Training...

[JayUK]

hello forum, excellent site you have here!

My query is basically about training to become a painter and decorator. I have applied to my local college as a mature student (I am 23 ) and have recently enrolled on a Painting and decorating ICA (intermediate construction award). My plan is to complete this 2 year course and start my own small business. I will be going to college 1 day a week for a full day.

Please could anyone help me with these few questions:

1) has anyone else on the forum done the same course and can offer any advice, tips or general feedback on how it went, recommended?

2) Is there generally a high demand for painters and decorators compared to other trades such as plasterers etc.


Many thanks and I look forward to your help, cheers

 

[masona]

Is there generally a high demand for painters and decorators compared to other trades such as plasterers etc.

I think you got to do what you enjoy doing, they is a high demand for all the building trades because of this government policy. I do know we're shortage of plumber's and some can earn good money in the right area, good luck to them.

It is a difficult one to answer depending what area you're working from. Do you want earn more money doing plumbing than paint & decorators ? Plumbing is more hassles than painting in my view, only you can decide. The problem I finding with paint & decorater, there are too many cowboys think they're qualify just by holding a brush without proper training but it's the same for most trades.

I did do a painting & decorating for a year and didn't realise how much there is to know but left and went onto City & Guilds for Carpentry & joinery & Bricklaying. I also did 2 years City & Guilds in plumbing but didn't completed it. I has too much to do !

Good luck to whatever you do.

 

[AdamW]

A lot of people will avoid doing any building, wiring or plumbing work (and many more should do anyway!). However, most people will grab a brush and redecorate without a second thought.

The advantage you have through P&D is that people redecorate more often than they get a new bathroom or a rewire. So whereas fewer people will call you out, they will call you out more often.

Another pro: you get to have that fresh paint smell wherever you go, like the Queen.