Painter and Decorator (Level 2 Standard)

Painters and Decorators operate in domestic and commercial properties and undertake the decoration and protection of buildings. Properties include houses, schools, offices, hospitals factories and construction sites. Working internally or externally they work individually and/or as part of a team applying water-borne and/or solvent-borne paint coatings and wallcoverings. They have good knowledge of paint coatings and wallcoverings and understand and comply with statutory, safety and environmental requirements. They are responsible for their own work achieving a high-quality finish at the appropriate pace. They are good problem solvers and communicators and are able to interact effectively with colleagues, clients and associated trades.

Applicants aged 16–18 who have not achieved GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 (C) or above must work towards and attempt Functional Skills Level 2 in both subjects as part of their apprenticeship programme.

For applicants aged 19 and over, this requirement is optional and can be removed if both the apprentice and employer agree, with the decision formally documented at enrolment.

• Hands-on Training & College Learning: Apprentices work on-site on real decorating projects while attending college one day per week. They learn to prepare surfaces, apply finishes, and use tools and materials under the guidance of experienced decorators; gaining practical and technical skills in varied environments.

• Wide-Ranging Curriculum: The course covers surface preparation, paint systems, wallpapering, colour theory, and health and safety. Apprentices also develop skills in working at height, using access equipment, and interpreting drawings and specifications for decorative finishes.

• Specialist Pathways: Learners may focus on heritage restoration, commercial interiors, or specialist finishes like spraying or stencilling. Employers may support additional training in eco-friendly materials or advanced decorative techniques depending on project needs.

• Career-Ready Qualification: Upon completion (typically 24 months), apprentices earn a Level 2 qualification and are ready for roles such as painter and decorator, surface finisher, or interior maintenance operative, with progression into advanced craft roles or self-employment.

For a comprehensive understanding of this painting and decorating programme and what it entails, please click here.

This painting and decorating Apprenticeship is taught at our London Road Campus on a day release basis once a week. If you need to complete your functional skills, then this will be covered at college in a block week release. In addition, you will be visited at your workplace regularly by your assessor, to assess your practical skills and knowledge as well as review your progress with your employer.  You will be required to sit an End Point Assessment, towards the final stages of your programme, to ensure you have obtained the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to do your job effectively.

Typically, this painting and decorating Apprenticeship will take 24 months to complete.

To be an apprentice, you will need an employer who can offer you a specific role relevant to this apprenticeship and release you for your training. Once you have an employer in place, you can apply online. If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our advice events, ring the Apprenticeship Team on 01743 653444 or email apprenticeships@shrewsbury.ac.uk