This is a career that could take you into all manner of environments from one week to the next – into offices, private homes, schools and hospitals: into places as diverse as football stadiums, shopping centres, churches and pubs.

It’s certainly not boring! Eventually you might want to specialise in commercial or residential work, especially if you decide to set up your own business.

You would normally work Monday to Friday with occasional weekend work. You would be working inside and out all year round and you will probably spend a lot of time on building sites.

A head for heights is important as very little of your work will be completed at ground level and you will need to be happy working on scaffolding and ladders.

The work is varied but there is always job satisfaction to be had – being able to see the fruits of your labours and take pride in a job well done.

The more specialist skills you acquire, the more ‘in demand’ your service will be. Whatever area you work in, Health & Safety will always be of paramount importance, as your employer will want you to work in a safe environment. And if you become an employer yourself it will, of course, be your highest priority.

This depends, but there are set minimum rates agreed between employers and trade unions. Many employers pay “plus rates” to good operatives, and with the addition of enhanced rates for overtime working, many skilled decorators are high wage earners. And of course, if you eventually set up your own business, the sky’s the limit!

In addition to working as a painter and decorator, either for an employer or in your own business, there are many other opportunities open to those who have completed a Craft Apprenticeship.

You could consider being a Supervisor, Contract Manager, Estimator, Colour Advisor, Lecturer or Craft Teacher, or a Trade or Technical Representative with a manufacturer serving the industry.

Initially the most important training would be Health & Safety Induction to the Craft, followed by ongoing site experience and training. This would be supplemented by part time attendance at a local FE college to obtain appropriate formal qualifications.

You need the ability to appreciate craft skills and be good at working with your hands. You should also have a real desire to learn new practical skills and techniques.

You will frequently be required to solve problems using your own initiative and understanding of the Craft.

It takes 3 - 4 years to achieve NVQ Level 3 and you also need to pass a Health & Safety test. However, you will, with additional experience and optional application and theory courses, be able to continue to update and develop your craft skills throughout your career.