Many people who wish to become painters are looking for the opportunity to join the ranks of those who focus on painting industrial interiors. There is currently a huge demand in Ontario for industrial painters with many job opportunities available. Industrial painters are extremely well paid for the work they do. However, they haven’t always had the opportunity to learn about the unique qualities and exciting possibilities related to this exciting field. That’s where IUPAT often steps in. As Ontario’s painting union, we help individuals understand how they can become industrial painters.
A Few Facts about Industrial Painters…
A person who wishes to become an industrial painter should contact us to see what’s involved.
Here are some facts:
- Apprenticeships and Memberships. All apprentices who desire to learn the industrial painting trade have to become a member of OCOT; this is a requirement of their apprenticeship. However, because painters are not currently a compulsory trade, they do not need to become members of OCOT if they are not planning on apprenticing.
- Training. In order to finish an industrial painter apprenticeship, all apprentices must attend a trade school, and must complete basic painter training, intermediate painter training, and advanced painter training, plus the apprenticeship. The training center for painters of this nature is located in Ancaster, Ontario. Industrial painters must stay trained throughout their careers. They are expected to keep up to speed on new technologies involving coatings, surface preparation, surface application and more.
- Standards. Industrial painters are trained to the SSPC Standard. The purpose of SSPC (The Society for Protective Coatings) is to advance technology and provide the use of protective coatings to protect finishes used in industrial properties.
- Certifications. The industrial painter is trained to have a CAS certification. This means he or she is a Coating Application Specialist, which meets the stringent requirements of ISO 17024.
- Job Environments. Industrial painters work on many different types of projects, including those related to infrastructure and public safety. In this capacity, they may paint bridges, water towers, water treatment facilities, pipelines (oil and gas), electrical components (hydro and nuclear), manufacturing parts and facilities, and much more. In some places, such as nuclear plants, industrial painters have to work with specialized coatings to maintain the integrity and longevity of the machinery and facility.
- What to Expect on the Job. Being an industrial painter is tough work, but is extremely rewarding. The individual has the opportunity to work in a variety of conditions, including at extreme heat and cold, at heights, and in confined spaces. They routinely work with high pressure water blasters, industrial vacuums, sand blasters, spray painting equipment, metalizing equipment and building containments. This variability provides a wealth of benefits, especially for someone who desires a career path that is always changing.
Industrial painters have to be willing to put their all into their profession. Not only do they need to stay abreast of the changes in the trade, but they must be willing to educate themselves on techniques that will only enhance the finished product for their customer base.
For more information on industrial painting, or to join this burgeoning trade, feel free to contact IUPAT at (416) 630-9604.
