Apprentice Painter and Decorator

This apprenticeship is a work-based training programme where you learn how to prepare surfaces, apply paint, wallpaper, and other decorative finishes. You'll gain practical experience alongside experienced staff on real jobs while learning about tools, materials, health and safety, and professional standards.

What you'll do

Typical workplace roles for a painting and decorating apprentice include:

• Preparing walls, ceilings, doors, and other surfaces for painting
• Filling cracks and holes and sanding surfaces smooth
• Applying paint, varnish, stains, and other finishes
• Hanging wallpaper and other wall coverings
• Using brushes, rollers, and spraying equipment safely
• Protecting floors, furniture, and other areas from paint
• Cleaning and maintaining tools and equipment
• Measuring and mixing paints and materials
• Following health and safety procedures
• Working alongside experienced painters and decorators
• Keeping the work area clean and organised
• Communicating with customers and other workers professionally

Training

• The apprenticeship involves 1 college day per week and 4 days in the workplace

After the apprenticeship

• Possibility of permanent full-time employment after completion of the apprenticeship

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Presentation skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Initiative
• Patience

Qualifications

• Desired: GCSE, English (grade 3)
• Desired: GCSE, Maths (grade 3)

Things to consider

• Full UK Driving Licence with the ability to travel to different sites across the northeast

About the employer

Ian Lamb Decorating is a painting and decorating company that provides professional painting, wallpapering, and decorating services for homes, businesses, and other buildings. It usually has a team of skilled decorators who work on projects of different sizes, focusing on quality, customer service, health and safety, and completing work on time.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Painter and decorator (level 2), Construction and the built environment
• Apprenticeship level: Intermediate (level 2)
• Training provider: EAST DURHAM COLLEGE
• Expected duration: 2 Years
• Hours: 40 hours a week. Working week: Working pattern to be agreed at interview.
• Start date: 2 November 2026
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £16,640 a year