At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn hands-on painting and decorating skills while working on real jobs.
- Company: Join a friendly local business focused on quality work.
- Benefits: Tools provided, free local pick-up, paid holidays, and potential overtime.
- Other info: Opportunity for full-time role after apprenticeship completion.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience and work towards your Level 2 qualification in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in maths and English (grades A*-D/9-3) preferred.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Join a small local business working within 10 miles of Rayleigh.
Learn hands-on decorating skills on real jobs & work towards Level 2.
Tools provided + free pick-up if local.
Experience ideal but not essential – just a positive attitude and willingness to learn!
- Wage
- £16,640 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
- National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
- Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands‑on experience.
What you'll do at work
As a Painter & Decorator Apprentice you will work alongside an experienced tradesperson on mainly domestic properties, learning the trade on real jobs while working towards your Level 2 qualification.
You will gain hands‑on experience in all aspects of painting and decorating within a small local business.
Day-to-day duties and key responsibilities
- Prepare surfaces by cleaning, sanding, filling holes and cracks, and applying primer under supervision
- Protect floors, furniture and fittings by masking, covering and sheeting areas before work begins
- Apply paint, emulsion, gloss and other finishes to walls, ceilings, woodwork and exterior surfaces
- Assist with wallpapering, including measuring, cutting, pasting and hanging under guidance
- Mix paints and prepare materials to the required colours and finishes
- Clean and maintain brushes, rollers, tools and equipment at the end of each day
- Help set up and clear down work sites, including loading and unloading tools and materials
- Follow health & safety guidelines and maintain a clean, tidy and professional working environment
- Where you'll work
- 62 BULL LANE
RAYLEIGH
SS6 8LY - Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
- Comply with health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance.
- Select and use personal protective equipment (PPE), respiratory protective equipment (RPE) and dust suppression.
- Check and safely use working at height equipment for example steps, hop-ups, and podiums.
- Identify hazards and comply with risk assessments, method statements, control measures and safe systems of work and report to manager when required.
- Read and interpret information for example from drawings, specifications, work instructions, manufacturer’s safety data sheets and manufacturer’s information such as colour charts and notations.
- Ensure materials are used efficiently and sustainably including suitable disposal of waste.
- Prepare work area: remove and store furnishings, fixtures and equipment and reinstate.
- Protect and prepare a safe working area, surrounding surfaces and environment.
- Select and use hand tools and equipment.
- Maintain and store hand tools.
- Select, use, maintain and store power tools.
- Prepare internal and external untreated surfaces ready to receive finishing systems for example: trowelled finishes plaster or render, plasterboard, timber and timber sheet materials; metals (ferrous and non-ferrous).
- Prepare internal previously coated surfaces ready to receive finishing systems for example trowelled finishes plaster or render, plasterboard, timber and timber sheet materials.
- Prepare external previously coated surfaces ready to receive finishing systems for example trowelled finishes plaster or render, timber and timber sheet materials; metals (ferrous and non-ferrous).
- Prepare and apply surface coatings to untreated external surfaces for example brick, stone, render, wood, metal using a brush and roller.
- Apply solvent borne and water borne coating systems using brush and roller to ceilings, walls, linear work (skirting board and architrave) doors: flush and panelled and opening windows.
- Prepare and apply foundation paper: Cross lining around socket and switches, internal and external angles.
- Prepare and apply Wallcoverings: Free match or random match finishing papers, vertical hanging, around socket and switches, internal and external angle.
- Carry out minor repair for example third party damage or post application defect.
- Apply team working principles.
- Verbally communicate with others, applying construction terminology.
- Communicate in writing with others for example, internal and external customers, colleagues.
- Follow equity, diversity and inclusion guidance.
- Comply with health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance.
- Select and use personal protective equipment (PPE), respiratory protective equipment (RPE) and dust suppression.
- Check and safely use working at height equipment for example steps, hop-ups, and podiums.
- Identify hazards and comply with risk assessments, method statements, control measures and safe systems of work and report to manager when required.
