The industry today: where does a surface finisher work?

Surfaces that must withstand harsh weather and tough environments are everywhere in modern society — and behind them stand surface finishers. It is a trade with a broad interface to industry, which means many different types of workplaces.

• 01Iron and metal industry
• 02The wind turbine industry where towers and components must be protected against weather and wind
• 03Offshore and maritime industry including shipyards
• 04Machine and production companies
• 05Companies that do powder coating of furniture appliances and metal items
• 06Projects on large steel structures such as bridges, masts and towers

If you work with large structures, you often end up on construction sites and up at height at bridges and towers. If you choose component and industrial coating, much of the work takes place in production halls with automated equipment and spray booths. This gives you the opportunity to find the everyday life that suits you.

As a fully trained surface treatment worker unemployment is generally low and several of the industries the trade ties to — especially green energy with wind turbines — are growing. When Denmark and the rest of the world build more infrastructure and more renewable energy the need to protect steel follows.

The technique is evolving: more automation, new and more environmentally friendly products, and stricter documentation requirements. This does not mean the profession disappears — it means the skilled surface treatment worker must constantly learn new things. And that is precisely what makes the profession exciting to stay in.

“As long as the world builds in steel someone needs to protect it from rust.”