Painting and Decorating Apprentice

Sight Village; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On site car parking

Cycle to Work Scheme

Health & wellness programmes

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Queen Alexandra Charity is seeking a Painting and Decorating Apprentice in Harborne, Birmingham. The role combines site work with formal Level 2 painting and decorating training, developing skills across education, residential and commercial settings.

You will assist with wall and surface preparation, learn decorating techniques, and help with maintenance and projects across classrooms, offices and communal spaces. The apprenticeship includes college-based training and progress reviews.

Qualifications

• GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths, or willingness to work towards these qualifications as part of the apprenticeship programme
• Commitment to travel to training provider where needed
• Interest in painting, decorating or construction trades
• Willingness to learn new practical skills
• Positive attitude towards training and development
• Good communication skills
• Ability to follow instructions

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation of walls, ceilings, woodwork and external surfaces for painting and decorating
• Learn and apply painting, staining, varnishing and finishing techniques
• Support wallpapering and other decorative finishes
• Carry out minor repairs and surface preparation prior to decoration
• Assist with maintenance and refurbishment of classrooms, residential accommodation, offices and communal spaces
• Ensure all work is completed to a high standard and in accordance with specifications
• Assist the wider Estates team with minor maintenance duties
• Support room refurbishment, improvement projects and estate enhancement schemes
• Assist with furniture moves, room set-ups and facility preparations
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping within workshops, storage areas and work locations
• Work in accordance with H&S procedures and PPE
• Report hazards, defects and near misses promptly
• Learn safe working practices for ladders and access equipment
• Demonstrate safeguarding, health, safety and wellbeing commitments
• Attend college, training sessions, and assessments
• Complete coursework and apprenticeship assignments
• Apply learning in the workplace
• Participate in progress reviews with training provider and line manager
• Demonstrate commitment to milestones and qualifications
• Develop knowledge and behaviour expected of a professional Painter and Decorator
• Develop positive relationships with staff, students, residents and visitors
• Possible progression to permanent Estates Operative or trade-based role

Skills

English & Maths GCSE

Willingness to travel to training

Interest in painting & decorating

Willingness to learn practical skills

Good communication skills

Follow instructions

Positive attitude

Education

GCSE English & Maths

Job description

Careers at

Painting and Decorating Apprentice

Salary: £10.85 per hour for first year of Apprenticeship

Hours: 37 Hours per week

Weeks: 52 weeks per year

Contract: Fixed Term

To undertake a structured Level 2 Painting and Decorating Apprenticeship whilst supporting the Estates team in maintaining and improving the appearance, safety and condition of QAC's buildings and facilities. The postholder will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required of a professional Painter and Decorator through a combination of workplace experience and formal training delivered through an approved apprenticeship provider. Working alongside experienced Estates staff, the apprentice will gain practical experience across educational, residential, commercial and specialist facilities, contributing to the maintenance and improvement of the Charity's estate.

Application Deadline October 16, 2026

Department Estates

Employment Type Full Time

Location Harborne, Birmingham, UK

Workplace type Onsite

Compensation £10.85 / hour

Reporting To Facilities Manager

Key Responsibilities & Safeguarding

• Assist with the preparation of walls, ceilings, woodwork and external surfaces for painting and decorating.
• Learn and apply painting, staining, varnishing and finishing techniques.
• Support wallpapering and other decorative finishes where required.
• Carry out minor repairs and surface preparation prior to decoration.
• Assist with the maintenance and refurbishment of classrooms, residential accommodation, offices and communal spaces.
• Ensure all work is completed to a high standard and in accordance with agreed specifications.

Property Maintenance Support

• Assist the wider Estates team with minor maintenance duties as appropriate.
• Support room refurbishment, improvement projects and estate enhancement schemes.
• Assist with furniture moves, room set-ups and facility preparations.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping within workshops, storage areas and work locations.

Health & Safety

• Work in accordance with all H&S, procedures and safe systems of work.
• Correctly use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and maintain a safe working environment.
• Report hazards, defects, incidents and near misses promptly.
• Learn and follow safe working practices relating to tools, equipment, access equipment and materials.
• Support the Charity's commitment to safeguarding, health, safety and wellbeing.

Learn and follow safe working practices relating to ladders, podium steps, mobile access equipment and working at height activities.

Undertake manual handling activities safely in accordance with training and organisational procedures.

Apprenticeship Learning & Development

• Attend college, training sessions, practical workshops and assessments as required.
• Complete coursework, portfolio evidence and apprenticeship assignments within required timescales.
• Apply learning gained through formal training in the workplace.
• Participate fully in progress reviews with the training provider and line manager.
• Demonstrate commitment to achieving apprenticeship milestones and qualification requirements.
• Continuously develop knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of a professional Painter and Decorator

Customer Service / Working Around Students

Develop positive working relationships with staff, students, residents and visitors, demonstrating professionalism and excellent customer service at all times.

