Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement:
Painting and paperhanging are learned through apprenticeship or informal, on-the-job instruction. Although training authorities recommend completion of an apprenticeship as the best way to become a painter or paperhanger, most painters learn the trade informally on the job. Few opportunities for informal training exist for paperhangers because few paperhangers have a need for helpers.

Job Outlook:
Employment of painters and paperhangers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005 as the level of new construction increases and the stock of buildings and other structures that require maintenance and renovation grows. There will be an estimated 569,000 painters and paperhangers by 2005. In addition to job openings created by rising demand for the services of these workers, many tens of thousands of jobs will become available each year as painters and paperhangers transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. Because there are no strict training requirements for entry, many people with limited skills work as painters or paperhangers for a short time and then move on to other types of work, creating many job openings. Because the number of paperhangers is comparatively small, many fewer openings will exist in this occupation.

Sources of Additional Information:

For details about painting and paperhanging apprenticeships or work opportunities, contact local painting and decorating contractors; a local of the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades; a local joint unionmanagement apprenticeship committee; or an office of the state apprenticeship agency or state employment service.

For general information about the work of painters and paperhangers, contact: