Painter and decorator

You could take a college course like:

• Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Painting and Decorating
• T Level in On Site Construction

This will teach you some of the skills you'll need and help you to find a job as a trainee with a decorating company.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

• Finishing Trades Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
• Painter and Decorator Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Craft Painter and Decorator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

Foundation apprenticeship

You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.

If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:

• have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
• are in care or have been in care
• are in prison or have been in prison

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You could work as a painter and decorator's labourer or 'mate'. Your employer may give you the chance to take further training on the job to become a qualified painter and decorator.

Registrations

you'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site

Professional and Industry Bodies

You could join the Painting and Decorating Association for professional development and to make industry contacts.

Further Information

You can find out about careers in painting and decorating from Go Construct .

As a painter and decorator, you could:

• work out the amount of paint or wall covering needed for a job
• lay down dust sheets and prepare materials
• strip off old wallpaper or layers of paint
• fill holes and cracks and make sure surfaces are level
• cover surfaces with primer and undercoat
• mix paint to the right shade, often using computerised colour-matching equipment
• apply coats of paint or hang wallpaper
• add special finishes like stains, varnishes or marbling
• tidy up after finishing, and clean your tools

You could work at a client's home or at a client's business.

Your working environment may be at height.

You may need to wear protective clothing.