Painter and Decorator

Painters and decorators operate in domestic and commercial properties and undertake the decoration and protection of buildings. Properties include houses, schools, offices, hospitals factories and construction sites. Working internally or externally they work individually and/or as part of a team applying, water-borne and/or solvent-borne paint coatings and wallcoverings. They have good knowledge of paint coatings and wallcoverings, understand, and comply with statutory, safety and environmental requirements. They are responsible for their own work achieving a high quality finish at the appropriate pace. They are good problem solvers and communicators, are able to interact effectively with colleagues, clients, and associated trades.

A painter and decorator will know and understand:

• the purpose of a range of equipment, tools and materials.
• the characteristics of materials and their reaction to atmospheric conditions.
• the most appropriate products and use of colour in different settings
• principles of costing, pricing and budgeting
• time, scheduling and costs associated with a project
• differences of each product type for example, water-borne, solvent borne and epoxy
• drying, curing and recoating times
• the effect of colour in relation to good design and colour and contrast for people with impaired vision
• the causes of common problems, how these can be prevented and how to correct them
• types of preparation methods including removal of previous coatings and wallcoverings using hand tools, power tools and chemicals
• techniques of application by brush, roller, pressure assisted roller and spray application
• specialist decorative techniques for example, graining, marbling and gilding.

Acceptance on this Apprenticeship will be determined through completion of functional skill entry assessments and a vocational assessment carried out by the painting and decorating team at the College.

There will be a range of assessments that take place both on and off the job.

On successful completion, you may wish to continue your studies by moving onto a higher level Apprenticeship or course. You could also benefit from greatly enhanced job opportunities, whether with your current employer or elsewhere.