Painter and Decorator
What is the work like?
Painters and decorators work on all kinds of jobs, ranging from re-decorating houses to applying heavy-duty finishes to huge structures like the Forth Rail Bridge.
As a painter and decorator on a domestic job, you would use paint, varnishes and wallpaper to decorate rooms. You would follow the householder's instructions about choice of colour, finishing texture and wallpaper patterns. You main tasks would include:
- measuring surface areas to work out how much paint or wall covering you need
- stripping off old wallpaper or paint
- filling holes and cracks and levelling surfaces
- preparing surfaces with primer and undercoat
- mixing paint to the right shade, by hand or by using computerised colour-matching equipment
- applying layers of paint and hanging wallpaper
- tidying up after finishing a job.
You might apply specialised finishes including Artex™, rag-rolling, graining and marbling on some jobs.
For industrial contracts, such as bridges or ships, you would remove old paintwork with abrasive blasting methods before applying new coatings with industrial paint spraying equipment.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not normally need any particular qualifications to become a painter and decorator. Employers tend to prefer people with some on-site experience, so you could start as a painter and decorator's labourer or 'mate'. Once you are working, your employer may give you further training in painting and decorating (see the training and development section for more details).
Alternatively, you could take a college course in painting and decorating which would give you some of the skills needed for the job. Courses include:
- City & Guilds (6217) Level 1 Certificate in Basic Construction Skills (Painting and Decorating)
- CSkills Level 1 Diploma in Painting and Decorating
- CSkills Intermediate and Advanced Construction Award (Decorative Occupations – Painting and Decorating).
Check with ConstructionSkills and your local colleges for more details about these courses.
You may also be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
To be eligible for an Apprenticeship, you may need some GCSEs in subjects such as maths, English and design and technology, or equivalent vocational qualifications such as Edexcel Introductory Certificate and Diploma in Construction, which includes options in painting and decorating.
ConstructionSkills has more information about careers and qualifications. The construction trades are also being promoted as a career choice for women through the Know Your Place campaign.
What further training and development can I do?
You could work towards the NVQ in Decorative Finishing and Industrial Painting Occupations. This is split into two main work areas:
- painting and decorating – brush and roller techniques for interiors and exteriors, fitting and hanging wall coverings, specialised finishes, and installing coving and centre pieces
- industrial painting – preparing work areas using special treatments and abrasive blasting, applying industrial finishes and paint spraying methods.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)
Many building contractors now insist that you have a CSCS card to work on their sites. The card is proof of your skills and competence. To get your card you must:
- pass a health and safety assessment
- have an NVQ or equivalent qualification.
If you are working without qualifications, you may be able to use On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) or Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) to get your NVQ and card. Contact CSCS for further details.
Traditional Building Skills Bursary Scheme
With the right skills and experience, you could apply for a training place on the The Traditional Building Skills Bursary scheme.
This scheme aims to address some of the skills shortages within the traditional crafts and built heritage sector. It offers bursaries and organises work-based training placements for eligible applicants who want to develop their skills in these areas.
To find out more about the scheme, eligibility and what placements are available, visit the Traditional Building Skills Bursary Scheme website.
Where can I go for more information?
Tel: 0844 576 8777King's Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 6RH
Tel: 01485 577577
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- New entrants earn between £13,500 and £16,500 a year.
- Average salaries for qualified workers are between £17,000 and £21,000 a year.
- Decorators with supervisory duties or specialist skills can earn over £22,000 a year.
Overtime and shift allowances can increase income, while self-employed painters and decorators negotiate their own rates.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would work around 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. The job involves travelling from site to site to work on contracts.
On house painting jobs, you would often work from ladders or raised platforms to reach high ceilings. In the case of large industrial structures, you would paint from a cradle or safety harness. Paints and solvents give off fumes, so you may have to wear a protective mask or use fume extraction equipment on some jobs, for example in enclosed spaces.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good practical and creative skills
- the ability to work carefully and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work alone and as part of a team
- a good head for heights and sense of balance
- an awareness of health and safety issues.
What opportunities are there?
Your opportunities are good, as the industry forecasts a need for over 8,000 new painters and decorators over the next two to three years.
You can find work with building and specialist painting contractors, local authorities and hospitals. Some companies specialise in particular techniques like Artexing or heavy industrial painting.
With experience, you could progress to supervisory jobs or move into related areas of work in a company, such as estimating and contract management. You could also train to specialise in restoration work. A popular option within the trade is to set up as self-employed and work on a sub-contract basis for organisations or private householders.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading:
bConstructive (list of building firms)
Construction Jobs Network
Jobcentre Plus
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
Contact an adviser
Email
Call back
or phone: 0800 100 900
Bilingual advisers available
Face-to-face advice
