 720 hours come from in-school training
- 5,280 hours come from working in the trade as a painter apprentice