Why I chose Painting & Decorating
I’ve always liked painting, so when choosing my course at Leeds College of Building I knew I wanted to do something creative. Originally, I planned to study a different course in a different college, but I wanted something more hands-on.
I couldn’t handle being stuck in an office all the time, I’ve always been a hands-on type of person, so the Painting & Decorating Apprentice was the perfect route for me.
Why Leeds College of Building?
I started with the multi skills course so I could see some of the areas within the construction trade and I finally settled on Painting & Decorating.
I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship as it gives me the chance to learn the necessary skills to progress through my course whilst earning money and preparing for employment at the same time.
One of my tutors helped me to get an interview with Bagnalls and once I was offered the apprenticeship the application process was very straightforward. It’s my first year working with the company so I’m excited for the journey that lies ahead.
My day-to-day
The structure of my day depends on whether I’m in the painting workshop or the wallpapering workshop. Both are very different skills that achieve beautiful results when done properly.
People underestimate this specialism as they think it’s as straightforward as throwing paper or paint onto a wall. But to get the best results you need to prepare the walls properly to not only enhance but to protect the surface as well.
“The tutors are really supportive and will always help you to get back on-track.”
What I love most about my course
Starting out on the Multi Skills course gave me the basic insights into painting and decorating which I excelled in the most out of all the areas. This experience made the transition into the apprenticeship route a lot easier.
I’ve found it more interesting to specialise and learn the more in-depth skills of one specific trade rather than sampling multiple areas like I did previously.
My favourite part of the course is how I can express my creative streak through my work, but I also like that the apprenticeship route will allow me to explore different options in the future.
At the end of my apprenticeship, I will have the qualifications as well as the skills that will allow me to progress in my career.
Support that makes all the difference
If you’re struggling or falling behind at college the tutors are really supportive and will always help you to get back on-track. The English and Maths teams are also brilliant at helping you achieve the levels that you need to progress through your course.
My advice to the next generation of women in the industry
The construction industry can be quite male dominated, so if you’re a woman who’s apprehensive about going into a trade my advice would be to not take things to heart.
Some of the lads will have a laugh and a joke but they don’t mean it in a malicious way, I’ve grown up with brothers so in some ways this can be quite similar.
Faith Loynes is a Level 2 Painting & Decorating apprentice at Leeds College of Building.
