Paint Sprayer
The Work
Paint sprayers work either as production line sprayers or construction site sprayers.
Production line sprayers deal with products such as new vehicles, 'white goods' (such as ovens and dishwashers), 'yellow goods' (such as mechanical diggers and fork-lift trucks), wooden furniture, and everyday items.
Construction site sprayers apply protective coatings and decorative finishes to steel structures such as ships and bridges. They may also apply decorative finishes to the interior and exterior of buildings. Some of the work may involve abrasive blasting to clean steel structures.
The job will involve:
Paint sprayers use a hand gun or operate automated machinery to apply the paint, and are responsible for the maintenance of the equipment.
Hours and Conditions
Production paint sprayers normally work shifts, typically lasting eight hours. Paint spraying is the last part of the manufacturing process, and may involve working overtime.
Most work is done in controlled conditions, usually in specially designed paint or powder booths that have extra ventilation and may be set aside from the rest of a factory.
A construction site paint sprayer will work mainly outdoors, often from ladders or raised platforms.
Spraying can involve standing, bending and stretching and protective clothing must be worn. This may not be a suitable job for people with allergies or breathing problems such as asthma.
Skills and Interests
To be a paint sprayer you should:
Training
Most training is in the workplace under the supervision of experienced sprayers.
Some units of NVQ / SVQ Levels 1 and 2 Performing Manufacturing Operations, and Levels 1 and 2 Performing Engineering Operations are relevant to production paint spraying. NVQ / SVQ Levels 2 and 3 in Painting and Decorating contain units relevant to paint spraying in the construction industry. There are no set entry requirements for NVQs / SVQs.
In the construction industry, most training is provided by equipment and coatings manufacturers on behalf of employers. Training is normally in the form of a two or three-day course at a manufacturer’s training centre. Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) approved courses are certificated and recognised throughout the industry. Details of courses and providers can be obtained from CITB regional offices.
The Institute of Metal Finishing (IMF) offers relevant courses in paint and powder coatings, and automotive finishing. Candidates need a basic knowledge of maths and chemistry. Courses lead to a Foundation Certificate or Module Certificate. Completion of certain modules leads to the award of a Technician Certificate. Courses are available by distance learning, with some practical work and tutorials. You can get further information from the IMF.
Foundation and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships (MAPPs) may be available for people aged 16-24. For details see:
MAPPs
(England)
Skillseekers
(Scotland)
National
Traineeships MAPPs (Wales) and
MAPPs
(Northern Ireland)
Opportunities
The manufacturing and construction industries are the main employers of paint sprayers. Most opportunities are with large manufacturers and specialist coating firms. Opportunities with small firms exist, but many small firms sub-contract work to larger companies.
Initial promotion is normally to paint shop supervisor. However, promotion often depends on what proportion of the business is taken up by paint spraying.
Paint sprayers with relevant qualifications and experience may be able to work in quality control, health and safety, and production and works management.
There is some scope for self-employment.
There may be opportunities for construction paint sprayers to work overseas on large projects such as bridges, ships and oil rigs.
Salary
The figures below are intended as a guideline only.
Paint sprayers working in production earn around £10,900+ a year.
People with supervisory tasks may earn around £13,000+ a year.
Paint sprayers in construction earn around £15,000+ a year.
Further Information
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SEMTA (Science Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies Alliance)
Tel: 0808 100 3682
www.semta.org.uk
CITB - Construction Skills
Tel: 01485 577577
www.citb.org.uk
The Institute of Metal Finishing
Tel: 0121 622 7387
www.uk-finishing.org.uk
