Painter and decorator jobs

Painting and decorating can breathe new vitality into otherwise mundane places. They will prepare surfaces, both inside and out, before applying paint, wallpaper, and many other finishes. You would be in great demand if you worked as a painter and decorator. You might play an important part in the transformation of residential, commercial, or industrial projects; you could even specialize in the rehabilitation of historic structures or manage their upkeep.

How to Get Started in the Painting and Decorating Industry

The career of painter and decorator may be entered by a variety of entry points. You might be trained on the job, via an apprenticeship, or through a college course.

You need to investigate each of these options in order to choose which one suits your needs best. Even while some qualifications are needed for some of these positions, many companies are more interested in candidates who are passionate, ready to learn, and able to follow directions.

If you want to work on a construction site, you may be required to have a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card.

College or other educational provider

Painting and decorating classes, maybe leading to a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma, can be available at a college or other training facility in your area.

You'll need:

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

4 - 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent (level 3 course).

If you don't have any previous experience or are considering making a career switch, enrolling in one of the short, part-time painting and decorating classes that are offered at certain institutions might be an excellent method to determine whether or not this is the perfect employment for you.

Traineeship

There is a possibility that you might qualify for a traineeship if you are between the ages of 16 and 24. This is a brief course that may range from two weeks to six months and is designed to help you obtain experience working in the field of your choice.

Apprenticeship

A smart approach to get into the painting and decorating profession is to find a position as an apprentice with a firm in the field.

Apprenticeships are available to anybody over the age of 16 who meets the requirements. You will be considered a full-time employee of the firm you apprentice for, and you will be required to put in a minimum of thirty hours of labor each week. Your time will be divided between getting experience on the job and attending school or working with a training provider.

The completion of an intermediate apprenticeship often takes close to two years. If your current job is able to give you with the appropriate experiences, you may be able to advance to higher level certifications or specialize in the preservation and restoration of historical buildings.

To be eligible for an apprenticeship, you may need to have completed the equivalent of your GCSEs, which would include English and arithmetic, although not all firms need formal credentials.

Work

It's possible that you may get employment aiding a certified painter or decorator and earn your credentials while doing so on the side.

Practice in the workplace

To be successful in finding a job in the construction sector, you need to have previous work experience. You could be able to learn this at school, or you might be able to learn it by working weekends and holidays for a construction firm or for a relative who works in construction. On a resume, previous job experience is always going to be something that prospective employers find very appealing.

Skills

The following are some additional abilities that would be helpful for someone contemplating a career as a painter or decorator:

Always be sure to be diligent and careful with the details.

Ability to adapt quickly and without resistance

Capable of taking constructive criticism while maintaining high standards of performance

Customer service skills

A familiarity with matters pertaining to public safety and security

Business management skills

Capable of performing fundamental responsibilities using a computer or hand-held device

What does a painter and decorator do?

You will be tasked with a wide range of responsibilities as a painter and decorator, including the application of paints and stains to newly constructed rooms, pieces of furniture, or pieces of equipment. Additionally, you may be asked to help with the completion of other projects.

The responsibilities that come with the employment of painter and decorator might vary but often include the tasks listed here:

Putting on finishes such as paint, stain, varnish, and other coatings

Employing tools like as brushes, rollers, or spraying apparatus

Putting on sealers and basecoats, as well as topcoats, glazes, and varnishes

Wallpapering

determining how much of each item will be required for a project

Sanding, scraping, or utilizing heat guns, liquid paint removers, or steam strippers are some of the methods that may be used to remove old paint or wallpaper.

adjusting the color of the paint by mixing.

Putting down dust sheets as a barrier between the paint and the surface.

Up order to get surfaces ready for decoration, holes and cracks need to be filled in and sealed.

making sure your tools are clean and organized

Working at the offices or residences of one's customers.

How much money might you make working in the painting and decorating industry?

The amount of money you may anticipate to make as a painter and decorator is contingent upon your level of expertise.

Painters and decorators who are just starting out might expect to make between £17,000 and £20,000 annually.

Painters and decorators who have received training and have more experience might make between £20,000 and £30,000 per year.

The salary range for senior and master painters and decorators is between £30,000 and £50,000.

Painters and decorators who work on their own choose their own rates of remuneration.

Both your hours and your pay are determined by your location, your company, and any overtime that you put in.