Apprentice Painter and Decorator (Level 2)

The Society of St James; Southampton, Portsmouth, Aldershot; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Flexible working options

Buying additional annual leave

Comprehensive induction and training

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

The Society of St James in Southampton, Portsmouth and Aldershot is seeking an Apprentice Painter and Decorator (Level 2) to join our Maintenance team. This two-year fixed-term role offers hands-on training alongside a qualified painter for residential and commercial properties.

You will learn surface preparation, painting techniques, and decorative finishes while working 37 hours per week and progressing toward a recognised trade qualification. A full driving licence is essential.

Qualifications

• Good manual dexterity to achieve clean edges, smooth brushwork, and precise masking without bleed-through.
• Ability to sand, fill, scrape, and prime surfaces efficiently for durable finishes.
• Flexibility to work around older building quirks and varied room layouts while meeting deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Learn surface preparation and painting techniques for residential and commercial properties.
• Complete a recognised trade qualification while working alongside a qualified painter.
• Assist with decorating finishes and contribute to quality workmanship across projects.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Surface Prep Knowledge

Problem-Solving & Adaptability

Health & Safety Compliance

Measuring room dimensions

Driving Licence

Job description

Apprentice Painter and Decorator (Level 2)

Maintenance

Southampton, Portsmouth and Aldershot

37 Hours per week

2 Year Fixed Term

Salary: £15,392 per annum

About Us

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic Charity and Housing Association. The Society of St James (SSJ) has been working in Hampshire for over 50 years, delivering high impact, person-centred, accommodation services to adults and young people experiencing homelessness, problematic substance use and mental health problems. We believe that every person is of worth and we are prepared to take risks to house and support the most at risk and socially excluded members of society.

The Impact You'll Make

You will refresh tired, worn, or damaged accommodation with clean, warm, and uplifting colours helps residents feel valued, safe, and respected during a difficult transition.

Who We're Looking For?

An Apprentice Painter and Decorator working alongside a fully qualified time served painter and decorator to learn surface preparation, painting techniques, and decorative finishes for residential and commercial properties while completing a recognised trade qualification.

Essential Skills and Qualities

Good manual dexterity to achieve clean edges, smooth brushwork, and precise masking without bleed-through.

BasicSurface Prep Knowledge: Ability to sand, fill, scrape, and prime surfaces efficiently to ensure durable, long-lasting finishes.

Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Flexibility to work around older building quirks, varying room layouts, and fast-turnover shelter spaces.

Health& Safety Compliance: Understanding of safe ladder usage, proper ventilation, handling of non-toxic/low-VOC paints, and wearing appropriate PPE around communal areas.

Working towards measuring room dimensions accurately, calculate paint quantities, mix ratios, and read safety datasheets.

Full Clean Driving Licence

What we can offer you

We value and recognise our staff, offering some generous benefits, as well as the satisfaction of helping people at risk:

• A competitive annual leave entitlement of 25 days rising to 30 days, plus public holidays
• Flexible working options
• Buying additional annual leave
• Comprehensive induction and training
• Counselling, financial, personal support and health and wellbeing services via our Employee Assistance Programme
• Company cycle to work scheme
• Discounted laptops and computers with Jamie's Computers
• Electric Car Scheme
• Blue Light Card
• Van, tools and PPE supplied

SSJ are an equal opportunity employer and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life.

At SSJ, we recognise the benefits of a supported workplace. SSJ is affiliated with Unite the Union. To learn more about their membership benefits or to sign up, you can visit their official website.

Application closing date: Tuesday 13th October 2026

Due to the high number of expected applicants, we do reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier.

Should you not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.