Because painting seems simple most people overlook the skill, education and work ethic that is required to become a quality painter.

Not anyone can do it - it requires a good head for mathematics, problem-solving skills and a practiced ability to apply paint in the proper way.

Unfortunately, lots of young people are heading into different areas because these trades are perceived as having a higher level of skill or worth.

But those who do make it in the industry can often find themselves earning more than six figures just a few years after completing their apprenticeship.

Anyone who's ever had a bad paint job done in their home or office knows the value of a reliable, quality painter.

It's a rewarding and lucrative career for those who are good enough - just as much as other trades.

There are a few qualities that make an outstanding painter.

And they're often apparent very early on in the piece.

Those of us who have been in the industry for a while can tell within minutes of watching someone set up to paint whether they know what they're doing or not.

It can be something as simple as the way they hold their paintbrush to the way they open the paint tin.

And painting isn't just something that's overlooked by prospective tradespeople.

It's an art that is undervalued across the board.

We see it all the time, where people decide to save money by trying to do the paint job themselves. And in lots of cases it ends badly.

Anyone might be able to physically put paint on a wall, but that doesn't mean you're using the right paint.

It doesn't mean you know how to apply it, and it doesn't mean it's going to last.

For that, you really do need a professional painter.

But because it looks easy, many people decide to give it a go themselves.

They soon find out it's not as easy as it looks!

There are lots of opportunities out there for qualified and quality painters to demonstrate the value of someone who knows what they're doing.

Philip Hood is owner of Eric Hood Painting & Maintenance Services