Apprentice Painter and Decorator

Painter & Decorator Level 2 – Apprenticeship

Location: Exeter

Hours: 40 (including time at college)

Salary: 16yrs – 17yrs: £7.71 ph

Over 18yrs: £10.71ph

Over 21yrs: £12.21ph

Tools, Chromebook and uniform will be provided 

Plus an industry recognised qualification and excellent benefits

The NVQ L2 Painter and Decorator apprenticeship programme will take up to 27 months to complete.

About apprenticeships at Mears Group:

Apprenticeships are an underpinning part of Mears’ philosophy; we are committed to developing the next generation of our workforce, many of our most senior people started their working life as an apprentice.

Whether you are fresh out of school or college or looking for a complete career change, Mears can offer you a great foundation to your future career and beyond.

All our Apprentices are paid above the national minimum wage, and you’ll be paid for your normal working hours plus your attendance at college, with the opportunity to get real life experiences such as working in people’s homes, getting involved in community projects and improving people’s lives by being customer focused.

What does a life as Painter look like?

As a Painter and Decorator, you will have the skills and knowledge to work out what materials are needed for a particular project by taking measurements and looking at job specifications and drawings. You will be responsible for removing old paint and paper, preparing surfaces by fixing woodwork, filling, and sealing holes, cracks and joints and applying wallpaper, paints, stains, and varnishes using brushes, rollers and spraying equipment.

The apprenticeship course will cover the following: -

• Preparing internal and external untreated surfaces ready to receive finishing systems for example: trowelled finishes plaster or render, plasterboard, timber and timber sheet materials; metals (ferrous and non-ferrous) 
• Preparing internal and external previously coated surfaces ready to receive finishing systems for example trowelled finishes plaster or render, plasterboard, timber and timber sheet materials
• Preparing and applying surface coatings to untreated external surfaces for example brick, stone, render, wood, metal using a brush and roller. 
• Applying solvent borne and water borne coating systems using brush and roller to ceilings, walls, linear work (skirting board and architrave) doors: flush and panelled and opening windows
• Preparing and applying foundation paper: Cross lining or vertical hanging around socket and switches, internal and external angles. 

What do you need to be a successful applicant: -

• GCSEs in English and maths grade 4 or above
• The ability and desire to learn and develop a thorough knowledge of the skills, technology and safety procedures required to carry out the full range of tasks
• Strong communication skills
• You must live in the Exeter area so you can make your way to and from the office
• Be able to establish and maintain good customer/client relationships
• Please note due to the nature of the role successful applicants are required to complete a basic Math & English test with potential of a practical test at interview stage

What you will get:

You will of course have access to our many benefits designed to save you money and benefit you as a colleague at Mears Group: -

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Annual Mears Fun Day - Our annual Fun Day is organised as a massive thank you from the Executive team for all the hard work!
• Chrome book provided – So you can study with the right equipment
• Tools – We will help fund your first set of work tools
• Staff perks with Mears Rewards - discounts of up to 10% weekly groceries, holidays, eye test vouchers, Share save scheme, plus much more

Application Process:

• To be considered for a Mears apprenticeship all applicants must submit their CV and a Cover Letter detailing why you are interested in Mears Group and why you would like to be an apprentice.
• The closing date for applications is 31/03/2025, following this date we will contact you to confirm if you have been selected for the next round, which would either be an invitation to an assessment centre or individual interviews
• Please note that you will be required to complete a basic Math & English test during the selection process, which are similar to the assessments you would need to take in order to join the college
• All our roles require candidates to have the right to work within the UK, Mears does not currently offer visa sponsorship. Candidates should be aware that all our roles are subject to relevant DBS/Security checks
• If you require further information regarding the apprenticeship, please contact Francesca on francesca.swan@mearsgroup.co.uk

Mears Group is a Disability Confident employer and recognises our people as our greatest asset, we hire individuality, recognising and valuing everyone is individual and ensuring equal access to opportunities for all regardless of social economic background or individual make up.

A bit about us.

Mears Group PLC is a leading provider of housing and care services in the UK. With a strong emphasis on social responsibility and community well-being, Mears specialises in delivering housing solutions, maintenance services, and care support to a diverse client base. The group’s expertise encompasses responsive repairs, planned maintenance, and housing management, contributing to the overall improvement of living conditions for individuals and communities. Mears Group is committed to fostering a positive impact on society, making it an attractive prospect for individuals seeking a career in a socially responsible and dynamic organisation. A career with Mears Group means putting people and customers at the heart of what you do, every day. Our culture is built on what we call our ‘Red Thread’ – the common values we share that make us what we are.