Want A Spray Painting Apprenticeship? This Blog and Video below is dedicated to young people thinking of getting into Spray Painting.
Why would you want to be a Spray Painter? It’s a dirty job, most likely you’ll be forced to do long hours for low pay and good chance someone will yell at you daily for doing something wrong.
Still here I see, now I’ll cover a few things I see as most important for success in this trade.
Starting something new you will obviously have a long way to go before you can call yourself a professional, this is a big part of the reason that new apprentices are given generic cleaning, sanding and preparation tasks, you may not realize it at the time but just by being around a shop you’ll be picking up lots as you go. Don’t be afraid to ask a questions.
I have always cared about a 1st year Apprentices attitude more than his abilities, be ready to get dirty and don’t complain if you’re asked to empty bins and sweep floors among many other seemingly boring tasks, put 100% effort into these jobs, sooner they’ll be done and you can get onto the work you want to be doing in the paint shop, this will also make the boss and tradesmen you are working for realize you are serious about this trade.
Get the small things right and the big things will fall in place.
manners go a long way especially as a young guy, people who have been doing their job for years don’t want to be told how it’s done by a pimple faced teenager who just started their Apprenticeship.
(see photo Gunman as a pimple faced teenager)
Job Satisfaction
I have heard that Tradesmen on the whole are happier than most other professions, a big part of that is Job Satisfaction, being able to go to work and make things look good every day is extremely rewarding.
This job in particular is not simple though with so many variables and simple mistakes can have expensive consequences.
Yes anyone can grab a can of Spray Paint from the hardware store and say “yeah I can Spray Paint” but to be able to refinish a brand new Mercedes AMG without any trace is a completely different thing.
It truly does take years of practice and making mistakes to be able to call yourself a good Spray Painter.
A highly skillful trade that at times can be extremely testing even to the strongest character but ultimately there is nothing else in the world I would rather do.
There are times I feel guilty for being payed to do this trade because I get such a kick out of it.
Give An Apprenticeship a Go
If a Spray Painting Apprenticeship sounds like something that interests you then visit some shops, do a pre apprenticeship or just get a resume together and be keen, has a shop you’ve had you’re heart set on working at said no? Keep at it go back once a month and they will keep you in mind, maybe even give you the job simply because you seem keen.
I started young just after turning 17 and finishing year 10 at school.
I think it worked to my advantage for a few reasons, I hated school and never went because I was bored with the classes, staying at school until year 12 won’t really achieve much if you want to be a Spray Painter.
This trade needs enthusiastic young people joining, it’s also friendly to girls/women so don’t be shy, attitudes are quite open these days and discrimination is rare from my experience, don’t expect special treatment, head down ass up just like the rest of us and you’ll fit in fine.
So what kind of money can you expect as a qualified tradesman? This will obviously vary on ability and it’s between you and your employer to agree on something.
I am able to make more money as a tradesman Spray Painter than my brother who did countless years of university to become a graphic designer. Those years of uni cost him money while I was getting payed to learn my trade.
I admit it’s not for everyone but highly recommend giving it a go.
Watch the video below for more tips and a look at the kind of work we do.
Check out a few more photos below.
Thanks for reading this article and I hope you enjoyed it, if you did and think there’s a friend who could benefit from it then be sure to share with them.
I always do my best to answer any relevant questions so be sure to leave a comment below.
don’t forget to “Get out there and Paint Some Shit!!”.
I recommend checking out my Latest Blogs.
Hi iam a spray painter by trade iam 23 and have been doing this since i was 15 and have worked in multiple smash repair shops, i love the spray painting and bodywork side of things, the trouble is finding a work place where u are appreciated for what u do and the money u make the boss just though this could add on to your blog about being an apprentice etc and maybe give people an insight on what to expect in the trade, iam from fife in scotland ans would love to share some of my work pictures with you for some feedback.
I realize this is the ideal way to contact The Gunman but it’s the only place I can find.
I’ve found myself having to paint a Yukon. Being particular about details and knowing virtually nothing about modern painting, you can imagine the challenges and difficulties that I’ve ran into. I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the time that you’ve spent in making videos that are detailed, educational and an abundance of help. I’m down to polishing and putting it back together and it’s absolutely perfect!
People don’t hesitate to gripe, complain and belittle someone but rarely will that person spend the time to thank and commend someone. I just wanted to say….
Thank you, keep up the good work and I hope you continue to enjoy all that you do.
J.
Us am said my name is Abraham chilonga am from Malawi am doing the same job us panel beater and spray painter am 32 year of age am man I have experience for 8 year s but problem I have is to find good place to work not only work but to increase my skills because ilike this job so much if I can find chance to work with you I will be grateful because I will rein something here is my number +265994558866
Hey Gunny it’s been years since you’ve touched on this topic, I’m a apprentice spray painter 4th year and really struggling I feel as I’m not getting better can you give me more of a insight of what your apprenticeship was like? How long did it take you to learn how to bog as good as you do? Colour matching? How long did it take you? And also your thoughts on how to one day open up own shop
Nice story, im learning THE job and this gives me more motivitation to go on!
