Occupation summary
This occupation is found in both the new build and refurbishment sectors of the construction industry. Projects vary in size, scale, and duration, ranging from the painting of a wall, refurbishment of a room to new build housing and large-scale commercial projects such as office blocks, hospitals and retail developments. Employers and contractors of painters and decorators vary in size from small, local family painting and decorating companies to major home builders and commercial contractors. Painters and decorators sometimes choose to specialise in certain types of projects and go on to become masters in their field. Examples include work on heritage and listed buildings, new build homes or commercial works. There is growing demand for painters and decorators to help meet the need for new homes and preserve the condition of existing housing and structures
The broad purpose of the occupation is to operate in domestic and commercial properties and undertake the decoration and protection of buildings. Properties include houses, schools, offices, hospitals, factories and construction sites. Working internally or externally they work individually and/or as part of a team applying water-borne and/or solvent borne coatings and wallcoverings. They have good knowledge of paint coatings and wallcoverings and understand and comply with statutory, safety and environmental requirements. They are responsible for their own work achieving a high quality finish at the appropriate pace. They are good problem solvers and communicators and are able to interact effectively with colleagues, clients and associated trades
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with their immediate team and the site management team, which could include a senior or craft painter and decorator providing advice and guidance. They would also often liaise with other construction trades such as site carpenters and plasterers who could work for their own organisation or another
contractor. Site managers again could work for their own company or the main contractor. In the case of smaller projects such as house extensions, liaison with the client and neighbours would be expected.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for creating a high-quality finish which meets standards, specifications and design plans. They are expected to do this with due regard to all safety aspects involved with working on a construction site or domestic property, ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of themselves and others at all times. With sustainable construction at the forefront of all projects, it is expected they would give consideration to the environment and sustainability of materials, waste awareness and recycling.
End-point assessment summary – ST0295, Painter and decorator level 2
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
What is an end-point assessment and why it happens
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for. Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA. The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 24 months. The EPA period is typically 3 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
● Fail ● Pass ● Merit
● Distinction
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
EPA gateway
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
– Achieved English and mathematics qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules
– For the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence, you must submit a portfolio of evidence
Assessment methods Multiple-choice test
You will complete a multiple-choice test. It will be closed book, meaning you will not have access to any books or reference materials.
The test will have 40 multiple-choice questions. You will have 60 minutes to complete it.
Practical assessment with questions
You will be observed by an independent assessor completing a set of tasks. It will last 14 hours. They will ask you at least 6 questions.
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have an interview with an independent assessor. It will last at least 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 6 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
The Painting and Decorating apprenticeship provides learners with the opportunity to develop the skills necessary for working in residential and commercial decorating. Accredited by NOCN, this apprenticeship focuses on techniques for painting, wallpapering, and surface preparation, while also covering aspects of interior systems, including plastering and dry lining.
Key Learning Outcomes:
- Techniques in painting and decorating, including applying different types of finishes and wallpapers.
- Skills in preparing surfaces, mixing paints, and using tools correctly.
- Health and safety regulations are specific to working in residential and commercial properties. This apprenticeship prepares learners for roles as professional painters and decorators, with opportunities to progress into supervisory or management positions within the industry.
