Painter and decorator
Level 2 · IntermediateConstruction and the built environment 2 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
Painters and decorators prepare and apply decorative and protective finishes to interior and exterior surfaces in residential, commercial, and public buildings. Apprentices learn surface preparation, applying paints, wallcoverings, and specialist finishes, as well as colour theory and estimating. The trade offers self-employment and contracting opportunities alongside employment with painting and decorating firms.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Surface preparation techniques for different substrates
Applying paint systems using brushes, rollers, and spray equipment
Hanging wallpaper and vinyl wallcoverings
Colour theory, mixing, and achieving specified decorative effects
Safe use and storage of paints, solvents, and access equipment
Estimating materials and understanding contract documentation
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Prepare surfaces by sanding, filling, priming, and masking
Apply gloss, emulsion, and specialist coatings to walls and woodwork
Hang wallpaper, vinyls, and decorative wallcoverings
Use spray equipment and rollers for large surface areas
Mix paint to achieve specified colours and finishes
Work safely on scaffolding, ladders, and mobile elevated platforms
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 2 (Intermediate) - roughly GCSE level. Often open with few or no formal qualifications - a strong first step. Some employers ask for a couple of GCSEs.
What’s next: Typically leads on to a Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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