Painter And Decorator Apprentice

Hours: Full time - 37 Hours 
Contract Type: Fixed Term - 2.5 Years (24 Month + EPA)
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire
Closing date: 16th February 2025

STFC’s Estates Services Department provides, develops, and maintains the buildings, infrastructure and support services to facilitate STFC’s scientific program.  

The Level 2 Painter and Decorator Apprentice will be part of the painting & decorating team who are responsible for undertaking reactive tasks and an ongoing planned proactive programme of redecoration to the estate’s buildings at 3 STFC sites, RAL, Chilbolton Observatory and The Coseners House Hotel.  

About an Apprenticeship

With training and support from experts in their fields, you’ll be enthusiastic about developing your knowledge, skills and behaviours, working towards completing your apprenticeship, gaining appropriate qualifications whilst making a real difference in your role.  

If working with innovative technologies on world-leading research isn’t enough, you will develop both professionally and as a critical member of the team in an environment you won’t find anywhere else. 

Our dedicated Apprenticeship Team will support you every step of the way, helping you make the most of your opportunities and to achieve the goals you already have – and those you have yet to discover! 

We provide an opportunity to really pursue your interests and passion. You’ll have access to additional core skills development, access to a community of apprentices across the site, annual Apprentice awards evenings, a number of active sport and social groups across campus, and potential opportunities for overseas placements. 

STFC offers a benefits package crafted to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days’ annual leave, an outstanding index linked pension scheme, 10.5 public and privilege days, Christmas closure and flexible working hours.  

About the role and a summary of key duties & responsibilities

Through the training provider, Multi Trades Training Ltd, you will undertake a Level 2 Painter and Decorator Apprenticeship which will include:

• Fully recognised apprenticeship qualification - Level 2 Painting & Decorating
• On-the-job competency training.
• You will be assessed in the workplace and will have online theory lessons 

In your final year, you will also complete your portfolio before undertaking your End Point Assessment. The End Point Assessment will include a multiple-choice test, a practical assessment with questions and an interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence. 

Role Responsibilities

As part of the team, you will proactively undertake the planned ongoing redecoration schedule across the estates 3 sites
You will gain the skills and knowledge in the application of various types of common and specialist paints, finishes and wall coverings in a variety of environments; including (but not limited to) the preparation, priming and painting/finishing of surfaces within: 

• Offices
• Meeting rooms
• Laboratories
• Common areas, corridors, stairwells
• Kitchens  
• Toilets  
• Hotel Bedrooms 

You will gain the skills to carry out works efficiently, in a professional manner and in accordance with current safety and technical legislation, acquiring and signing off work through the STFC designated CAFM system, including:

• Risk Assessments and Method Statements (produced for in-house staff)
• Ensuring that all works are completed to a high standard with focus to detail and finish and in a timely fashion, so as to reduce their impact upon scientific programmes
• Represent and champion the Estates department in a positive manner, demonstrating first-class customer service skills and raising the profile of the department.
• Attend mandatory and any appropriate training to support the role and service delivery.
• Engage in training online and in the workplace leading to a recognised NVQ Level Two qualification.  

Person specification

In order to apply for this role, we are looking for the following:

Key - (S) will be measured at shortlisting, (I) will be measured at interview, (S&I) is both.

Essential:

• Achieved or predicted to achieve 2 GCSE passes at Grade C/4 or above including Maths and English (S)
• Excellent organisational skills  (S&I)
• To demonstrate pride and ownership through their work with an eye for detail and finish (S&I)
• Self-motivated with an enthusiastic and flexible approach to any assigned tasks (S&I)
• A good team work ethic (I)
• Excellent communication skills when dealing with customers, stakeholders and colleagues (I)

Desirable:

• Experience with using pc/phone software applications as work tasks are assigned through a CAFM system – training will be provided on its use and application (S&I)
• Previous experience of DIY or hobbies that can be related to painting and decorating (S&I)

Important Information

1. To complete the apprenticeship, you will need to evidence passes at 9-4 or A*-C in GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English. For those sitting their GSCEs in Summer 2025, we would need evidence of your predicted grades.
2. When applying for an apprenticeship, there is a set residency eligibility criteria that must be met by the applicant. 
3. The training provider will also ask you to complete an initial assessment during the application process. If you already have a qualification in this subject area or similar please include, as an attachment, your transcript outlining the grade/s achieved and modules covered.  By applying for this apprenticeship, you are giving permission for your details to be shared with the relevant training provider. 

Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.  

What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe’s largest research organisations by your side? 

Join us and discover what’s possible!