Australia's vibrant cities and booming construction industry offer exciting opportunities for skilled tradespeople, including painters and decorators. But is this the right path for you?
Is Painting & Decorating In Demand in Australia?
According to the BizCover website, painting is one of the in-demand trades in Australia due to the ongoing construction boom, especially in the residential and commercial sectors. As new buildings and renovations increase, there is a continuous need for skilled painters to complete these projects. Additionally, with a shortage of skilled tradespeople in Australia, painters are needed to fill the gap, offering strong job security and career opportunities. Reference: Bizcover
The Value of Studying Painting & Decorating Course
Studying Painting & Decorating in Australia equips you with skills for a stable career in a high-demand industry. It ensures job security and growth and contributes to the local economy.
- Practical Skills: Get hands-on practice with different painting techniques, surface preparation, wallpapering, and special finishes.
- Creative Expression: Use colour and design to change spaces and show your artistic style.
- Career Flexibility: Work on residential, commercial, or industrial projects, or consider starting your own business.
- Job Prospects: Find good job opportunities due to high demand and potential for growth in this industry.
Course Package and Fees to Take in Becoming a Skilled Cabinet-Maker
What Qualifications Should You Study?
The Painting & Decorating Program consists of two nationally recognised qualifications that must be completed over a year and months of study.
- Certificate III in Painting and Decorating
- Diploma of Building Project Support
The qualifications that should be included in the package are listed below:
Certificate III in Painting and Decorating: This course provides essential skills and knowledge in painting and decorating techniques, safety procedures, and industry standards.
- Duration: It takes 1 year to complete
Diploma of Building & Construction - This qualification reflects the role of building professionals who apply structural principles, financial management, and contract administration knowledge while overseeing quality and managing residential and commercial construction projects.
- Duration: It takes 1.3 years to complete
View our course page: Painting & Decorating
How Much Does it Cost to Study Cabinet-Making in Australia?
The costs of studying Painting & Decorating courses in Australia can vary depending on the qualification, training provider, and location. Studyaway offers the cheapest fee at $26,000 to $35,000
View the course package: Painting & Decorating
Entry Requirements for International Students Studying Painting & Decorating in Australia
Entry into the painting & decorating package is relatively low, as the initial course is a Certificate III and accessible to most people. Entry requirements are listed below. However, opportunities for those with relevant work experience also exist.
1. Course Requirements (refer to the course package above)
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Secondary School Year 11 (pass) transcripts
- English Language Proficiency - - IELTS (5.5 to 6.0), TOEFL, PTE Academic)
2. Student Visa (subclass 500) Requirements
- Provide evidence of enrollment in an RTO offering the required course packaged for Cabinet Making & Timber Technology.
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement: Evidence of financial capacity to support your stay in Australia (tuition, living expenses).
- You must not have a history of visa refusals or overstays in Australia or other countries.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for all international students.
- You must meet Australia’s character requirements, including a police clearance from your home country.
Painting & Decorating Job Prospects
Expertise in painting & decorating contributes to urban development. Here's a breakdown of the job prospects:
Painters - responsible for site preparation, colour matching, surface preparation, and applying paint and other finishes to walls, ceilings, furniture, and other surfaces.
- With an average annual salary of $75,000 to $80,000
Decorators - plans the interior decorative schemes of residential and commercial buildings. They work with clients to advise on colours, furnishings, artwork and finishings.
- With an average annual salary of $70,000 to $80,000
These salary ranges are approximations based on current data and can fluctuate depending on factors like experience, qualifications, and specific locations in Australia.
Career Progression Opportunities
- Construction Manager - They are involved in all aspects of a building site’s operations and must thoroughly understand the building and construction industry.
- Building Surveyors - Ensure buildings are constructed safely and meet legislative requirements.
Challenges and Rewards of Studying Painting & Decorating Course in Australia
Studying painting & decorating in Australia offers a unique blend of opportunities and challenges. Here's a breakdown of the firm and weak points to help you make an informed decision:
Rewards
- Job Satisfaction: Transforming spaces and seeing the results of your work.
- Creativity: Expressing your artistic skills and bringing designs to life.
- Good Earning Potential: Skilled painters and decorators can earn a comfortable living.
- Career Progression: Opportunities for specialisation and advancement.
Challenges
- Physical Demands: The work can be physically demanding, requiring stamina and strength.
- Working at Heights: Painters often work on ladders and scaffolding.
- Exposure to Chemicals: Paints and other materials may contain chemicals that require careful handling.
Post-Study Visas for Painting & Decorating Graduates
There have always been stable pathways for painting & decorating graduates to stay in Australia. However, you must work as a " Painter "and undergo a skills assessment to possess adequate skills and knowledge of the following:
- erecting scaffolding and ladders, and placing drop sheets to protect adjacent areas from paint splattering
- preparing surfaces by removing old paint and wallpaper, fixing woodwork, filling holes and cracks, and smoothing and sealing surfaces
- selecting and preparing paints to required colours by mixing portions of pigment, oil, and thinning and drying additives
- applying paints, varnishes and stains to surfaces using brushes, rollers and sprays
- hanging wallpaper, matching patterns and trimming edges
- cleaning equipment and work areas
- may repair windows and replace glass in wooden and metal frames
- may lay and repair wall and floor tiles
Here are the common visa pathways that Painting & Decorating graduates can pursue.
1. Graduate Temporary Visa (Subclass 485)
- Stay in Australia for 18 months.
- Travel, work or study during your stay in Australia
- Include members of your family
- Become eligible for skilled visas and pathways to permanent residency
To be eligible for this visa, you MUST be:
- be 35 years of age or under when you apply. *Exceptions apply
- be in Australia when you apply for this visa
- hold an eligible visa or have held a Student visa in the last 6 months
- qualify relevant to an occupation on the skilled occupation list
- have applied for a skills assessment in your nominated occupation on the skilled occupation list
- provide evidence of adequate health insurance for all applicants when you apply
- provide evidence you have applied for an Australian Federal Police check when you apply.
- provide evidence of the required level of English with your application.
2. Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) – Core Skills Stream
The visa includes the Core Skills Stream, Specialist Skill Stream, and Labour Agreement Stream. With this visa, you can:
- work in Australia for up to 4 years
- travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid
- if eligible, apply for permanent residence
To be eligible for this visa, you MUST be:
Those who successfully acquire further stay visas can be eligible for Skilled Migration. This allows for Permanent Stay in Australia through the following visas:
Skilled Independent (subclass 189)
- workers with skills can live and work permanently anywhere in Australia
- You don’t need sponsors or nominators
- MUST be invited to apply
- MUST be under 45 years of age
Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)
- You must be nominated by the state or territory
- Must live and work in the nominating state or territory for at least two years
- Study, work, and stay in Australia permanently
- enrol in Australia's public health care scheme, Medicare
- sponsor your relatives to come to Australia
- travel to and from Australia for 5 years
- if eligible, become an Australian citizen
Check specific requirements on the Department of Home Affairs website. This page provides the latest details and eligibility criteria for all relevant visas.
Studyaway is your partner throughout your stay in Australia, and we will guide you every step of the way, from student visas to graduate, work, and permanent residency, through our team of experts.
Start Your Painting & Decorating Journey with Studyaway!
Studying Cabinet-Making & Timber Technology in Australia offers strong job prospects and the opportunity to make a real difference.
At Studyaway, we provide expert support to help you choose the right course, manage visa options, and navigate your career path. With our affordable packages, we can make your dream of studying in Australia a reality.
Here are some further readings to support you: