What's involved

There is a lot more to painting and decorating in the construction industry and the work can range from large jobs to very intricate projects.

For example, it could involve applying heavy-duty coatings on oil rigs or bridges, or even working in stately homes and grand hotels to skillfully apply ornate decorations.

Most of the work is carried out indoors, but you need to be prepared to work outside and travel to different sites. As you would expect, the job also involves following strict health and safety regulations at all times.

Skills required

You'll need good practical and creative skills and will need to work carefully, so being able to pay attention to detail is a good skill to have.

You will have to be happy either working alone or as part of a team and, as you could be working on large structures in this job, a good head for heights and a sense of balance is essential.

Qualifications required

There are no formal requirements although it would help to have Maths and English Standard Grades.

Salary ranges

(This is a guide to the average salary a fully qualified and experienced person might expect to get.)

£17,000 - £23,000

Progression routes

This apprenticeship will enable progression to:

• PDA Construction Crafts (SCQF Level 7)

If you then decide to progress into supervisory, design or management roles there are opportunities to study for:

• Technical, supervisory and  management SVQ qualifications (SCQF Levels 8,9,11)
• HNC Painting & Decorating Supervision or a number of other built environment HNC/HND qualifications (SCQF Levels 7 or 8)
• Degree level qualifications in a number of construction disciplines (SCQF Levels 9 to 12)

Find out more about this role from an apprentice's point of view