Preparation Most painters and paperhangers gain their skills on the job while working with experienced workers. However, some complete an apprenticeship. Employers prefer that applicants for helper or apprentice positions have a high school diploma or GED and have taken courses in math. Applicants for apprenticeships must be at least 16 years old. Apprenticeships are sponsored by unions or contractors.
Courses cover color harmony, use and care of tools and equipment, blueprint reading, and first aid.
On the job, apprentices learn to prepare surfaces, mix and match paint, and finish wood. They learn different techniques for applying paint or paper as well as the characteristics of different finishes. Apprentices often learn more techniques than those who learn their skills on the job. These workers start as helpers. They start with basic tasks like carrying supplies and erecting scaffolds.