Successful completion of the apprenticeship may provide opportunities to progress into a permanent Estates Operative or trade-based role, subject to organisational requirements and performance.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths, or willingness to work towards achieving these qualifications as part of the apprenticeship programme
• Commitment to travel to training provider where needed
• Interest in painting, decorating or construction trades
• Willingness to learn new practical skills
• Positive attitude towards training and development
• Good communication skills
• Ability to follow instructions

Benefits

• Access to on site car parking
• Use of QAC Fitness Centre (subject to opening hours)
• Cycle to Work Scheme (Salary Sacrifice)
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme Helpline (BHSF)
• Access to Education Support Free Helpline for Teachers & Education Staff
• QAC Mental Health First Aiders & activities to support health and wellbeing
• BHSF Benefits Package including Healthcare Plans, discounted shopping/services
• Annual Flu vaccination/voucher
• Access to other benefit/discount schemes (which may be subject to charge) e.g. Blue Light Card, TOTUM (NUS), Charity Worker Discounts, Discounts for Teachers
• Dell Advantage programme - a free programme that offers savings to students, parents and all staff at QAC - up to 20% off. https://www.dell.com/en-uk/lp/dell-advantage
• Health and Wellbeing Services (Occupational Health/Counselling)
• Free Tea/Coffee and Staff Room facilities
• Dining Room facilities with hot/cold food (free meal provided for those supporting students at mealtimes)
• Additional discretionary concessionary/closure days as part of leave entitlement (including closure over Christmas/New Year period)
• Reward and Recognition Policy – Living the Values Awards (team & individual) and long service
• Enhanced/Occupational paid leave e.g. maternity/paternity (subject to qualifying criteria)
• Occupational sick pay (based on length of service)
• On site wellbeing activities (e.g. yoga, meditation)
• Support for training/ CPD (either by way of study leave and/or funding)
• Flexible working arrangements including Flexible Working Policy Agreements, Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) in prior agreement with line manager.

This list is not exhaustive and may be subject to review and/or change.

About Queen Alexandra Charity

Queen Alexandra Charity (QAC) provides education, residential support, community services and enterprises in support of young adults with learning difficulties and disabilities.

Education is provided through a national residential College that supports a diverse range of student/client abilities and needs. Our College provides education, training, routes to independent living and employment through an innovative, holistic approach to learning and support. It offers a vibrant, varied and fun educational experience for both residential and day students. Our curriculum aims to maximise adult life, independence and work opportunities for all students. Class sizes are small and support levels high.

We have educational and learning sites based in Birmingham, one of Europe’s most welcoming and vibrant cities, with a rich and diverse culture. Our main site is based in Harborne, a pleasant leafy Birmingham suburb, on a friendly and green 8-acre campus with excellent facilities and resources. In addition we also have Pinewood Campus which is located on a business park and is designated to employment progression.

Clients within our Residential Services programme still require support and the aim is to deliver a service that provides them with the means to live independently/semi independently into the future. Many clients are either in education, voluntary work or paid employment not linked to QAC directly.

Our Community Services based at our Umberslade Campus in Stirchley include a supporter worker service, women's group, men's group, LGBTQ plus group, Saturday Socials, The Night Owl Experience (disability friendly night club visit in Birmingham City Centre).

All students, clients and staff are supported within safe and well-resourced environments.

QAC makes a positive difference to the lives and learning of people with disabilities and learning difficulties. We have high expectations of staff, students and clients whilst being responsive, innovative and collaborative. Our Charity values drive how we work with students, clients, stakeholders and as a team.

We continue to attract and retain staff of the highest calibre, who are proud of QAC’s achievements and who wish to be an integral part of ongoing and future successes.

As Leaders in Diversity which drives the culture at QAC and we warmly welcome applications from individuals who share our values, from all backgrounds, to add to our committed and diverse team.

Safeguarding Commitments

As part of our commitment to safer recruitment, and in line with updated guidance published in September 2022, we will carry out an online search of all shortlisted candidates. This search may enable us to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and publicly available for review online, which we may wish to explore with you in further detail during the interview process. As part of your application we have asked you to provide the account names, usernames and/or handles for any social media platform that you use, as well as the names of any websites that you own, post on, or contribute to. A Google search will also be conducted. These checks will only be conducted if you are shortlisted for interview. Please see our safer recruitment and selection policy for further information.

Under Section 7 of SVGA 2006 it is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. The College's Safeguarding Policies are available here.

For further information on person specification please read the job description attached