Overview
Painters & Decorators use a wide range of paints, varnishes, wallpapers and other coverings to protect and enhance indoor and outdoor surfaces. They can work on domestic houses, commercial properties, hospitals and schools, large structures like bridges and heritage sites. Hours of work vary, typically Monday to Friday with overtime at weekends and possibly overnight when working on commercial jobs.
Interested in this career path? Then check out our courses.
Skills
- Practical
- Creative
- Attention to detail
- Numeracy skills
- Comfortable working at heights
- Physically fit
- Number skills to work out surface areas and quantities
- The ability to follow job instructions
Learning Style
Qualifications
Painting & Decorating is available as a study programme, part-time and apprenticeship course. Good GCSEs are recommended for measurements and calculations.
At Leeds College of Building entry is via a basic skills test or for part-time courses a relevant qualification.
Salary
Newly trained painter and decorators can earn £17,000 – £20,000
Trained painter and decorators with more experience can earn £20,000 – £30,000
Senior/master painter and decorators can earn £30,000 – £50,000
Self-employed painter and decorators set their own pay rates.