Job Description

A Painter and Decorator prepares and decorates a surface using a range of finishes (such as paint or wallpaper) in accordance with clients' wishes. This could be in a self-employed position working on houses, schools, shops and other buildings or working for a larger construction firm which would include more industrial scale jobs.

Entry Requirements

You can get into this role through a college course, apprenticeship or work based route.

College

You could take a college course which will teach you some of skills you need and may help when looking for a trainee position.

Relevant courses include:

Painting and Decorating (Diploma Level 2)
Painting and Decorating (Diploma Level 1)
Building and Property Maintenance (Diploma Level 2)

You will usually need

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D) or equivalent for a level 2 course

The following colleges offer courses in painting and decorating

Apprenticeship

You could do a painter and decorator intermediate apprenticeship (Level 2)

Entry requirements can vary, GCSEs in English and maths are often desirable but not always essential

Work based route

You could start by working as a painter and decorator's 'mate' and learn on the job and then take further training to become fully qualified.

Further information

You'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on most building sites.

Go Construct has more information about careers in painting and decorating.

Career Path and Progression

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

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

Related careers you may be interested in:

Dry liner
Interior designer
Paint sprayer
Plasterer
Steeplejack

Although you may be able to get into this role without formal qualifications, we highly recommend that you try to achieve at least a grade 4 (C) in English & Maths. Achieving this minimum grade in these subject will increase opportunities in the future and help with your career development and prospects.

If you don't achieve the minimum grades, you will be supported to continue to study English and Maths throughout your full-time education or an apprenticeship.

Required Skills

You will need to:

be punctual
be reliable
have the ability to work to deadlines
have a good eye for detail
have a good awareness of health and safety procedures

Salary Range

£15,000 to £30,000

Painter and Decorator