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

According to Skilled Trades BC, Painter/Decorators apply paint, coatings, wallpaper, and other finishes to interior and exterior surfaces. They also prepare work areas by repairing cracks and holes, scraping, sanding, sandblasting, hydro-blasting, and steam-cleaning. Work can range from residential interiors to large-scale industrial projects, including ship repair and shipbuilding.

Role Overview

As a First-Year Apprentice, you will:

• Learn and apply basic painting principles under the guidance of supervisors, chargehands, and journeypersons.
• 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

Based on the current Collective Agreement, starting apprentice rate are between 65%-90% of the full journeyperson rate ($48.87 before deductions). Relevant experience, most recent level of apprentice schooling completed and number of hours recorded with Skilled Trades BC will be considered. We are happy to discuss further with candidates during the interview process.

Please note, NO follow up CALLS PERMITTED.  Due to the high volume of applications received, we will not be responding to direct inquiries regarding apprentice positions. We ask for your patience during the recruitment process. You will be contacted by Seaspan directly if you are successfully shortlisted for a position.