Katie Sanders
Katie discusses more about completing a Level 1 course and Level 2 Apprenticeship in Painting and Decorating.
My name is Katie Sanders, and I studied Level 1 in Painting and Decorating and recently completed my Level 2 Apprenticeship in Painting and Decorating. I chose to study at Leeds College of Building as it is one of the biggest training facilities for this course in the country, and it was local to me which is a bonus.
I discovered my apprenticeship vacancy with Bagnalls through the tutors at college whilst I was doing my Level 1. Following this, I attended an Open Day to find out more about the company and the course itself. I would recommend attending an Open Day and asking any questions you may have.
Some examples are:
- What career opportunities are available on successful completion of the course?
- What sets this college apart from others?
- What support is available?
As I did an apprenticeship, my learning consisted of on-the-job learning, supported by block weeks at college, learning and developing skills in the classrooms and workshops. Some of the techniques I was taught were:
- Sanding walls and woodwork
- Working with different paints; Water and Oil based, Silk, Matt, and Eggshell
- Multi-effect painting work; Marbling, Stencilling, Sponge Effects, Drawing and shape designs.
- How to wallpaper
This enhanced my understanding and theoretical knowledge, providing valuable support for my coursework and exams.
As a Painter and Decorator, I have been fortunate to compete in several competitions and have received a few awards too. These include:
- Skill Build Competition 2023 and 2024, where I placed third in my region.
- Wallpaper Competition 2024, where I placed first.
- Bagnalls awarded me Senior Apprentice of the Year.
- I also won the Painting and Decorating Student of the Year 2024 at Leeds College of Building. I was nominated by my tutor for showing dedication, progression, and willingness to learn.
I genuinely enjoy this profession because it allows me to travel and work on various projects in various locations, both indoors and outdoors! It is an amazing industry for those who love to grow, learn, and develop new skills. It can open numerous doors and create pathways for your future.
I aim to keep expanding my skill set and embrace any new opportunities or advancement routes that arise at Bagnalls. Eventually, I’d like to establish my own Painting and Decorating business.
Interested in doing a Painting and Decorating course? Find out more here.
