Building painter

As a building painter you give both new and old buildings surfaces and colour. You putty, sand, paint and wallpaper — inside and out — and at the same time protect facades and woodwork from weather and wear. You become a craftsperson with an eye for finish and colours where the finished result must be smooth, clean and durable.

§What do you do in everyday life?

You work for painting contractors on everything from private homes to large construction projects. A job starts with preparing the surface — masking, sanding and filling — before you paint. You mix colours, choose the right type of paint and work systematically so the result is even. Cleanliness and care are a large part of the trade.

• 01You learn to prepare surfaces: mask, sand, and filler.
• 02You learn painting techniques for walls, ceilings, wood, and metal.
• 03You learn to choose and mix paint and colors correctly.
• 04You learn to wallpaper and work with decorative techniques.
• 05You learn about facade treatment and weather protection.
• 06You learn to work safely with scaffolding, chemicals, and extraction.

§How do you get started?

You start with a basic course at a vocational college and then find an apprenticeship with a master painter. You alternate between school and practical training and receive an apprentice wage throughout the programme, so you learn the trade both in theory and in practice out on the jobs.

§The way forward

As fully trained you can work for painting companies in industry or start for yourself. You can specialise in for example decorative painting façade work or signage become a crew leader or build further towards a building technical education.

“You are the one who applies the final coat — and makes an entire building look finished.”