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National code: CPC30620

Certificate III in Painting and Decorating

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Overview About this course

Get the skills to become a trade licensed painter and decorator. Learn to transform residential and commercial buildings with specialist techniques, and set yourself up for success in an in-demand industry.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Prepare different surfaces for painting

  • Apply paint using various tools and equipment

  • Apply decorative wallpaper

  • Create textured surfaces

  • Communicate with clients to achieve their vision

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • Experience working on residential and commercial interiors

  • A sound understanding of work health and safety in the construction industry

  • Eligibility to apply for a painting trade licence

  • Strong pathways to continue your studies and enhance your career opportunities

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

  • Check the campus page for requirements to take this course as an apprenticeship

  • This course may also be offered as a non-apprenticeship. Enquire today to discuss your eligibility

Completion requirements

During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:

  • A general construction induction card (commonly known as a white card) – you will need this before you can enter a construction site

  • A Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test and achieve a score of 3 across the two bands of learning and oral communication, a score of 2 across two bands of literacy, a score of 1 across one band of digital literacy and a and 3 across one band of numeracy. This skills test helps us to understand your individual study needs and to provide you with the appropriate support for your study success.

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • The ability to work independently and in a team

  • An intermediate level of fitness to manage physical demands

  • Comfort working at heights

TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like:

Painting Trades Worker

Painting Trades Workers apply paint, varnish, wallpaper and other finishes to protect, maintain and decorate surfaces of buildings and structures.

  • Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).

    77%

  • Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.

    15,400 workers

  • Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.

    42 years

  • Weekly pay Median earnings are shown for full-time, non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate, before tax or any amounts that are salary sacrificed. These figures are a guide to earnings only and should not be used to determine a wage rate.

    $1,090

  • Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.

    42 hours

  • Skill level rating Skill level ratings are based on the range and complexity of job roles. In general, the higher the skill level, the more formal education and training, previous experience or on-the-job training needed to be good at the job.

    Medium

  • Gender share

    3% female

  • Future growth The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business estimates the likely change in number of workers in this role, or industry, over the next 5 years. Future growth is the likely percentage change compared to all other job roles.

    Moderate Growth

Other jobs include: painter and decorator

Licensing

A white card (or general construction induction card) is required for any worker who needs to access a construction site. Local regulations should also be checked for requirements. Visit the [SafeWork website] (https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/licences-and-registrations/white-cards) for more information on applying for your white card. This is a licensed occupation. When you successfully complete the Certificate III in Painting and Decorating you can apply for licensing with NSW Fair Trading. They are the licensing and regulatory authority for trades in NSW. Visit NSW Fair Trading for more information.

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 0 Courses

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

The Certificate III in Painting and Decorating does not have any pre-requisite courses.

Further study 0 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

The Certificate III in Painting and Decorating does not have any post-graduate courses.

Related study 1 Course

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

Your experience counts

At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

Units Units taught in this course

Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Painting and Decorating qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 29 Units of competency, including 26 core and 3 speciality units.

Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.

Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

  • Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding CPCCCM2008

  • Work safely at heights CPCCCM2012

  • Operate elevated work platforms up to 11 metres CPCCCM3001

  • Calculate costs of construction work CPCCCM3005

  • ... 7

TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

  • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

  • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

  • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

  • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

  • TAFE NSW Libraries

  • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

  • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

  • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

  • Student associations – get social with our student community

Study options Find a location to enrol

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