Painting and Decorating Apprentice

Queen Alexandra College; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On site car parking

Fitness centre access

Cycle to Work Scheme

Job summary

Queen Alexandra College invites applications for a Painting and Decorating Apprentice in Harborne, Birmingham. This fixed-term, full-time role offers a structured Level 2 apprenticeship with practical training and college sessions to develop professional painting and decorating skills while supporting the Estates team.

Salary starts at £10.85 per hour for the first year, with 37 hours per week across 52 weeks.

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths required or willing to work towards them.
• Willingness to travel to training provider as part of the apprenticeship.
• 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 where required.
• 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 per specifications.
• 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.
• Work in accordance with H&S procedures and safe systems of work.

Skills

GCSE English

GCSE Maths

Willingness to travel

Interest in painting

Willingness to learn

Positive attitude

Good communication

Ability to follow instructions

Education

GCSE English & Maths

Job description

Painting and Decorating Apprentice

Application Deadline: 16 October 2026

Department: Estates

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Harborne, Birmingham, UK

Reporting To: Facilities Manager

Compensation: £10.85 / hour

Description

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.

Key Responsibilities & Safeguarding

Painting & Decorating:

• 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

Essential Criteria:

• 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

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

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.

Benefits

Join Our Business Support Services Team

Behind every successful service at QAC is a dedicated team of professionals providing the essential support that enables our students, clients, staff, and visitors to thrive. We are looking for talented and committed individuals to join our Business Support Services teams across a range of specialist areas.

Our Business Support functions play a vital role in ensuring the smooth, safe, and efficient operation of the charity. Whether supporting people, finances, technology, facilities, or frontline customer services, every role contributes to our mission of empowering people with disabilities to achieve greater independence and fulfilment.

• Human Resources (HR) – Supporting recruitment, employee wellbeing, learning and development, employee relations, and ensuring colleagues have the support they need to succeed.
• Finance – Providing financial management, budgeting, payroll, procurement, and financial administration services that help the organisation operate effectively and sustainably.
• Reception and Customer Services – Creating a welcoming and professional first impression for students, clients, visitors, and stakeholders, while providing information, support, and administrative assistance.
• Health and Safety – Promoting a culture of safety and wellbeing, ensuring compliance with legislation and supporting the creation of safe environments across our campus and services.
• Estates and Facilities – Maintaining our buildings, grounds, accommodation, and facilities to ensure they remain safe, accessible, and fit for purpose.
• IT and Resources – Delivering technology solutions, technical support, assistive technologies, and learning resources that enable staff, students, and clients to work, learn, and live independently.

Working within our Business Support teams offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to an organisation with a strong social purpose. While these roles may not involve direct support delivery, they are fundamental to ensuring our services run effectively and continue to make a positive impact on the lives of the people we support.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a collaborative and values-driven organisation where your skills and expertise will help drive excellence across the charity.

If you are professional, proactive, and passionate about making a difference behind the scenes, we’d love to hear from you.

Our benefits include;
Schedule 1 Benefits (reviewed annually and/or as appropriate)

• 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.