Painter and decorator

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

Entry requirements:

College

You could take a college course like:

• Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Painting and Decorating
• T Level in On Site Construction

This will teach you some of the skills you'll need and help you to find a job as a trainee with a decorating company.

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You could do a painter and decorator intermediate apprenticeship.

This will usually take 2 to 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Work

You could work as a painter and decorator's labourer or 'mate'. Your employer may give you the chance to take further training on the job to become a qualified painter and decorator.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• customer service skills
• knowledge of public safety and security
• business management skills
• knowledge of building and construction
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• excellent verbal communication skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• leadership skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• concentration skills
• the ability to read English
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues

What you'll do:

Painters and decorators apply paint, wallpaper and other finishes to the inside and outside of buildings.

In this job, you will:

• work out how much paint or wall covering is needed for a job
• lay down dust sheets and prepare materials
• strip off old wallpaper or layers of paint
• fill holes and cracks and make sure surfaces are level
• cover surfaces with primer and undercoat
• mix paint to the right shade, often using computerised colour-matching equipment
• apply coats of paint or hang wallpaper
• add special finishes like stains, varnishes or marbling
• tidy up after finishing, and clean your tools

Location : You could work at a client's business or at a client's home.
Environment : Your working environment may be at height.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £17,000
Experienced : £32,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

42 - 44 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends occasionally

Career Path:

With experience, you could become a team supervisor or move into related areas like estimating, contract management, interior or set design.

You could work in heritage conservation , or set up your own business.

You could also move into apprentice training or teaching in a further education college.

Find out more about teaching in further education from Teach in further education .