Painter and Decorator

The work is preparing surfaces - filling, sanding and cleaning - then painting, varnishing or hanging wallpaper to a neat, professional finish. A steady hand, patience and attention to detail matter, since preparation and tidy edges are what separate a good job from a poor one, and you work in people's homes so being clean and careful counts.

You may work for a firm or be self-employed, travelling between jobs, often on your feet, up ladders and dealing with fumes and dust, with busier spells in better weather. Pay grows with skill and reputation, and self-employed decorators carry the ups and downs of finding their own work.

Many people learn on the job or through a painting and decorating apprenticeship or college course. A CSCS card is often needed for building sites, a driving licence is useful, and a good portfolio of tidy work brings repeat business.