L2 Painter and Decorator Apprenticeship Standard
Decoration is the visible half. Protection is the other.
An apprenticeship is a real, paid job. The apprentice works for an employer and trains with us at the same time, and comes out with a nationally recognised qualification and the experience to go with it.
The short answer
What an apprentice needs
Individual employers will set the selection criteria for their apprentices. This is an academic and competency based qualification; good study skills are required along with the ability to work on projects.
The employer sets the real bar, so treat this as a guide. If somebody is close but not quite there, it is still worth the conversation.
What they’ll learn
Houses, schools, offices, hospitals, factories and construction sites, inside and out.
-
They will apply coatings and coverings properly
Water-borne and solvent-borne paint coatings and wallcoverings, with the knowledge of each to pick the right one rather than the familiar one.
Covers water-borne and solvent-borne coatings, wallcoverings
-
They will work to a quality finish at a working pace
Responsible for their own work, achieving a high-quality finish at the appropriate pace. Both halves of that sentence matter on a commercial job.
Covers quality of finish, working to pace, taking responsibility for own work
-
They will meet the statutory and environmental requirements
Understanding and complying with statutory, safety and environmental requirements, which on coatings work is not a formality.
Covers statutory requirements, safety, environmental compliance
-
They will handle the people as well as the work
Good problem solvers and communicators, interacting effectively with colleagues, clients and associated trades.
Covers problem solving, communication, working with clients and other trades
Nobody springs anything on anyone
All apprentices must undertake an independent end- point assessment which is a synoptic assessment of the knowledge, skills and behaviours that have been learnt throughout the apprenticeship. The purpose of the assessment is to make sure the apprentice meets the standard set by employers and are fully competent in the occupation.
Coursework and portfolio
Work launched in class and completed in the job, building the evidence the assessor will look at.
A review with you
The employer, the apprentice and the tutor. Half an hour. Progress, targets, and anything getting in the way.
A full mock
Marked by a tutor who is not theirs, so the feedback is honest and the real thing holds no surprises.
What it takes, on both sides
If you're the employer
- A real role that covers the standard. Your Employer Relationship Officer will check it before anyone enrols.
- Time released for teaching, on a timetable you'll have from day one.
- Half an hour every 8 to 10 weeks for a three-way review.
- Your say-so when the apprentice is ready for their final assessment.
If you want to be the apprentice
- A job. An apprenticeship is employment, so you need an employer before you can start.
- Already working in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
- An initial skills scan with us, so we know where you're starting from.
- No employer yet? That's the usual starting point, and finding one is the part we help with.
This is a step, not a destination
Most of our apprentices carry on, usually with the same employer and usually into a wider role. Which route is right depends on the job being done, so it is worth a conversation rather than a guess.
Not sure what comes after this one? Tell us the role and we'll tell you honestly which of our apprenticeships, higher apprenticeships or university-level courses fits next.
Where this course can take you
- Before you start
- This course Level 2
- Further study
Check you have what you need in the entry requirements.
Not sure? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.
- Level 3 Level 3 Craft Painter Apprenticeship Standard At this college
- Level 3 Level 3 Construction Support Technician Apprenticeship Standard At this college
- Level 3 Level 3 Craft Bricklayer Apprenticeship Standard At this college
See all 8 courses
At this college
Careers it can lead to
- Painters and Decorators £29,200 a year
- Construction Operatives £30,800 a year
- Plasterers £36,800 a year
- Glass and Ceramics Makers, Decorators and Finishers £27,100 a year
See all 5 careers
- Routine Inspectors and Testers £34,100 a year
Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).
How to start this apprenticeship
It takes two, an employer and an apprentice. Pick your side.
Put someone on this programme
Recruiting, or formalising the training of someone already in post? Start with a conversation. We'll check the role, sort the funding, and get them enrolled.
Speak to us today 0800 358 7979
Or advertise a vacancy through us and we'll handle the recruitment.
You'll need an employer first
An apprenticeship is a job, so an employer has to take you on before you can start. Already employed in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
No vacancy that suits? Register your interest and we'll tell you when one comes up.