Painter & Decorator
The Work
Painters and decorators work on all types of buildings and structures. Jobs can range from the re-decoration of a domestic household through to the application of heavy-duty finishing to bridges, ships or oil rigs.
They use a variety of different tools depending on the job, including paint spraying equipment, blow torches, steamers, and different sized brushes and rollers. They use these to apply a range of materials and finishes such as solvents, paints, varnishes and wall coverings.
On a typical job, surface areas are measured beforehand to work out how much paint or wall covering is required. Decorators liaise with clients or interior designers on colour choice, finishing texture or type, and wall paper patterns to be used. Surfaces are stripped and cleaned and any holes or cracks filled; primers are used to seal the surface before coverings are applied. Paint finishes are normally mixed to the required shade either by hand or using computerised colour-matching equipment.
Painters and decorators may also apply more complex finishes to a job including Artex™ work, rag-rolling, graining and marbling. Some painters can train to specialise in restoration work once qualified.
Hours and Conditions
Painters and decorators normally work 39 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Overtime at weekends or in the evening is common where deadlines must be met.
They work both indoors and outdoors, either alone or as part of a team. There are long periods spent standing and bending, often working from ladders or raised platforms. Some paints and solvents give off fumes, so painters and decorators may need to wear protective masks or use fume extraction equipment.
A driving licence is useful.
Skills and Interests
To be a painter and decorator you should:
Training
Training is normally provided on the job with day or block release at local colleges or training providers leading to NVQ / SVQ qualifications. You work towards NVQs / SVQs in Decorative Occupations (Construction) levels 2 and 3.
Together with mandatory units covering planning, organisation of resources and setting up of work areas, you take options in:
There is also an optional unit at level 3 for restoration and conservation work which covers normal painting and decorating techniques but also advanced specialised finishes and detailed replica work.
A three-year Construction Apprenticeship Scheme (CAS) is open to people aged between 16-25 in England and Wales, or a four-year apprenticeship in Scotland registered with the Scottish Building Apprenticeship and Training Council. Contact CITB - Construction Skills below.
New Deal schemes may be available for people who have been unemployed for six months or more. These provide an allowance and training and can lead to a job and further training through the CITB. Contact your local Jobcentre Plus for details.
Foundation and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships (MAPPs) may be available for people aged 16-24. For details see:
MAPPs
(England)
Skillseekers
(Scotland)
National
Traineeships MAPPs (Wales) and
MAPPs
(Northern Ireland)
Opportunities
Painters and decorators are employed by building or specialist painting contractors, or by organisations such as local authorities and hospitals as part of a maintenance team. Some companies have particular specialisms such as Artexing, special effects or heavy industrial painting. There may be opportunities to work abroad on contracts. Many are self-employed and work on a sub-contract basis for contractors or for private householders.
It is possible for painters and decorators to progress to a supervisory or technician level, or to move into a specific area of work within a large company, such as estimating.
Salary
The figures below are intended as a guideline only.
The Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) agrees minimum wage rates annually.
For trainees, depending on the stage of training they are at, salaries range between £7,100 to £13,000 a year.
With qualifications, painters and decorators can earn from £16,600 upwards a year.
Experienced tradespeople can earn around £25,000+ a year.
Overtime and shift allowances supplement income, while self-employed painters and decorators negotiate their own rates.
Further Information
Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of third party websites.
CITB - Construction Skills
Tel: 01485 577577
www.citb.org.uk
