Community Decorator's Apprentices
The apprentices (all from the East End and Hendon area) carry out all aspects of decorating work under supervision, allowing them to gain valuable experience, training and qualifications.

The apprentices achieve level 2 NVQ Painting and Decorating which requires evidence from work based learning and on site assessments. They also achieve a Painting and Decorating Construction award, literacy and numeracy qualifications and a CSCS card which is mandatory for some employers.

All aspects of the trade are covered, from preparing the walls and woodwork to hanging paper and applying paint. Both interior and exterior work is carried out to provide the apprentices with the full range of work.

Commercial jobs offered the prospect of new experiences for the apprentices, as it gave them the opportunity to work on “new build” properties, learning how to plan a job and carry out the work efficiently.
Large community centres and church halls have been decorated to a very high standard: St Thomas’ church was another great training opportunity and chance for the apprentices to show off their skills.
Community Centres Church halls New build
St Thomas' Church Apprentices in action in community centres, church halls and in
St Thomas' church 		St Thomas' Church

As part of the NVQ the apprentices are trained how to erect and use an extension ladder. They are shown the different types of ladders and their uses, and the Health and Safety aspects such as correct angles and height work.

They are also trained to erect and dismantle a tower scaffold and the Health and Safety issues surrounding the equipment. Each apprentice has to demonstrate his competence erecting and dismantling the tower.
Learning how to erect an extension ladder Learning how to erect and dismantle scaffolding Being assessed erecting a scaffolding tower
Putting learning into practise with ladders Learning how to and then putting it into practise Putting learning into practise with scaffolds

Spray painting has not been a mandatory part of the qualification for a number of years, so experienced sprayers are hard to find.

To give the apprentices more employability skills, we contacted a national supplier who was only too pleased to provide equipment, demonstrate and train the apprentices.

Each apprentice was encouraged to take part and all enjoyed the experience.

Due to the cost of the equipment it is essential the apprentices are trained to clean and maintain it.
Demonstrating spray painting equipment to apprentices An apprentice having a try of the equipment Learning how to clean and maintain the equipment