Painters and Decorators are involved in the finishing and repair / refinishing of buildings - on both an interior and exterior basis.
For candidates just starting out in the business, it helps to have some practical experience and even a vocational qualification such as the CITB Intermediate / Advanced Construction Award in Decorative Occupations. This shows potential employers and recruitment agencies a basic level of what the candidate is capable of, although qualifications aren't generally considered a prerequisite for this role.
Skills and salaries
The skills and standards a candidate has are the most important qualities for obtaining employment in Decorating and Paper Hanging. Candidates will be expected to arrive punctually, work to a high standard, and to be as clean as is reasonably possible. Strong awareness of health and safety for themselves and others is also very important, and the ability to work both alone or as part of a team - as well as at height - is an advantage.
Wages when working as Staff Decorators for a large company should range from around £14,000 PA for an entry level position to over £22,000 p.a. for skilled supervisors. Many decorators opt for self-employment, which should command an hourly rate of around £15 to £17 per hour.