Painting & Decorating Apprentice
A STAR DECORATORS LIMITED · POOLE, BH12 5BH
Painter and decorator (level 2)
Start your career in painting and decorating with A Star Decorators. Gain hands-on experience on live commercial projects, learn from experienced decorators and work towards your Level 2 Painter & Decorator qualification at Southampton College.
The work
- Preparing surfaces by cleaning, sanding, scraping, filling and making good.
- Protecting floors, fixtures and surrounding areas before work begins.
- Applying primers, undercoats and finishing coats using brushes and rollers.
- Gaining supervised experience with spray application where appropriate.
- Working with different paint systems and following manufacturers' instructions.
- Assisting with colour, finish and quality checks.
Correcting defects and completing finishing work under supervision. - Safely using and maintaining hand tools, power tools and decorating equipment.
- Following site rules, RAMS, COSHH requirements, manual handling procedures and PPE requirements.
- Keeping work areas clean, organised and safe.
- Working as part of a team and learning from experienced decorators.
- Completing workplace learning and gathering evidence for your apprenticeship.
Training
Southampton College has provided career-focused education and training for over 70 years. The college specialises in technical and professional courses designed to prepare learners for further study and employment.
The college is developing new Centres of Excellence with modern facilities and industry-focused resources. Apprentices benefit from practical, career-focused training alongside experienced industry lecturers.
The college also provides support throughout your apprenticeship to help you develop the skills and knowledge needed for your future career.
Next-cohort start, onboarding dates and attendance timetable are awaiting confirmation from South Hampshire College Group. As at 6 November 2026, the provider expects the next Level 2 Painter and Decorator cohort to start in February or March 2027; this is provisional. The 4 January 2027 date is an employment target, not a confirmed apprenticeship onboarding date. College attendance is paid within the 40-hour working week and replaces work time. The detailed training and rest rota has not yet been agreed.
Training provider: SOUTH HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE GROUP
What you come out with
On successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will have the skills and qualification to work as a Painter and Decorator.
Potential progression routes include:
- Becoming a permanent member of the team
- Continuing to work as a qualified Painter and Decorator
- Developing specialist skills in areas such as spraying, restoration or specialist finishes
What they are looking for
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Team working
- Initiative
- Physical fitness
- Interest in painting
Qualifications
- Desired · GCSE English 4/C
- Desired · GCSE Maths 4/C
The employer
A Star Decorators is a director-led commercial decorating, spraying and restoration contractor based in Poole, Dorset. The company works across the South of England and on projects across the UK.
With 20 years of experience working on live sites, A Star Decorators delivers decorating services for main contractors, retail estates, facilities management teams, industrial and warehouse operators, and hotel and hospitality businesses.
The company works on both rolling refurbishment programmes and individual projects. In 2026, A Star Decorators is working on projects across major retail estates, including Primark, Tesco and M&S, through main-contractor frameworks.
The team includes experienced directors and decorators, with the business operating a director-led model. The company also works with specialist spray, restoration and DOFF professionals where required.
As an apprentice, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience on live commercial and retail projects, working alongside experienced decorators and learning the practical skills required for the industry.
A Star Decorators will provide:
- Full-time PAYE employment and a written contract.
- Supervision and mentoring from experienced commercial decorators.
- PPE, appropriate site equipment and access to the tools required.
- Paid college release for the apprenticeship.
- Practical work-based learning across the apprenticeship standard.
- Experience working on live commercial and retail projects.
- Opportunities to develop your career following successful completion of the apprenticeship.
Workplace
- 321 ALDER ROAD, POOLE, BH12 5BH