Thx gunman you rock!
I’m a spray painter of 14 years my brother has done it for 20 years an my dad for 45 years we are the best at it. An honstely can’t wait to leave this shit house trade shit pay fuck wit mangers health risks. There is a reason why there are no kids doing this gay job anymore.cause it suxx. Good tradies make 1300 a week I got mates in other trades fucking around makeing 2grand plus an half the time there in the car going to job to job. Be an autoelec before painter if u into cars
Hey man I’ve been painting for 15 years, started when I was 16. Always worked flat rate/commission and wear protection like Sata fresh air mask and all gear for safety. I always made over 6k a week, now I make over 350k a year or 15k a week. You have to work fast and smart
Interesting, time is money. I would like to test out this trade, I am from the Caribbean Island of Saint Martin, and people from that part of the world care about the aesthetics of things, over their actual functinality. Now I live in Europe, France South city of Toulouse and see a perfect opportunity to tap into a certain service and market. I feel a bit intimidated not about the spraying, but about protecting the parts that won’t be sprayed and taking apart doors and stuff like that.
Other than that, I believe it will be something I would like.
Hi,, I am not a spray painter by any means however I did complete an Electrical apprenticeship way back when (1979). Yes I am older than most. Since then I have developed my career to be something different not because I didn’t like the work its just what happened.
So some other advice and to reinforce what the Gunman is saying… First rule of entering any trade is enthusiasm.. Show you are keen and follow up with prospective employers during the application process.
My son now a mechanic apprentice did exactly that, he is a first year “technician” with a very prestigious brand today…. He followed up with the employer and out of 65 applications received by that employer he was the only one who .. Followed up, presented himself appropriately, showed interest and a passion for the job.
He arrives on time at his workplace and most of all takes on all tasks,, cleaning the toilets, sweeping the floors, cleaning tools , assisting his mentors with what I understand to be enthusiasm..PS He hates every one of the menial tasks,, as his father I got to hear it every night.. I am just a servant and or a maid,,, He began to experience what it was like to be his parent.:)) He now spends over 80% of his time on the tools with his mentor / foreman assisting on the job rather than doing basics,, because he was keen he listened and is learning..
Golden Rule 2.
Two ears ONE mouth, communicate using that ratio… Ask questions and listen.. There are no stupid questions in any trade and if you don’t understand the answer ask again,,,, or if you aren’t getting the support at that time,, wait and ask later, your mentor may be busy or “go figure” not in the mood.. But don’t put yourself in the position to make a mistake or put yourself in danger because you didn’t understand the answer or you did not get an answer.
As I went through my years as a mentor and an employer I appreciated enthusiasm and dedication to the task understanding that new entries to this trade did not know, did not have the experience and were there to learn..
Those that claimed knowledge and showed an attitude that was more akin to I must be doing the trade not these petty jobs you assign me did not understand that being in the environment was a learning experience in itself, and should be embraced..
On a number of occasions it is explained that the first year is the hardest.
By the way I am not paying trained, certified Technicians who have a higher cost to the business to clean out the toilet where there is an inexperienced technician available.
Doing these seemingly menial tasks thoroughly demonstrates to your employer that you do it right.. Fundamentally the better you do these tasks and show you can do it well means you do it for less time.
Golden Rule No 3
You do need to understand that as a new person in your trade of choice you don’t know it all, but understand you will learn.
Golden Rule No 4
Expect to make mistakes, Having been an employer of apprentices we expect it to happen from time to time… Expect to be told in no uncertain way that you have made a mistake. Expect to be yelled at whether deserved or not and take it on board.. A mistake is a mistake,, making the same mistake several times well that is something different.
Golden Rule No 5
Most of all embrace the opportunity you are offered and don’t squander this opportunity.. believe me taking on a new apprentice is as daunting to the employer as it is to you the apprentice..
Finally advice to the employer.. from YEARS of Experience.
You are taking on a huge responsibility to your apprentice to ensure that they are the best they can be and be truly competent and safe in your work environment.
Understand that you are not more intelligent, clever or your apprentice is less than you.. You, as a qualified trades person and employer have years more of experience, capability and business acumen than this pimply faced young person has, who is trying to get into your trade.
Appreciate that this person does represent your brand and will in their actions impact your brand. Therefore it is in your interest to educate and treat these people in a manner that you want reflected in the industry. To Enhance your brand and your reputation.
