At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn to paint and decorate while gaining hands-on experience in real projects.
- Company: Join Mears Group, a leader in housing and care services with a community focus.
- Benefits: Earn competitive pay, receive tools, and enjoy 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Enjoy perks like discounts on groceries and driving lesson contributions while making a difference.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with an industry-recognised qualification and support from experienced mentors.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and maths at grade 3 or above; a passion for learning is essential.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1000 £ per month.
Locations: Spennymoor
Time type: Full time
Posted on: Posted Today
Job requisition id: HRC0031770 - 75
Competitive pay
Course title: Painting and Decorating (Level 2)
Location: Spennymoor
Contract Type: Fixed Term Apprenticeship
Salary:
- Age 16–18: £7.96 per hour — 40 hours per week (including time at college)
- Age 19–20: £11.06 per hour — 42.5 hours per week (including time at college)
- Age 21+: £12.21 per hour (rising to £12.71 in April) — 42.5 hours per week (including time at college)
Training provider: New College Durham
You will join Mears Group in the week commencing 03/08/2026, and your apprenticeship course will begin in the week commencing 07/09/2026. The programme has an expected duration of approximately 24 months.
About apprenticeships at Mears Group: Apprenticeships are an underpinning part of Mears’ philosophy; we are committed to developing the next generation of our workforce, many of our most senior people started their working life as an apprentice. Whether you are fresh out of school or college or looking for a complete career change, Mears can offer you a great foundation to your future career and beyond. All our Apprentices are paid above the national minimum wage, and you’ll be paid for your normal working hours plus your attendance at college, with the opportunity to get real life experiences such as working in people’s homes, getting involved in community projects and improving people’s lives by being customer focused.
As a Painter and Decorator, you will have the skills and knowledge to work out what materials are needed for a particular project by taking measurements and looking at job specifications and drawings. You will be responsible for removing old paint and paper, preparing surfaces by fixing woodwork, filling, and sealing holes, cracks and joints and applying wallpaper, paints, stains, and varnishes using brushes, rollers and spraying equipment.
The apprenticeship course will cover the following:
- Preparing 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)
- Preparing internal and external previously coated surfaces ready to receive finishing systems for example trowelled finishes plaster or render, plasterboard, timber and timber sheet materials
- Preparing and applying surface coatings to untreated external surfaces for example brick, stone, render, wood, metal using a brush and roller.
- Applying 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
- Preparing and applying foundation paper: Cross lining or vertical hanging around socket and switches, internal and external angles.
What do you need to be a successful applicant:
- GCSEs in English and maths at grade 3 or above
- The ability to travel to your college provider and to your branch when required
- A genuine desire to learn and develop strong technical knowledge, including the skills, technology, and safety procedures needed to carry out the full range of tasks
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to build and maintain positive customer and client relationships
- Please note due to the nature of the role, successful applicants must complete a basic maths and English assessment
What you will get:
- Tools, Chromebook, and uniform supplied
- An industry‑recognised qualification
- 25 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays
- £250 contribution towards driving lessons
- Annual Mears Fun Day - a company‑wide celebration as a thank‑you from the Executive Team
- Support from Mears Group Apprentice Ambassadors
- Apprenticeship events and reward trips
- Staff perks through Mears Rewards - including discounts on weekly groceries (up to 10%), holidays, eye‑test vouchers, ShareSave scheme, and more
Application Process:
- All applicants must submit their CV and complete the apprenticeship questionnaire via the Mears Careers website
- If shortlisted, you will be contacted to confirm whether you have been selected for the next stage - this may be an assessment centre or an individual interview
- Please note: as part of the selection process, you will be required to complete a basic maths and English test, similar to the assessments needed to join the college
Mears Group PLC is a leading provider of housing and care services in the UK. With a strong emphasis on social responsibility and community well-being, Mears specialises in delivering housing solutions, maintenance services, and care support to a diverse client base. The group’s expertise encompasses responsive repairs, planned maintenance, and housing management, contributing to the overall improvement of living conditions for individuals and communities. Mears Group is committed to fostering a positive impact on society, making it an attractive prospect for individuals seeking a career in a socially responsible and dynamic organisation. A career with Mears Group means putting people and customers at the heart of what you do, every day. Our culture is built on what we call our ‘Red Thread’ – the common values we share that make us what we are.
All our roles require candidates to have the entitlement to work within the UK, Mears does not currently offer visa sponsorship.
Candidates should be aware that all our roles are subject to relevant Background, Identity & Security checks before commencement of employment.
If you need any help with your application process, we are here to support you. We will be accessible every step of the way.
At Mears Group, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, we are a Disability Confident employer, valuing individuality and ensuring equal opportunities for all.
We proudly support the Armed Forces Covenant and are honoured to have achieved the Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) to coincide with this, we hold an Endorser Award for the Career Transition Partnership, recognising our commitment to veterans transitioning into civilian careers.
In our continued effort to promote social mobility, we invite applicants to voluntarily share their background information during the application stages to help us better understand the diverse experiences of our candidates. This is to ensure we are committed to improving social mobility. We use the Social Mobility Index to assess and enhance opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds. These questions are optional and will not impact your ability to apply.
Apprentice Painter and Decorator in Spennymoor employer: Mears Group
Mears Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development through comprehensive apprenticeship programmes. Located in Spennymoor, apprentices benefit from competitive pay, industry-recognised qualifications, and unique perks such as driving lesson contributions and annual company celebrations, all while making a positive impact on the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Painter and Decorator in Spennymoor
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! If you can, try to gain some practical experience before applying. Whether it's helping a friend with DIY or volunteering for community projects, showing that you’ve got some real-world skills will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Chat with people in the industry, attend local events, or join online forums. You never know who might have a lead on an apprenticeship or can give you insider tips on landing that role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for the interview! Brush up on your communication skills and prepare to talk about why you want to be a Painter and Decorator. Show your enthusiasm and willingness to learn – it goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
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, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Painter and Decorator in Spennymoor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Catchy CV:Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight any relevant experience, skills, and qualifications that align with the Apprentice Painter and Decorator role. Keep it clear and concise, and don’t forget to tailor it to what we’re looking for!
Nail the Questionnaire:When filling out the apprenticeship questionnaire, be honest and show your enthusiasm for learning. We want to see your genuine desire to develop your skills in painting and decorating, so let your passion shine through!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Strong communication is key in this role, so make sure to demonstrate your ability to build relationships in your application. Whether it’s through your CV or questionnaire, let us know how you’ve effectively communicated in past experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through the Mears Careers website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, if you have any questions along the way, we’re here to help you out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mears Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, brush up on the basics of painting and decorating. Familiarise yourself with different materials, tools, and techniques. Being able to discuss your knowledge confidently will show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for the trade shine through! Talk about why you want to become a Painter and Decorator and any relevant experiences you've had, even if they're just DIY projects at home. Employers love candidates who are eager to learn and grow.
✨Practice Common Questions
Prepare for typical interview questions like 'Why do you want to work with us?' or 'What skills do you bring to the table?'. Practising your answers can help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual interview.
✨Dress the Part
Even though it's an apprenticeship, first impressions matter! Dress smartly but comfortably for your interview. It shows respect for the opportunity and gives a good impression of your professionalism.
