Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

The Work

Signwriters and signmakers paint or manufacture the signs used outside and inside commercial and industrial premises as well as in railway stations and airports and on vehicles and boats.  
 
They can use traditional methods which envolve painting or enamelling by hand or by silk screen printing. They can engrave text or designs by hand or machine.  
 
They can also use computer controlled equipment, digital cameras and computers in their work. They work with a variety of materials including wood, vinyl, metal, glass, plastics and Perspex.  
 
Signwriters and signmakers plan their work in advance. It is very important that they work out the sise of the lettering and of the finished sign correctly. Sometimes they design the signs - in other cases they follow the client's design. The work also involves installing the finished signs.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Fill cracks, holes, or joints with caulk, putty, plaster, or other fillers, using caulking guns or putty knives.
• Cover surfaces with dropcloths or masking tape and paper to protect surfaces during painting.
• Smooth surfaces, using sandpaper, scrapers, brushes, steel wool, or sanding machines.
• Read work orders or receive instructions from supervisors or homeowners to determine work requirements.
• Apply primers or sealers to prepare new surfaces, such as bare wood or metal, for finish coats.
• Apply paint, stain, varnish, enamel, or other finishes to equipment, buildings, bridges, or other structures, using brushes, spray guns, or rollers.
• Erect scaffolding or swing gates, or set up ladders, to work above ground level.
• Mix and match colors of paint, stain, or varnish with oil or thinning and drying additives to obtain desired colors and consistencies.
• Calculate amounts of required materials and estimate costs, based on surface measurements or work orders.
• Polish final coats to specified finishes.

Further Information

• Signwriter / Signmaker - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Signwriter / Signmaker - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

You may train to become a signwriter or sign-maker through a combination of Apprenticeship, employment, and part-time study.  

Some experience or training in a related field such as Graphic design, Interior design, Decorating or Painting will be an advantage. Courses in painting / printing / design are available from Colleges of Further Education and Education and Training Centres.  

Training & Development

FET Centre Traineeship & Courses: Sign-Writing, Painting, Graphic Design at NFQ Level 5  Search our FET Coursefinder 

FET Centre PLC Courses: Sign-Writing, Painting, Graphic Design at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search our FET PLC coursefinder 

Apprenticeship: Painter / Decorator  NFQ Level 6 over 4 years  Search Apprenticeships

Last Updated: March, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €44k

Salaries Vary by employer, location, role, duties, shift pattern, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Indeed/ NTO/ CIF rates

Last Updated: February, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The five-year annual average employment growth rate was below average for this occupation, although there was an increase of over 2,000 persons employed between 2021 and 2022. As the Census data indicates, there are a large number of roles within this group, with many employing fewer than 1,000 persons. Between 2016 and 2022, employment levels fell for many of these roles.

Despite the decline in employment evident in the Census data, the Skills for Growth data indicates issues with recruitment of upholsterers for both the industry and retail (repair) sectors; upholsterers also appeared in the DSP Jobs Ireland vacancy data (albeit in small numbers), along with spray painters (included in the other skilled trades n.e.c. category). Although demand for many of these trades have declined in recent years, an increased focus on the circular economy may see increased demand, or at least slow the decline for roles such as upholsterers and tailors.

• Master Painters and Decorators of Ireland

  • The Master Painters and Decorators of Ireland, Construction House, Canal Road, Dublin 6
  • 01 406 6000
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