- Read and interpret information for example from drawings, specifications, work instructions, manufacturer’s safety data sheets and manufacturer’s information such as colour charts and notations.
- Ensure materials are used efficiently and sustainably including suitable disposal of waste.
- Prepare work area: remove and store furnishings, fixtures and equipment and reinstate.
- Protect and prepare a safe working area, surrounding surfaces and environment.
- Select and use hand tools and equipment.
- Maintain and store hand tools.
- Select, use, maintain and store power tools.
- Prepare internal and external untreated surfaces ready to receive finishing systems for example: trowelled finishes plaster or render, plasterboard, timber and timber sheet materials; metals (ferrous and non-ferrous).
- Prepare internal previously coated surfaces ready to receive finishing systems for example trowelled finishes plaster or render, plasterboard, timber and timber sheet materials.
- Prepare external previously coated surfaces ready to receive finishing systems for example trowelled finishes plaster or render, timber and timber sheet materials; metals (ferrous and non-ferrous).
- Prepare and apply surface coatings to untreated external surfaces for example brick, stone, render, wood, metal using a brush and roller.
- Apply solvent borne and water borne coating systems using brush and roller to ceilings, walls, linear work (skirting board and architrave) doors: flush and panelled and opening windows.
- Prepare and apply foundation paper: Cross lining around socket and switches, internal and external angles.
- Prepare and apply Wallcoverings: Free match or random match finishing papers, vertical hanging, around socket and switches, internal and external angle.
- Carry out minor repair for example third party damage or post application defect.
- Apply team working principles.
- Verbally communicate with others, applying construction terminology.
- Communicate in writing with others for example, internal and external customers, colleagues.
- Follow equity, diversity and inclusion guidance.
- The apprentice will be working towards the Painter and Decorator Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard
- College attendance at Colchester Institute (Colchester campus) one day per week during term time
- Functional Skills in maths and English, if required
Requirements
GCSE in
maths and English (grade A*-D/9-3)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Customer care skills
- Logical
- Initiative
- Non judgemental
- Physical fitness
- Other requirements
Working on outside projects from April – end of September inside the other months.
About this employer
Hi, I’m a sole trader painter and decorator based in Rayleigh.
I’ve built my business around delivering high-quality work for local homeowners, mainly working on domestic properties within a 10-mile radius of Rayleigh.
I take real pride in doing the job properly – from careful preparation through to a clean, professional finish.
I use dustless tools wherever possible to keep homes cleaner and safer during the work.
Because it’s just me, every job is personal.
I work closely with each customer and I’m always on site myself, so as an apprentice you’ll be learning directly from me every day on real jobs.
I’m looking for someone who’s keen, reliable and ready to learn the trade the right way.
You’ll get proper hands‑on experience, work towards your Level 2 qualification, and be part of a small business where your effort is noticed and valued.
- Company benefits
- Tools provided – no need to buy your own equipment
- Free pick‑up if you live locally
- Hands‑on learning directly with an experienced tradesperson on real domestic jobs
- Paid holiday entitlement
- Opportunity for overtime on Saturdays
- Supportive one-to-one mentoring in a small, friendly business
After apprenticeship has been completed a full-time roll is likely to be offered.
The contact for this apprenticeship is
- COLCHESTER INSTITUTE
- 01206712043
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000061558.
Painter & Decorator Apprentice in Colchester employer: Colchester Institute Corporation
Colchester Institute is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment where apprentices can gain invaluable hands-on experience in HR. With a focus on employee development, the apprenticeship provides opportunities for growth and progression within the HR function, all while enjoying a competitive wage and a collaborative team culture in the vibrant Colchester/Braintree area.
Contact Details:
Colchester Institute Corporation Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Painter & Decorator Apprentice in Colchester
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Colchester Institute Corporation, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Painter & Decorator Apprentice at Colchester Institute Corporation.
We think you need these skills to ace Painter & Decorator Apprentice in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Colchester Institute Corporation
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