If and when they move on and their next employer reads their resume the fact that you were the mentor and you taught this person through their trade gives them an advantage because of your brand reputation can only be good for your business…
Finally for me and why I am commenting on the Gunman’s site.. Simple I am an old electrician,,, who has recently tried his hand at this trade… And it is more complex, difficult and frustrating than I ever imagined….. BUT………
Having discovered Gunman’s blog, you tube, channel it is now my bible for getting this partially correct and getting some advice on what needs to be done to get it right.. I have seen almost every video he has created and the way it is explained makes it easier for me to pickup..
I won’t ever be a spray painter I will always be a hack but it interests me and I have several jobs on the go with spray painting now and each an every time it is getting better,, not professional but better… I actually discovered that I really enjoy this task albeit a garage hack (ok hobbyist). Most of all I listen and I have learned and appreciate the effort it takes to create these blogs video’s..
PS when I retire (sooner) rather than later I would gladly be the Gunman’s geriatric apprentice to learn,, even if it did mean cleaning stuff up, wiping stuff down, emptying the rubbish because whilst all this is going on I am still learning..
I’m 60 and agree keep on picking up skills .I ran into gunman cos I wanted to spray an old la san marco espresso maschine italian made.according to the apprentesship dutch people can’t read my enthousiasm aso. I am indonesian and must say when I was 17 I was more clever than now really full of life.don’t judge a boy or girl by facial expressions or behaving like a butt kisser.just saying.by the way I was a certified pipewelder for 20 years and inspite of that after standstill ,it takes me 5 days x 40″ to get the feeling back.is that the same with paintspraying or is it like riding a bicycle.goedendag
Nice video. Lucky enough to start an apprenticeship in a Porsche and Ferrari approved body shop in Manchester England. Went on to aerospace and now spraying exhibition rolls Royce jet engines, museum pieces and weapons trainers for the air force here in the UK. But it wouldn’t matter if I was painting a mini metro, I’d still love this trade !!!
And I made £3.75 an hour pound sterling when I started my apprenticeship in 2004
With dignity and mud – its about spray painting.
Hi, dear Gunman, i am from russia, tried to emigrate to Australia…
well you failed
Hi Gunman
I missed out on my spray painters apprenticeship here in the UK, back in 1982. I became a mechanic but never lost the desire to be a spraypainter. I am now working in a commercial workshop where we have started to undertake some collision and spit repair. I volunteered for the role and am enjoying spraying some shit! I’d love if to be more regular but I’ll take what I can as I love the rewarding feeling when making something look good.
Regards
Barry UK
I think it’s cool that spray painting a vehicle is such an interesting job to have. I like to see what kinds of tools that they use. I really like seeing the finished product even more, though! Thanks for sharing.
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PAINT ON PAPER
Hi everyone,
I have a beautiful storey, my amazing son Jarrod started his Apprenticeship in Spray Painting on the 15th July, 2019 at 16. He has the Autism Spectrum, his passion for this Industry is above and beyond, he cant get enough of it, he has an incredible eye for colour, he was told they have never know any one like him for it, he knows all the codes in prestige pearl paints, incredible at paint mixing, he has been doing on his own for the last six months, all he want to do is get on the gun.
Unfortunately he was put off this week, he was heart broken, he is so well respected by everyone, they just adore him, his manners, his kindness etc. Unfortunately, they do not have the time to show him the proper skills which are needed. the Tech/MTA comes to the Workshop, its just written questions, he is totally confused, as he can’t understand why you are given questions, then told to cheat with the answers in the back of the book. this not learning.
All he wants is to be a Spray Painter, its his passion, he has been told he will be brilliant at it, yes he is a little slow, but he is a 1st year, slow and steady wins the race, until you learn the ropes. Apparently not.
He just want a go in life..
Natalie
Hi Natalie
I don’t know if you will ever see this but your story really touched my heart. I feel sorry that Jarrod was put off work because, from your description he was an employee with so much promise. If I was an employer, I would pick him up in a heartbeat knowing how much people on the spectrum have something special to offer.
I wish you well and hope that Jarrod was able to find someone who appreciated his ability. I hope he never gives up on his dream.
All the best,
Lloyd.
Hey Gunman, I hope all is well my name is Jah and I am a paint prepper in a body shop. I’ve been doing this for maybe 6 months and man do I enjoy it I’ve fell in love with it since I started working in the body shop I can’t get enough of it man I come in super early and leave late to prove to my painter and my team that I am blessed to have this position and I want to get better. My painter showed me your Channel and said you are amazing at your work and I should watch you so I did, I’ve watched your prepping playlist, every single video just seeing how you do things and you’ve taught me a lot. But of course with this type of job comes with it’s struggles, as much work and grind as I put it in sometimes I feel like I’m not getting better or progressing I’m extremely hard on myself because I want to be the best and take weight of my painters shoulders so all he has to do is just walk in the booth and spray, i understand I’m still new to this but I expect more out of myself or I try to bring out the best I can of myself. I keep my head high and just keep working though man. It’s a pleasure to watch your videos and I hope you continue to be great!