Painter Apprentice

**Apprenticeship Opportunity - Painter (Seaspan Victoria Shipyards)**

Seaspan Victoria Shipyards is seeking motivated individuals to join our **Paint Department as Painting Apprentices**. This apprenticeship provides hands-on training and mentorship, preparing you to become a **Red Seal Certified Painter/Decorator**.

**About the Trade**

**Role Overview**

As a **First-Year Apprentice**, you will:

- Develop safe work practices while adhering to Seaspan’s health, safety, and environmental standards.
- Gain exposure to all aspects of industrial painting through both practical and classroom-based training.

Our apprentices who demonstrate initiative, enthusiasm, and commitment to Seaspan’s core values will progress successfully toward Red Seal certification.

**Work Environment**

This position is based at the **Esquimalt Graving Dock**in Esquimalt, BC—an active industrial setting where ship repair and maintenance are performed.

**Duties & Accountabilities**
- Prepare and paint vessels, barges, and related structures.
- Access job sites via manlifts, ladders, scaffolding, stairs, and scissor lifts.
- Enter vessel compartments, including confined spaces (e.g., holds, tanks, voids) using manholes and vertical ladders.
- Set up work areas and organize tools/equipment.
- Operate painting and preparation equipment: spray systems, brushes, rollers, mixers, forklifts, and power tools.

**Education & Experience**
- High school diploma (Grade 12 or equivalent) required.
- Previous painting experience is considered an asset.

**Skills & Competencies**

**Technical Skills**
- Ability to follow safety procedures and use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly.
- Familiarity with painting tools, power tools, and surface preparation techniques.
- Basic mechanical aptitude for handling and maintaining spray equipment and mixers.
- Comfort working in industrial environments, including confined spaces and at heights.

**Workplace Skills**
- Ability to comprehend and follow written and verbal instructions in English.
- Strong communication skills for working effectively with supervisors, journeypersons, and peers.
- Problem-solving skills to assess work areas and use the best preparation/painting method.
- Organizational skills for setting up work areas and managing tools and materials efficiently.
- Time management to complete tasks safely within project deadlines.

**Personal Attributes**
- Demonstrated initiative, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn.
- Perseverance and ambition to progress through apprenticeship levels toward Red Seal certification.
- Integrity, accountability, and respect for team members.
- Adaptability and resilience in challenging work environments (confined spaces, awkward positions, variable weather).
- Team-oriented mindset with the ability to contribute to a positive and respectful workplace culture