At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn and perform painting and decorating tasks while gaining hands-on experience.
- Company: Join the University of Birmingham, a leading global university with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days paid holiday, flexible working, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to sustainability and excellence.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in maintenance with a respected institution and develop valuable skills.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 or above; eagerness to learn and grow.
The predicted salary is between 19278 - 24097 € per year.
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary £19,278 per annum rising to £24,097 after 12 months service.
Apprentice Grade 2
Full Time / Fixed Term for 28 Months
Apprenticeship Standard: Painter and decorator – level 2
Training Provider: Dudley College
Closing date: 7 June 2026 - please upload a CV with your application.
Eligibility: The training delivered in apprenticeships is funded through the apprenticeship levy which is subject to Department for Education funding rules for apprenticeships. When reviewing applications the University and the training provider will be checking candidates meet this eligibility criteria. Further information is available on our webpage. You have normally been a resident in the UK for the last 3 years. For exemptions please refer to the government funding rules for apprenticeships.
Our offer to you:
- People are at the heart of what we are and do.
- The University of Birmingham is proud to have been a part of the City of Birmingham and the wider region for over 100 years, and we are equally proud to be recognised as a leading global university.
- We want to attract talented people from across the city and beyond, support them to succeed, and celebrate their success.
- We are committed to helping the people who work here to develop through our sector-leading Birmingham Professional programme which provides all professional services staff with development opportunities and the encouragement to reach their full potential.
- Supporting our people to achieve a healthy work/life balance is important both to our employees and to the success of the University.
- You will receive a generous package of benefits including 40 days paid holiday a year, one paid day a year for volunteering, occupational sick pay, and a pension scheme.
Apprenticeship context:
Within the Estates Office, we are looking to further strengthen our team across a range of roles and teams. We are looking to recruit people whose achievements and skills will contribute to our success and who share our values of collaboration, respect, inclusion, sustainability and professionalism.
As a team, we aim to deliver a world class university experience for the benefit of all students, staff, academics and visitors.
We operate up to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all through the year in order to keep the University running efficiently and effectively.
The University of Birmingham Estates Office is responsible for both the master planning and stewardship of our extensive estate. Our team is made up of over 180 dedicated members of staff, including 15 apprentices; all striving to deliver a world class university experience for the benefit of all students, staff, academics and visitors.
Our estate is large and varied covering 672 acres, with over 200 buildings of different ages, complexities, physical condition and use, ranging from grade 1 and 2 listed properties to brand new state of the art learning and research spaces.
Apprenticeship summary:
The Apprentice Maintenance Painter and Decorator is responsible to a Team Leader and / or their Deputy Team Leader on a day to day basis and will learn to carry out work supporting various painting and decorating duties.
You will be expected to attend and take an enthusiastic and active approach to learning the new knowledge, skills and behaviours required with awareness that you are representing the University in an external environment.
During this apprenticeship you will learn the following duties:
- To carry out any painting and decorating requirements that is both routine and planned in accordance with the Estates work programme.
- Appropriate use of different types of paints and tools for interior and exterior works.
- To 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.
- To diagnose and repair faults related to maintenance issues.
- To deal with new situations with instruction and guidance from Craftsperson / Line Management when required.
- To 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 / or the willingness to learn.
- Support a wide range of work of multi-disciplined works demonstrating collaborative working with suitably qualified members of the department.
- To learn new techniques and craft practices in line with evolving technology and legislative Health and Safety Requirements.
- To work as part of a multi-disciplined team and understand fully the inter-relationship between the various maintenance crafts.
- Recording, completing and providing essential job information via IT based systems.
- Required to operate in various shift patterns in order to accommodate the needs of the University.
- Undertake all work in accordance with safe working practices and safe working procedures.
- Carry out other duties as required within designated skill set.
- Adhere to University and Estates Office Policies & Procedures.
- Treats everyone with dignity and respect in line with current equality legislation.
This apprenticeship would suit:
This is a front facing customer service role where you will learn how various maintenance issues affect people and the importance of great customer care. If you enjoy practical work, are good at solving problems and interested in maintenance as a career, this could be an ideal job for you.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience:
- GCSE Maths or equivalent – grade 4 or above
- GCSE English or equivalent – grade 4 or above
- Willingness to learn and develop with a confident manner
- Good practical ability strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work well as part of a team and on your own
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- A reasonable level of fitness, a head for heights (for some jobs) and a basic knowledge of health and safety
- Proactive approach to Health and Safety matters, together with the communication skills to interact with a range of people, including students
- Ability to be flexible to meet deadlines
- Basic IT skills
- Ability to learn and understand how diversity considerations affect own area (e.g. Dietary requirements/dress code)
You will be expected to engage fully with the University of Birmingham apprenticeship scheme, attending mandatory group days and contributing to the successful promotion of the scheme by representing your department in a positive manner.
Career Pathway:
On completion of this apprenticeship, you may be able to progress into one of the following roles:
- Maintenance Craftsperson – Painter and Decorator
- With additional experience you could move into a Technical role
- Team leader role
For enquiries please email: apprenticeships@contacts.bham.ac.uk
Apprentice Maintenance Painter and Decorator – Maintenance Operations – 97594AP – Apprentice Grade 2 in Birmingham employer: The University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development through its Birmingham Professional programme. Located in the picturesque Edgbaston area, employees benefit from a generous holiday package, flexible working arrangements, and access to state-of-the-art facilities, all while contributing to a world-class educational environment that values diversity and sustainability.
Contact Detail:
The University of Birmingham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Maintenance Painter and Decorator – Maintenance Operations – 97594AP – Apprentice Grade 2 in 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. This will help us see your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend university events. This can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to maintenance and customer service. We want to see your problem-solving skills and how you handle real-life scenarios.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at the University of Birmingham.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Maintenance Painter and Decorator – Maintenance Operations – 97594AP – Apprentice Grade 2 in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Apprentice Maintenance Painter and Decorator role. Highlight any relevant skills or experiences that show you're keen on practical work and problem-solving.
Show Your Enthusiasm:In your application, let us know why you’re excited about this apprenticeship. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in learning and growing with us at the University of Birmingham.
Be Yourself:We want to hear your unique voice in your application. Avoid using generic phrases and instead, share your personal experiences and how they relate to the role. Authenticity goes a long way!
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 consider you for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Birmingham
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, brush up on your painting and decorating knowledge. Familiarise yourself with different types of paints, tools, and techniques. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Let your passion for practical work shine through! Talk about any relevant experiences or projects you've done, even if they're just DIY at home. Employers love to see candidates who are eager to learn and grow in their field.
✨Be a Team Player
Since this role involves working as part of a multi-disciplined team, be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others. Share examples of teamwork from school projects or previous jobs to highlight your ability to work well with diverse groups.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training opportunities available or how the team collaborates on projects. This shows that you're not only interested in the job but also in how you can contribute to the team's success.
