Occupation Description

Picture framers make frames of all types and sizes and mount and display decorative items such as paintings, prints, etchings, tapestries and photographs.

Picture framers may…

Picture framers use a variety of tools including power tools, saws and pneumatic staplers and nailers. Specialist framers use the crafts of wood machining, wood finishing, French-polishing, cabinetmaking, woodcarving and gilding.

Personal Requirements

You should

Environment

Picture framers are generally employed in small workshops and retail outlets.
Some are self-employed or work in partnership. However, these opportunities are usually limited to experienced people who have built up a clientele and have enough capital to invest in the necessary tools and equipment. Business success in picture framing, like all enterprises, depends as much on sales skills and customer service as on craft skills, and therefore some business skills training might be of benefit. There can also be considerable costs involved.

Training

You can sometimes work as a picture framing process worker without undertaking any formal training or qualifications however some employers will prefer that you do. To work as a picture framing process worker you will usually require a Certificate II in Picture Framing.

With experience, and possibly some further training, floor finishing and covering worker s can become a picture framing tradesperson. This will usually require a Certificate III in Picture Framing.

Of course you can work at even higher levels within this occupation and sector, and with further training and experience you can continue to progress along a career pathway that could see you move into occupations such as design or production supervisor ( Certificate IV in Furnishing Technology or a Diploma of Furnishing Technology ) and even end up in a senior management position.

Certificate II in Picture Framing
Certificate III in Picture Framing

Earnings, Job and Employment Prospects

For detailed information about earnings, job and employment prospects for this occupation, go to the Australian JobSearch Careers page and click on Job Outlook .

Printed Resources

The INFOSHEET PDFs provide information about the Manufacturing Industry and its various sectors and occupations. To view and print these documents click RESOURCES (you will need to have Adobe Reader ® installed).

Where Can I Go From This Job?

To find out more about potential Manufacturing career possibilities click PATHWAYS.