At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in painting and decorating across the University campus.
- Company: Join the University of Birmingham, a vibrant and inclusive community.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £19,278, rising to £24,097 after 12 months, plus training.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression into technical or leadership roles.
- Why this job: Learn valuable skills while making a difference in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths (grades 9 to 4) required.
The predicted salary is between 19278 - 24097 € per year.
The apprentice will gain hands‑on experience supporting a wide range of painting and decorating activities across the University of Birmingham campus. Alongside this practical work, they will attend Dudley College to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to successfully complete the apprenticeship standard.
Full‑time starting salary £19,278 per annum rising to £24,097 after 12 months service.
Training course: Painter and decorator (Level 2)
Hours: Monday to Friday 9.00 - 17.00, 35 hours a week.
Start date: Monday 7 September 2026
Duration: 2 years 4 months
Work Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands‐on experience.
What you’ll do at work:
- Carry out painting and decorating requirements that are routine and planned in accordance with the Estates work programme.
- Use appropriate types of paints and tools for interior and exterior works, selecting between rollers, brushes or spray paints as suitable for each project.
- Measure surfaces and quantify paint or wallpaper requirements.
- Carry out minor repairs to surfaces and structures prior to decorating/painting.
- Monitor decorating material stock and procure new stock as required.
- Diagnose and repair faults related to maintenance issues.
- Deal with new situations with instruction and guidance from the craftsperson or line management.
- Interpret and work from verbal instructions, drawings and specifications appropriate to university buildings.
- Show understanding and appreciation of all elements of maintenance works in university buildings and willingness to learn.
- Support a wide range of work in multi‑disciplined teams, demonstrating collaborative working with suitably qualified members of the department.
- Learn new techniques and craft practices in line with evolving technology and legislative health and safety requirements, including attendance at training courses.
- Work as part of a multi‑disciplined team and understand fully the inter‑relationship between the various maintenance crafts.
- Record, complete and provide essential job information via IT‑based systems.
- Operate in various shift patterns to accommodate the needs of the University.
- Undertake all work in accordance with safe working practices and procedures.
- Carry out other duties as required within the designated skill set.
- Adhere to University and Estates Office policies and procedures.
- Treat everyone with dignity and respect in line with current equality legislation.
Where you’ll work: Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, B15 2TT
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 such as steps, hop‑ups and podiums. Identify hazards and comply with risk assessments, method statements, control measures and safe systems of work, reporting to the manager when required. Read and interpret information from drawings, specifications, work instructions, manufacturers’ 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, equipment and reinstate. Protect and prepare a safe working area, surrounding surfaces and environment. Select, use, maintain and store hand tools and power tools. Prepare internal and external untreated surfaces ready to receive finishing systems such as trowelled finishes, plasterboard, timber and timber sheet materials, metals (ferrous and non‑ferrous). Prepare and apply surface coatings to untreated external surfaces using 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 sockets and switches, internal and external angles. Prepare and apply wall‑coverings: free match or random match finishing papers, vertical hanging, around sockets and switches, internal and external angles. Carry out minor repairs for example third‑party damage or post‑application defect. Apply team‑working principles and communicate verbally and in writing with colleagues and customers. Follow equity, diversity and inclusion guidance.
The training will be at Dudley College and you would attend one day a week.
Requirements:
- GCSE in English (grade 9 to 4 (A* to C))
- GCSE in Maths (grade 9 to 4 (A* to C))
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
Disability Confident: A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long‑term health condition. This includes non‑visible disabilities and conditions. You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.
After this apprenticeship: On completion of this apprenticeship, you may be able to progress into one of the following roles:
- Maintenance Craftsman – Painter and Decorator
- With additional experience you could move into a Technical role
- Team leader role
The contact for this apprenticeship is: DUDLEY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
The reference code for this apprenticeship is: VAC2000032229.
Apply now. Closes in 15 days (Sunday 7 June 2026). After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.
Apprentice Maintenance Painter and Decorator - UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM employer: Dudleycol
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and collaboration. As an Apprentice Maintenance Painter and Decorator, you will gain invaluable hands-on experience while working in a vibrant campus environment, with access to training at Dudley College to enhance your skills. With competitive starting salaries and opportunities for career progression, this apprenticeship provides a meaningful pathway into the maintenance profession.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Maintenance Painter and Decorator - UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the University of Birmingham! Research their values and culture so you can show how you fit in during interviews. It’s all about making that personal connection!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your skills! If you can, try out some painting and decorating techniques before your interview. Being able to talk about your hands-on experience will really impress them.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current apprentices or staff at the university on LinkedIn. They might share insider tips or even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Maintenance Painter and Decorator - UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for painting and decorating shine through! We want to see that you’re excited about the opportunity to learn and grow in this field.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight any relevant skills or experiences you have. Whether it’s a school project or a hobby, show us how it relates to the apprenticeship role!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can get back to you as soon as possible.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dudleycol
✨Know Your Craft
Make sure you brush up on your painting and decorating knowledge before the interview. Familiarise yourself with different types of paints, tools, and techniques. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your passion for the role.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this apprenticeship involves working in multi-disciplined teams, be prepared to talk about your experiences collaborating with others. Share examples of how you've worked well in a team setting, as this will highlight your ability to fit into their work culture.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the specific projects you might work on or the training you'll receive at Dudley College. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand what to expect.
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Health and safety is crucial in this line of work. Be ready to discuss how you would approach safety regulations and the use of personal protective equipment. Showing that you take safety seriously will impress your interviewers.
