Industrial painting is a specialized trade that involves applying paint, varnishes, and other coatings to protect and enhance the surfaces of structures and equipment in industrial settings. Industrial painters work on a variety of projects, including bridges, factories, power plants, and other large structures. Their work is crucial in preventing corrosion, ensuring safety, and improving the longevity of industrial assets.

If you’re contemplating trade career options and are considering qualifying as an industrial painter, you will want to explore what working in the field looks like and what types of skills and responsibilities you would need to acquire through industrial training.

Responsibilities and Skills for Industrial Painters

Industrial painters follow a proven process for industrial training and work when doing their craft. Let’s briefly look at some of those key tasks.

  1. Surface Preparation: To get things started, you will need to clean, sand, and prime surfaces to ensure optimal paint adhesion.
  2. Coating Application: Next, apply paint or other coatings using brushes, rollers, or spray equipment.
  3. Inspection and Quality Control: You will need to ensure that the applied coatings meet specified standards and are free from defects.
  4. Maintenance and Repair: Sometimes, you will need to touch up and maintain previously coated surfaces to extend their lifespan.
  5. Safety Compliance: Safety should always be prioritized. Adhering to safety protocols is important in order to protect you and others from hazardous materials and environments.

Required Skills

So, you might be asking yourself whether you are cut out to be an . Let’s look at some of the skills you will need to develop through industrial training to be successful:

  1. Attention to Detail: Ensuring precise application and adherence to specifications.
  2. Technical Proficiency: Using various tools and equipment effectively.
  3. Physical Stamina: Performing physically demanding tasks, often in challenging environments.
  4. Knowledge of Materials: Understanding different types of coatings and their applications.
  5. Problem-Solving: Addressing issues such as surface imperfections and equipment malfunctions.

Education and Training for Industrial Painters

The journey to becoming an industrial painter typically starts with a high school diploma or equivalent. Courses in mathematics, chemistry, and technical drawing can provide a helpful foundation. There are also that can give you a leg up. Prospective industrial painters should seek out formal industrial training programs offered by vocational schools, community colleges, and technical institutes. These programs cover essential topics such as:

  1. Safety Procedures: Understanding and adhering to safety regulations.
  2. Surface Preparation Techniques: Learning how to prepare various surfaces for coating.
  3. Application Methods: Gaining proficiency in different coating application techniques.
  4. Material Science: Understanding the properties of different coatings and their appropriate uses.

Apprenticeship Requirements

In Ontario, the path to becoming a certified industrial painter involves completing an apprenticeship. This combines on-the-job training with in-class instruction to ensure comprehensive skill development.

The apprenticeship requires 6,000 hours of on-the-job training, approximately three years. During this period, apprentices work under the supervision of experienced industrial painters, performing tasks such as:

  1. Preparing and Painting Surfaces: Applying what they have learned in training to real-world projects.
  2. Learning Advanced Techniques: Gaining experience with specialized coatings and application methods.
  3. Understanding Industry Standards: Adhering to the standards and protocols of the trade.

In addition to on-the-job training, apprentices must complete 720 hours of in-class technical training. This is divided into three 8-week sessions and covers advanced topics such as:

  1. Advanced Coating Systems: Understanding complex coating systems and their applications.
  2. Problem-Solving Techniques: Learning to troubleshoot common issues in industrial painting.
  3. Industry Regulations: Studying the regulations and standards governing industrial painting.

Certification

Upon completing the apprenticeship, individuals must pass a certification exam administered by the Registrar of Skilled Trades Ontario. This certifies them as qualified industrial painters, allowing them to work independently and pursue advanced career opportunities.

Gaining Relevant Work Experience

After certification, gaining additional work experience is crucial for career advancement. Working on diverse projects helps industrial painters refine their skills and build a strong portfolio. Networking with professionals in the field and joining industry associations can also open up opportunities for growth and development.

On-the-Job Industrial Training and Continuing Education

Even after certification, industrial painters should continue their education and training. Many employers offer on-the-job training to keep painters updated on the latest techniques and technologies. Attending workshops, seminars, and courses can help painters stay current with industry trends and best practices.

Career Paths and Opportunities

Industrial painters can advance their careers by specializing in certain areas, such as:

  1. Coating Inspection: Becoming certified as a coating inspector to oversee quality control.
  2. Project Management: Managing painting projects, including budgeting and scheduling.
  3. Training and Mentorship: Training new apprentices and sharing expertise.

Employment Opportunities

Industrial painters are in demand across various sectors, including:

  1. Construction: Working on infrastructure projects like bridges and tunnels.
  2. Manufacturing: Coating machinery and equipment to prevent corrosion.
  3. Oil and Gas: Protecting pipelines and storage tanks in harsh environments.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for industrial painters is positive, with steady demand expected due to ongoing infrastructure projects and maintenance needs. As industries continue to prioritize the longevity and safety of their assets, the need for skilled industrial painters will remain strong.

FTI Ontario Provides Industrial Training for Prospective Painters

Becoming an industrial painter involves a combination of formal education, industrial training, and hands-on experience. Through apprenticeships and certification, aspiring painters gain the skills and knowledge needed to excel in this demanding and rewarding field. With dedication and ongoing learning, industrial painters can enjoy a stable and fulfilling career, contributing to the protection and enhancement of vital industrial structures and equipment.

Contact FTI Ontario today to get started on your industrial painter training.